A framework for social network interventions in AEC teams: Strategies and implications

Successful execution of a project depends on efficient collaborations among a diverse set of actors and organizations. Establishing efficient collaboration networks is vital to channeling necessary expertise to achieve desirable outcomes. Network interventions describe the process of using network-supported strategies to enable knowledge sharing and coordination critical for network performance. However, there is a lack of intervention studies in the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) domain. To fill this gap in the literature, this study used social network analysis (SNA) and mixed methods to develop an intervention framework for AEC teams. The research team examined the performance and communication trends of an AEC project team during project delivery in light of the literature to inform network interventions. After vetting the developed strategies through interviews with select project leaders, interventions were presented to the whole project team for further verification and feedback. The results contribute to the body of knowledge by providing an intervention framework for AEC teams and implications for practitioners in selecting and assigning experts in key roles and positions in projects as well as managing team communications and networks in a dynamic manner during project delivery for improved team and project performance.