Towards a Process Model of Office-Location Decisionmaking

In this paper the author traces the development of a hypothetical model of location choice for service-sector establishments. She argues that no adequate model exists of this process, although evidence is available concerning the locational criteria important to service firms. Similarly, there exist models of decision behaviour in related circumstances—industrial, administrative, and personal location—from which helpful information may be drawn. Normative and behavioural modes of approach to model construction are examined, and it is argued that the latter provides a more appropriate context for the present study. The process model comprises two main phases: the decision to relocate and the choice of new premises. Attention here focuses on the latter, notably the processes of, and influences acting upon, the search for new premises, and their evaluation prior to choice. Internal and external pressures which may develop at a particular location are identified, and the action of organisational goals and policy upon location behaviour introduced. Finally the influence of establishment character upon decision behaviour is discussed, and a classification system proposed to enable the grouping of establishments of similar internal character and decision behaviour.