Proposed Evolutionary Model for Global Facility Management Practices

The increasing globalization of organizations and the growing complexity of operational environments demand a transformative approach to facility management (FM). Traditional models, which emphasize cost control and reactive maintenance, are no longer sufficient to address evolving challenges such as sustainability imperatives, digital transformation, workforce diversity, and geopolitical volatility. This proposes an evolutionary model for global facility management practices that conceptualizes FM as a dynamic discipline progressing through identifiable stages of development. The proposed model comprises five stages. The first stage emphasizes operational efficiency, where FM focuses primarily on cost minimization and service delivery through reactive approaches. The second stage advances toward integration and standardization, embedding compliance frameworks, quality systems, and centralized oversight. The third stage marks the shift to technology-enabled transformation, characterized by the adoption of IoT, predictive analytics, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) to drive data-informed decisions. The fourth stage aligns FM strategically with organizational objectives, linking facility outcomes with workforce productivity, safety, sustainability, and financial performance. Finally, the fifth stage positions FM as a leader in global sustainability and innovation, embracing circular economy principles, renewable energy integration, climate adaptation, and contributions to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. This evolutionary model is supported by enabling factors such as leadership commitment, skilled multidisciplinary teams, investment in digital infrastructure, and international collaboration. Value creation emerges through operational gains, enhanced employee well-being, resilience, and strengthened reputation in competitive markets. By applying a staged, adaptive roadmap, organizations can assess current maturity levels and strategically progress toward more advanced global FM practices. The model ultimately reframes facility management as a strategic discipline that not only sustains operational efficiency but also drives innovation, sustainability, and organizational excellence in a rapidly changing global landscape.