The dark legacy of megaprojects: A case of local disengagement, missed opportunities, and social value dissipation

IF 7.4 1区管理学 Q1 MANAGEMENT

International Journal of Project Management Pub Date : 2025-01-01 DOI:10.1016/j.ijproman.2025.102676

Francesco Di Maddaloni , Leonardo Herszon Meira , Mauricio Oliveira de Andrade , Iury Ribeiro de Melo , Armando Castro , Giorgio Locatelli

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Abstract

Megaprojects can foster modernization and enhance social and economic development but also perpetuate poverty and deprivation. This dark legacy is fostered by weak governmental structures, where local communities lack representation and social welfare is sacrificed for economic gain. Through a normative stakeholder theory and social value perspective, we examine the nuanced interplay between local authorities and the project owner organization in the controversial case of Brazil's Suape Port. The substantial economic gains triggered by the Suape megaproject did not improve the social conditions for local communities. While the original business case primarily focused on economic profitability, the disengagement of local authorities and their communities prevented benefits from materializing at the local level. By examining these missed opportunities, we introduce the concept of value dissipation to explain how social value diminishes over time, resulting in a shortfall in social benefits and a poor legacy for local communities.

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来源期刊

International Journal of Project Management MANAGEMENT-

CiteScore

12.30

自引率

26.20%

发文量

审稿时长

59 days

期刊介绍： The International Journal of Project Management is recognized as a premier publication in the field of project management and organization studies. Our main objective is to contribute to the advancement of project management and project organizing through the publication of groundbreaking research. We are dedicated to presenting fresh insights and new knowledge in various domains, including project management, program management, portfolio management, project-oriented organizations, project networks, and project-oriented societies. We actively encourage submissions that explore project management and organizing from the perspectives of organizational behavior, strategy, supply chain management, technology, change management, innovation, and sustainability. By publishing high-quality research articles and reviews, we strive to revolutionize the academic landscape and propel the field of project management forward. We invite researchers, scholars, and practitioners to contribute to our journal and be a part of the progressive development in this exciting field.