Zhou, Q; Deng, X; Wang, G; Mahmoudi, A and Zhang, N (2025) Exploring the key drivers of inter-organizational knowledge transfer in projects: Evidence from international construction projects. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 32(12), pp. 7994-8020. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose – Despite the knowledge transfer in project contexts which has been extensively studied by scholars, the study on inter-organizational knowledge transfer in international construction projects is still scattered and unsystematic. This research aims to explore the key factors influencing inter-organizational knowledge transfer of international construction projects and analyze how these factors interact to create a synthetic framework that enhances the effectiveness of knowledge transfer (EKT). Design/methodology/approach – At first, eight factors influencing inter-organizational knowledge transfer within international construction projects were identified, which were from the four dimensions of subject, relationship, channel and context, namely cultural distance, connection strength, organizational climate, intercultural competence, information technology capability, transmit willingness, receive willingness and richness of transfer channels. Then, a conceptual model was developed and 13 hypotheses were formulated, which were derived from a literature review and in-depth survey. After that, data from 353 respondents were collected and analyzed, and the hypotheses were tested by structural equation modeling analysis and bootstrapping test. Findings – The results suggest that cultural distance hinders transfer willingness, which further affects EKT. Connection strength affects EKT by positively influencing transfer willingness and channel. Besides, organizational climate and intercultural competence positively influence transfer willingness and further affect EKT, while information technology capability affects the richness of transfer channels. Originality/value – This research gives a thorough examination of the determinants influencing inter-organizational knowledge transfer of international construction projects, thus formulating available approaches that project managers and personnel can employ to effectively facilitate EKT.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | inter-organizational projects; international construction projects; knowledge management; knowledge transfer; project management |
| Index terms: | project manager, effectiveness, inter-organizational project, project management, determinant, dimension, personnel, survey, structural equation modelling, literature review, knowledge transfer, evidence, methodology, competence, international construction project, information technology, knowledge management |
| Subjects: | health monitoring assessment and metrics, data analysis and analytics, profession, risk assessment, data collection methods, computing systems, statistical analysis, performance management, management, personnel development, project management theory and practice, professional development, strategic management, research dissemination and communication, evaluation and assessment methods, research methods, organizational theory |
| Topics: | Roles and Professions, Information Management, Research Practice, International Construction, Human Resources, Digital Applications, Risk Management, Project Management, Health and Safety, Quality Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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