Making room for space management towards a multifaceted roadmap: a scoping review of perceptions, context and technological state

What the paper says

Purpose The purpose of this study is to holistically review the academic position regarding the space management practice and use academic foresight to derive consolidated foundations to future research. Design/methodology/approach A scoping review was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items and Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis methodology and a qualitative content analysis. Findings In total, 83 articles are reviewed, and the findings are structured under three charted categories. The first category regarding space management definition and scope highlights that while a conceptual scope is understood, its efforts seem curtailed. The second category regarding organisational context broadly outlines two research lenses: a quest for organisational improvement or a highlight of social constructs. The third category regarding technology use points out that a more extensive use of technology comes with a level of complexity that may become stifling. Given the shortcomings identified, a process-driven redefinition of space management is proposed to bring logic to its scope, direction to a multidimensional research agenda and to adjust the outcomes pursued. It also provides more clarity for technological innovations. Finally, a research roadmap is proposed to further space management governance, technology, practice and methodology. Research limitations/implications This study provides more clarity to practitioners, technology developers and institutional bodies involved in the space management of buildings. Originality/value The focus is on the practice of managing spaces using a lens rooted in stakeholder theory to capture a more multifaceted view of its measurable and intangible contributions to workplaces.