Tokede, O; Ahiaga-Dagbui, D and Morrison, J (2022) Attenuating disruptions in knowledge flows in construction projects. In: Tutesigensi, A and Neilson, C J (eds.) Proceedings of 38th Annual ARCOM Conference, 5-7 September 2022, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.
Abstract
Attenuating disruptions in knowledge flows during the delivery of construction project is beneficial for problem-solving; relationship-management; and reflexive practice in the project environment. There are however limited studies that have examined the role of knowledge-brokering and relationship management in construction project delivery. Knowledge-brokers are often beneficial in attenuating disruptions in knowledge flows; in-graining positive relational dynamics and encouraging healthy team culture across project teams. This research presents a conceptual framework for visualising the mechanism of knowledge flow across different levels (i.e., individuals; teams; and project) in a construction setting to enhance project performance outcomes. Using an inductive case-study method; we collect triangulated data through questionnaire surveys; focus-groups; and semi-structured interviews on an Australian construction project that engaged a facilitator as knowledge-broker between construction teams. This research found that the intermediate role of the facilitator was instrumental in shaping how problems were identified and efficiently resolved. The novelty of this study is that alliance principles of knowledge-brokering are being applied in a fixed-price lump-sum contractual arrangements, which typically tends to be adversarial and hinders effective knowledge flow between parties in projects.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | facilitator; knowledge-broker; knowledge flow; relationship management. |
| Index terms: | broker, interview, survey, construction project delivery, facilitator, construction team, project performance, questionnaire, relationship management, dynamics, construction project, knowledge flow, project team, conceptual framework |
| Subjects: | theoretical framing, management, production management, project management theory and practice, project controls, systems engineering, data collection methods, profession, practitioner, knowledge management, project delivery |
| Topics: | Time Control, Human Resources, Roles and Professions, Project Management, Research Practice, Engineering Principles, Information Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
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