The applicability and challenges of implementing Facilities management standards in South Africa

Abstract FM is a multi-sector environment where organisations vary in terms of scope, structure and services. The publication of management system standards in the FM environment has created significant challenges in implementation. Few of the World’s top 10 listed FM companies have achieved ISO 41001 certification. This opinion paper discussed the applicability and challenges of the implementation of ISO41001 standard in the South African context. An opinion piece was conducted on applicability and challenges of implementing management system standards in South Africa. The paper found that the challenges of implementing these systems include a lack of awareness, resistance to change, and lack of applicability to some organisations. Also, many organisations spend many human resources, capital, and time but still have inadequate and poorly deployed management systems. The paper recommends that ISO41001 implementation frameworks are developed that consider the varying scope, structure, and services within the FM environment to improve its success in the South African organisations.