TechnicalInspectors as GovernanceAgents: PerceptionsandChallenges in the Management ofBuildingMaintenanceattheUniversityof Brasília
PUBLIC GOVERNANCE; BUILDING MAINTENANCE; COMMON ENGINEERING SERVICES.
The management of maintenance in public buildings faces significant challenges, especially in higher education institutions such as the University of Brasília (UnB). This research analyzed the perception of technical maintenance inspectors, particularly regarding common engineering services, about their role as governance agents in the oversight of these services. The methodological approach adopted was quantitative, based on bibliographic research, document analysis, and a case study. Data were collected from the technical inspectors responsible for overseeing the building maintenance contracts of the university, aiming to understand their perceptions, challenges, and the learning mechanisms they employ in the performance of their duties. The results show that technical inspectors face challenges such as the need for continuous training and an overload of responsibilities. Inspectors’ learning occurs in a practical and informal way, which limits the application of best practices and technical standards. Furthermore, the technical inspectors recognize the importance of their work for building maintenance management but point out the need for greater institutional support, training, and appropriate tools. As part of the intervention proposal, a Technical-Technological Product was developed to train the staff appointed to serve as technical inspectors at UnB. This product aims to enhance knowledge of technical and legal standard, public governance, and good inspection practices, contributing to the efficiency of building maintenance contract oversight and the improvement of university infrastructure management. Thus, the study indicated that improving governance in the oversight of common engineering services would depend on adopting continuous training programs and strengthening the exchange of experiences among inspectors, thereby contributing to greater transparency and efficiency in contract execution.