May 9, 2003—A task force of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) recently completed work on revising the definition of facility management. The new definition is: “Facility management is a profession that encompasses multiple disciplines to ensure functionality of the built environment by integrating people, place, process and technology.” IFMA is submitting the new definition to the Library of Congress for its consideration.
Another IFMA task force redefined IFMA’s purpose as an organization: “IFMA is a member-centered association that exists to guide and develop facility management professionals. In support of its members, IFMA promotes the facility management profession by providing leadership, recognition and standards of excellence.”
The task forces were a part of IFMA’s Strategic Management Planning Process, a continuous board/staff/member function that produces the Association’s Strategic Plan.
“The Association recognizes that there have been significant changes in facility management roles and responsibilities since IFMA’s founding 23 years ago,” David J. Brady, IFMA president and chief executive officer, noted. “Redefining IFMA’s purpose also puts greater emphasis on the role the membership plays in the future of the profession. IFMA members compose a large segment of the FM marketplace.”
Prior to revising the definition of facility management, IFMA used the definition created by the Facility Management Institute (FMI) in 1983, at the request of the Library of Congress to assist in cataloging information that was beginning to accumulate under the key words “facility management.” FMI was a part of Herman Miller Inc. and helped provide funding and support that led to the establishment of IFMA. The previous definition was: “Facility management is the practice of coordinating the physical workplace with the people and the work of the organization. It integrates the principles of business administration, architecture, and the behavioral and engineering sciences.”
For more information, contact IFMA.
