Measuring Key Knowledge-Related Factors for Individuals in AEC Project Teams
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 146, Issue 7
Abstract
Knowledge management practices in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) projects emphasize team integration and motivational factors to improve knowledge transfer among team members, many of whom come from different disciplines and organizations. However, increased knowledge transfer might raise transaction costs without bringing desired benefits if team members are not able to properly process transferred knowledge. To contribute to knowledge management practices in AEC projects, this study aims to identify key individual-level knowledge-related factors and develop indicators to measure them. Based on the literature, we identified four factors, namely knowledge application, absorptive capacity, articulating capacity, and common knowledge, and developed a set of indicators to measure them. To test the validity and reliability of these indicators, we collected data from an AEC project team including more than 160 individuals. Confirmatory factor analysis and Cronbach’s alphas supported the validity and reliability of the indicators. The study’s contribution to the body of knowledge is the expansion of our understanding of knowledge management practices in complex multiteam systems by considering and measuring individuals’ knowledge-related factors in AEC project teams.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code generated or used during the study are available from the corresponding author by request (i.e., coded survey data).
Acknowledgments
This research was supported by the National Science Foundation through Grant SES-1231206. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the researchers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
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Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 146 • Issue 7 • July 2020
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©2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Received: Mar 13, 2019
Accepted: Dec 23, 2019
Published online: Apr 18, 2020
Published in print: Jul 1, 2020
Discussion open until: Sep 18, 2020
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