Engineering mixes with politics

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to emphasize that engineering and construction are much more than possessing technical skills and that political leadership necessitates engineering, manufacturing, and construction skills.Design/methodology/approachThe paper argues that the built environment and process of public investment decision making are proof enough that engineering must mix with politics.FindingsIt is found that engineering and construction education need to orient themselves to the humanities and social sciences, public policy, management science, and law.Practical implicationsThe reality of leading effective governments requires that ministers, and prime ministers in particular, have a vast amount of general knowledge that encompasses engineering, manufacturing, finance, and construction.Social implicationsThe benefit to nations of having well‐educated, well‐rounded leaders at the helm can only be imagined as having a high social value.Originality/valueWhereas others have espoused the need for leadership training, this paper adds value to the social discussion and brings out the dimension of politics being intricately connected with engineering and construction.