The Assessment of Risk Management Maturity in Landscape Architecture Project Organisation

This study examines the underutilization of risk management in Malaysian landscape architecture projects, often due to limited awareness of its benefits. Semi-structured interviews with 24 organisations were conducted to assess risk maturity levels using the Risk Management Maturity Model (RMMM). Results show that most organisations remain at the ‘Naive’ level, reflecting minimal formal practices and a reluctance to adopt structured approaches, influenced by insufficient knowledge, organisational policies, resource allocation, and project types. The findings highlight the pressing need for formal risk management systems to overcome ineffective practices, improve decision-making, and enhance project outcomes. Organisational culture and leadership emerge as critical factors shaping risk practices. The study categorises maturity into four levels: Naive, Novice, Normalised, and Natural, emphasising that understanding an organisation’s position is essential before implementing comprehensive frameworks. The lack of structured processes and limited awareness underscores the importance of targeted interventions to strengthen governance. By identifying current practices and gaps, this research provides insights into how risk governance can be advanced in the industry. Overall, the paper contributes by not only identifying shortcomings but also underscoring how structured risk management can support more resilient and successful landscape architecture initiatives in Malaysia.