Discourse Process and Discursive Practices in the Profession of Quantity Surveying in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The discourse on profession of quantity surveying exhibits a multi-dimensional role in the construction industry. The defined vital role entails the significance of mounting the scope in contrary to the traditional role with stressing the contribution provided by quantity surveyors through the means of discourse process and associated power relations. Consequently, the present research aims at examining the discourse process and discursive practices allied in profession of quantity surveying in Sri Lanka. In the process, the study has adapted a qualitative research approach while proceeding on data collection through unstructured interviews focusing on 15 number of construction professionals at top- level management, bottom level management as well as quantity surveyors distinctly. The findings obtained by the profound content analysis concise a vast use of English language among quantity surveyors and top-level management and consequently the evaluation of discourse on profession of quantity surveying has discovered a considerable influence on the profession caused by use of English language as a verbal communication tool in being creating power relations in the hierarchy of the construction organizations in Sri Lanka. Hence, the research emphasizes the need of enhancing the scope of this profession in being a mediator of discourse with improving the proficiencies of English language and communication to address the defined gaps.