Learning and knowing construction: A phenomenological study of construction leaders

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to gain deeper understanding of the meaning and essence of learning and knowing construction, as perceived by industry professionals who have developed that learning and knowing through industry experience. Through a purposeful sampling method, eight adult construction managers were selected to participate in taped interviews in which they described their experience learning and knowing construction from their unique perspective. The participants, both male and female, were successful construction managers with a diverse range of opportunities and experiences, who had at least ten years of industry experience, and had developed the learning and knowing that is essential for their success outside of a university construction management program. The results of this study describe learning that occurs in dual realms of technical skills and management/leadership skills and describes how most participants feel more confident in one realm or the other, but usually not in both and suggests that a lingering sense of inadequacy may develop because of a perceive lack of expertise in one realm or the other. The participants described a number of preliminary or pre-learning strategies and methods that they utilize to gain initial understanding, but all suggested that the real learning and knowing doesn't occur until they have had the opportunity to touch it, feel it, and do it. The results of this study also describe the participant's perception of a vast industry in which the essential knowledge is always increasing. It also describes their perception of what it means to know construction and identifies three understandings that are essential including interpersonal relations; application and execution skills; and forward thinking, vision, and innate ability. The findings of this study suggests that there is a relationship between technical skills and management/leadership skills and that successful construction managers develop learning strategies and methods that help them to overcome any perceived inadequacies and that successful construction managers are forward thinking and have vision both to see and understand a construction project before it is built and vision in the management and direction of construction projects and companies.