Alignment between the organisation and its real estate and workplace is a long-standing issue in corporate real estate and workplace management. Alignment theory as used in our field originates in strategic management, especially in the design, positioning and learning schools and these theories have specific origins and strengths. In general, workplace alignment research makes use of and is based on grounded theory, design research as well as empirical research. When studying alignment, corporate real estate (CRE) management’s literature has two main types approaches to alignment: (1) creating a model for an alignment process, and (2) single CRE factors such as workplace. The first type focuses on balancing all different elements in the alignment process, amongst which is workplace, while the latter category focuses on aligning aspects specifically important for a workplace.@en

Purpose: This paper aims to report an analysis of the graphical representations of 14 corporate real estate (CRE) models. It does this to establish the systematic, metatheoretical requirements for modelling CRE alignment which to date have been disguised in a multitude of models. Design/methodology/approach: This meta study of CRE alignment models used a qualitative hermeneutic method to inductively develop understanding of the models’ constituent parts. Several iterations of graphical and textual analysis were required to do this. Further deductive analysis sought to understand the individual models relative to this new understanding. Findings: The analysis showed that a total of 12 components have been used to model CRE alignment. These are divided into four Building Blocks: understanding corporate strategy; understanding real estate performance; making real estate strategy; and implementing real estate strategy. While every model’s representation contained the four Building Blocks, few models contained all 12 components, though all contained at least seven. Completeness of representation in this study should not be inferred as equating to effectiveness as an alignment process. Various feedback mechanisms were also evident between the components. Originality/value: The analysis provides the most complete map of the modelling requirements for CRE alignment. It differs from previous theoretical work on alignment by synthesising a metatheory of alignment representation. By providing a more coherent theory by which to model CRE alignment the metatheory provides a consistent basis on which to investigate and theorise aspects of CRE alignment.

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This paper deepens the understanding of Corporate Real Estate (CRE) alignment through a meta-study of twenty existing alignment models. A qualitative hermeneutic method interpreted the models and their articles. This holistic analysis found alignment to be more complex and pluralistic than the individual models assumed. Four dimensions operating simultaneously were evident–a multi-valent relationship, multiple alignment forms, multiple cognitive objects to align and alignment in multiple directions. Alignment theorisation had positive and negative aspects. Positive is that good science was evident and had improved over time. Negative is that model theorisation had occurred mostly in isolation and was constrained by simplifications required to make modelling tractable. The research makes a meta-theoretical contribution through a more complete theorisation of CRE alignment as a phenomenon. This addresses a disordered sense to prior theory thereby representing a major conceptual improvement. A new alignment model is not proposed; rather through developed understanding a basis is provided to examine alignment in both theorisation and practice.

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Purpose: This paper advances the concept of meta-Corporate Real Estate Management (metaCREM) as an adjunct to existing knowledge work in the field. It argues for its existence and relevance, and suggests a number of areas where research with such a focus could occur to advance knowledge in the field. Method: The method is what might be called a 'reflective argument' based on the authors’ lengthy engagement in the field and their recent metatheoretical work on CREM. Findings: MetaCREM is identified together with multiple meta-objects that are forms of meta-work applicable to metaCREM. This established that meta-work already occurs in CREM. A landscape of potential areas for research was identified that encompassed existing work and potential areas of future endeavour. Implications: The paper's implications are largely for theory and theorisation. Relevance to practice is secondary through potential improvements to theorisation of problems that may flow on to practice. @en

Purpose: This paper advances the concept of meta-Corporate Real Estate Management (metaCREM) as an adjunct to existing knowledge work in the field. It argues for its existence and relevance, and suggests a number of areas where research with such a focus could occur to advance knowledge in the field. Method: The method is what might be called a 'reflective argument' based on the authors’ lengthy engagement in the field and their recent metatheoretical work on CREM. Findings: MetaCREM is identified together with multiple meta-objects that are forms of meta-work applicable to metaCREM. This established that meta-work already occurs in CREM. A landscape of potential areas for research was identified that encompassed existing work and potential areas of future endeavour. Implications: The paper's implications are largely for theory and theorisation. Relevance to practice is secondary through potential improvements to theorisation of problems that may flow on to practice.@en