Is the Profession of Civil Engineering Becoming a Commodity? You Should Know the Answer

Abstract

Today, some aspects of civil engineering services are perceived as a commodity. This paper argues that although engineering services are influenced by supply and demand factors, the perception that professional civil engineering services can be treated as a commodity is wrong for many reasons: the value of services cannot be readily quantified or defined; services cannot be routinely created and may not be interchangeable; the people who perform the services must recognize the unique aspects of an assignment and exercise their judgment; unique aspects of the work preclude quality service being provided by the lowest bidder or an offshore service provider; purchasers are willing to pay higher fees for better quality service or value; and salary levels are often based on position responsibilities and associated experience. In short, professional civil engineering services are provided with specialized knowledge and skills that cannot be procured with price as the only differentiator.