Digital Divide - A Challenge to the Real Estate Practice in Nigeria?
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Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Abstract
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Purpose - Digital divide is lack of access to and effective use of information and communication
technology (ICT). It represents the difference between people with access to ICT and who use it
effectively and those who do not. The aim of this study is to determine the level of digital divides
amongst estate surveyors and valuers (recognized real estate practitioners in Nigeria). This is with
a view to turning the identified digital divides into digital dividends for sustainable real estate practice
in Nigeria and elsewhere.
Design/methodology/approach - In attaining the aim, primary data were collected on 3,627
corporate members of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) with
questionnaires administered through the internet using SurveyMonkey, an internet-based software
complemented with bulk sms to alert them about posting of the questionnaires into their e-mail
addresses. The Culbertson's constructs for evaluating digital awareness in the USA were adapted for
inclusion in the survey instrument. The finding on the estate surveyors and valuers was also
compared with those on comparable professionals in the building industry to determine if the
respondents are lagging behind in adopting ICT.
Findings - Based on the Culbertson's constructs, there is great digital divide between practising
estate surveyors and valuers and their counterparts in advanced countries. The analysis indicated that
33.75 percent of the respondents were not committed to ICT, 26.25 percent were slightly committed,
and at least 38.75 percent were somewhat committed; and the respondents were classified as "low-tech
high-touch" professionals; and their level of ICT deployment found to be appropriate within the
framework of the Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics. This implies that digital divide is not a
challenge to real estate practice in Nigeria.
Research limitations/implications -The study serves as good starting block for further analysis
of the setting, challenges, and practice of real estate profession in Nigeria and elsewhere with
regards to ICT applications. The research posited the implication for the NIESV to organize
mandatory continued professional development workshops on ICT to remain relevant in the fast
moving digital society. The IT requirements, current skill base, and curricula in the higher institutions
were however not examined. It is therefore necessary to carry out further research on students and
faculty in the higher institutions to identify the gaps in skill and technological capabilities.
Originality/value - The findings help in specifying development activities that will enhance
improvements in professional standards, build local capacity and improve transparency expected
by international investors. Also, the findings provide professional bodies and policy-makers with
indications to improve and ensure sustainable real estate professional practice through continuous and
life-long training of members in ICT. It recommended capacity building, reviving of interests of
practitioners, direct investment of software companies, and research as approaches to reducing the
level of digital divide between practitioners in advanced countries and Nigeria in order to remain
relevant in the technologically-driven and competitive world
Keywords
HD Industries. Land use. Labor, TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General), TH Building construction