Zhang, P and Ng, F F (2013) Explaining knowledge-sharing intention in construction teams in Hong Kong. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 139(3), pp. 280-293. ISSN 0733-9364
Abstract
Knowledge sharing among construction team members is important for improving project performance and successful project delivery. This study aims to develop an integrative understanding of factors affecting individual knowledge-sharing intention in construction teams in Hong Kong. Based on the widely accepted theory of planned behavior (TPB), a comprehensive research model and corresponding hypotheses were developed. To test the research model and hypotheses, a questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data from professionals working in construction companies in Hong Kong. Then the data were analyzed by the statistic technique of structural equation modeling (SEM). The results indicate that professionals' knowledge-sharing intention is mainly determined by their attitude toward and perceived behavioral control over knowledge sharing, but weakly influenced by subjective norms regarding knowledge sharing. The research findings also reveal that professionals' attitude toward knowledge sharing is positively influenced by perceptions of knowledge self-efficacy and feedback, while it has no significant relationships with perceptions of economic reward and enhanced personal relationship. In addition, the results show that information and communication technology (ICT) support has a significant effect on professionals' perceived behavioral control over knowledge sharing. This study is one of the first to use the existing theory of social psychology to examine knowledge-sharing behavior in the construction sector. It provides a new direction for studying knowledge sharing in the construction industry. Based on the research findings, several implications are suggested for construction companies to manage professionals' knowledge-sharing behavior in construction teams. Research limitations and recommendations for future studies are also discussed.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction teams; Hong Kong; knowledge sharing; theory of planned behavior |
| Index terms: | questionnaire, construction sector, psychology, information and communication technology, structural equation modelling, survey, construction company, knowledge sharing, project performance, construction industry, self-efficacy, subjective norm, project delivery, planned behaviour, future study, Hong Kong, construction team |
| Subjects: | Geography, project management theory and practice, industry analysis, statistical analysis, behavioral psychology, social justice, computing systems, human factors and perception, data collection methods, research design and methodology, organization, knowledge management, project delivery |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Ethics, Business Strategy, Information Management, Research Practice, Geographical Context, Project Management, Procurement |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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