Understanding the Megaproject Social Responsibility Network among Stakeholders: A Reciprocal-Exchange Perspective
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 149, Issue 11
Abstract
Previous research has recognized that the successful realization of megaproject social responsibility (MSR) relies heavily on the cooperation of a variety of stakeholders. However, the process of stakeholders conducting MSR exchanges reciprocally to achieve MSR goals has not been fully revealed, hindering the consistent implementation of interorganizational and cooperative MSR. To bridge these gaps, based on social exchange theory (SET), stakeholder theory, and network theory, this study used the stakeholder value network (SVN) to unravel MSR exchanges with multiple types and their contribution to social value. Given that, we can identify the critical stakeholders, MSR exchanges, and types to facilitate achieving social responsibility goals in megaprojects. A qualitative MSR network was first developed based on seven stakeholders with 77 MSR flows involving four MSR types, which was further quantified through a survey of 216 managers involved in 133 megaprojects. The results demonstrate that when owners act as the focal organization, the government and the general contractors act as critical external and internal stakeholders to promote reciprocal exchanges in the MSR network. Eleven critical MSR exchanges (i.e., five restricted exchanges and six generalized exchanges) are identified to facilitate the reciprocal and joint implementation of MSR to obtain high megaproject social values. It is also suggested that stakeholders should pay particular attention to political MSR to guarantee a stable environment for reciprocal MSR exchanges among primary stakeholders. This research intends to guide the efforts of stakeholders to engage in effective MSR to satisfy their partners mutually, contributing to realizing high megaproject social value.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or codes that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
This study received great support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant 71901220), and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law (2722023BY007). Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the funding agencies.
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Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 149 • Issue 11 • November 2023
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© 2023 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Received: Dec 10, 2022
Accepted: Jun 26, 2023
Published online: Aug 22, 2023
Published in print: Nov 1, 2023
Discussion open until: Jan 22, 2024
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