Disintegrating professional boundaries: A case with the building professions in Hong Kong

In response to new project procurement methods and growing complexity in construction industry, new disciplines of building professional have been added to the traditionally recognized practices. The respective characteristics and roles of different disciplines in construction industry are becoming less clear cut. In recent decades, there is also a concern with their integrity in terms of professional value and competence in their specialized skills. Specialism of different disciplines and working relationships among them are not so easily defined. Crossing boundary practice among different disciplines of building professionals is becoming obvious. This paper, based on a research study carried out in 1998, aims to investigate these phenomena and develop anticipating actions. The results suggested that building professionals should critically re-examine their professional skill in their traditional domains. It warrants an overall evaluation to see whether the traditional value of professionalism and social status of professionals can be sustained in today's construction industry. In recognizing crossing boundary practice, the study endorses the importance of inter-professional appreciation and collaboration that should form an integral part of professional education and training.