Yuan, M; Li, Z; Li, X; Luo, X; Yin, X and Cai, J (2023) Proposing a multifaceted model for adopting prefabricated construction technology in the construction industry. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 30(2), pp. 755-786. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: Although prefabricated construction (PC) technology has attracted considerable attention worldwide because of its significant role in the global fight against COVID-19, market-driven adoption is still limited. The mechanisms for PC technology adoption have yet to be defined, which inhibits its diffusion in the construction market. This study aims to reveal the intrinsic motivation and action mechanism for PC technology adoption. Design/methodology/approach: Drawing on the technology acceptance model (TAM), the study integrates characteristics from the diffusion of innovation theory to propose a multifaceted model for explaining practitioners' PC technology adoption behavior from technology, organization and environment contexts. The proposed theoretical model was empirically examined via a survey of 234 professionals in mainland China using the partial least squares-structural equation modeling technique. Findings: The outcomes indicated that relative advantage, corporate social responsibility and market demand are significantly positively related to practitioners' perceived usefulness from PC technology. Regulatory support and trading partner support have noticeable positive effects on practitioners' perceived ease of use from PC technology. Perceived ease of use is found to positively influence perceived usefulness, and both of them have a positive influence on the attitude toward adopting PC technology. Attitude is further confirmed as an important predictor of adoption intention, which would lead to actual PC technology adoption behavior. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this paper is the first attempt to explore industry perceptions toward PC technology adoption, providing valuable guidance for the effective diffusion of PC technology and laying a reliable foundation for research on other construction innovation adoption in post-COVID-19.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | diffusion of innovation; innovation adoption; prefabricated construction technology; technology acceptance model; technology–organization–environment |
| Index terms: | innovation adoption, relative advantage, technology adoption, technology acceptance model, construction technology, diffusion of innovation, construction market, corporate social responsibility, construction industry, COVID-19, motivation, survey, structural equation modelling, perceived usefulness, drawing, perceived ease of use, practitioner, methodology, construction innovation, China, partial least square |
| Subjects: | research methods, health risk and incident analysis, professional development, acoustic properties, Geography, health safety and environment, building construction, market analysis, behavioral psychology, statistical analysis, industry analysis, digital engineering, data collection methods, innovation studies, practitioner, technical documentation, psychology, innovation and technology management |
| Topics: | Human Resources, Digital Applications, Design Practice, Information Management, Engineering Principles, Research Practice, Geographical Context, Health and Safety, Business Strategy, Roles and Professions |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here