Teerajetgul, W and Charoenngam, C (2006) Factors inducing knowledge creation: Empirical evidence from Thai construction projects. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 13(6), pp. 584-599. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose - This research is aimed at examining the relationships between knowledge factors and the knowledge creation process in construction projects, paying particular attention to on-site work. Design/methodology/approach - The design of this research is cross-sectional and uses a blended methodological approach of both quantitative and qualitative methods. The research model includes the following variables; six knowledge factors: vision of leadership, trust, collaboration, incentives, information technology (IT) support, and individual competencies; and four knowledge creation processes: socialization, externalization, combination, and internalization. Survey data from 70 construction projects in Thai construction firms, obtained by means of a questionnaire developed by the researcher, were collated and analyzed. As a means of testing the model, regression analysis techniques were used to analyze the data. Findings - Consistent with previous empirical evidence, three knowledge factors affected the knowledge creation process: incentives, IT, and individual competencies. It was noted that these factors overlay the knowledge creation process at all execution stages of on-site construction. Originality/value - This research is expected to contribute to a better understanding of important knowledge factors and knowledge management research in Thai construction that is still at an infancy stage. In order to build a knowledge creative culture, construction project executives need to support and maximize the value of human assets (individual competencies). Furthermore, facilitating IT-supported knowledge management in construction projects needs to be considered and emphasized needs to be placed on productive work and gain a competitive advantage.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | communication technologies; construction operations; knowledge creation; knowledge management; Thailand |
| Index terms: | competitive advantage, construction operation, executive, Thailand, site work, regression analysis, knowledge creation, testing, construction firm, survey, qualitative method, questionnaire, evidence, methodology, construction project, collaboration, information technology, knowledge management |
| Subjects: | Geography, production management, professional development, management, research methods, statistical analysis, market analysis, computing systems, practitioner, evaluation and assessment methods, data collection methods, research design and methodology, organization, knowledge management, construction operations, professional practice, site logistics |
| Topics: | Digital Applications, Organizational Design, Site Management, Geographical Context, Project Management, Research Practice, Engineering Principles, Information Management, Business Strategy, Roles and Professions |
| 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