Bidhendi, A.; Poshdar, M.; Babaeian Jelodar, M.; Rahimian, F. and González, V. A. (2026) Human-centric integrated change management framework for digital transformation in construction. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 33(3), pp. 2048-2070. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose – This study develops a human-centric change management framework to address the gap between building information modelling (BIM) potential and its practical implementation and adoption in the construction industry by focusing on human factors influencing digital transformation success. Design/methodology/approach – A multi-phased methodology was employed, combining systematic literature reviews with advanced network analysis techniques. Two literature review rounds extracted key change management activities and human-centric principles. Social network analysis (SNA) was utilised to quantify relationships and significance within the construction industry context, identifying high-centrality nodes in the network. Findings – The analysis identified training, organisational competency assessment and resource allocation as the most critical change management activities for successful digital transformation, which emerged as central nodes. The study developed a tailored three-phase framework (Strategic initialisation, Operational transformation and Sustainable integration) that enables construction organisations to implement BIM and digital technologies while maintaining focus on human factors. Practical implications include improved employee engagement, reduced resistance to technological change, enhanced organisational readiness for digital transformation and a structured pathway for construction organisations to move beyond current BIM implementation barriers. The framework provides actionable guidance for construction leaders to balance technological advancement with human-centric values, ultimately supporting sustainable digital transformation in the industry. Originality/value – This study offers a novel data-driven approach to digital transformation in construction by quantitatively analysing relationships between change management activities and human-centric principles. The research addresses a critical gap in BIM and digital transformation implementation literature by developing an integrated framework that balances technological advancement with human considerations, helping organisations move beyond current adoption barriers in the AECO industry's transformative journey.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | BIM implementation; digital transformation; human centred organisation; human-centric principles; organisational change management |
| Index terms: | transformation, implementation, human factor, methodology, integration, network analysis, construction organization, digital technology, technological change, resource allocation, building information modelling, construction industry, systematic literature review, employee engagement, organizational change, change management, social network analysis, literature review |
| Subjects: | data analysis and analytics, innovation studies, research methods, business, organization, contractual arrangements, information systems, management, industry analysis, psychology, organizational analysis, occupational health and safety management, research evaluation and metrics, resource management, computing systems |
| Topics: | Site Management, Human Resources, Digital Applications, Research Practice, Organizational Design, Health and Safety, Procurement, Business Strategy |
| 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