USING STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELING TO STUDY THE FACTORS AFFECTING KNOWLEDGE SHARING INTENTIONS AMONG CONSTRUCTION WORKERS

Abstract

Front line construction workers carry the hands-on knowledge required to execute projects. Accordingly, their productivity is a key player in defining project performance and this productivity is affected by several influences such as communication and knowledge sharing. However, there has not been enough research on the drivers of the workers’ behavior towards knowledge sharing.

Considering the importance of the knowledge sharing process among construction workers and its significant effect on project performance, this study takes a closer look into the factors that affect the knowledge sharing process among blue-collar workers in the MENA region. The study aims at identifying the factors affecting the workers’ intentions towards knowledge sharing upon assessing the relationships between these factors. This allows for a better understanding of the weaknesses in the process to suggest practical solutions for practitioners to make the communication process more efficient. Starting with factors from the literature, a questionnaire survey was prepared to record responses of construction workers to questions inquiring about their view of the work environment and the current practices of the knowledge sharing process. A total of 171 responses were collected from 16 construction building sites in Lebanon; out of which 137 were identified as usable.

Mixed methods analysis involving structural equation modeling and descriptive analysis were used to first extract the factors affecting knowledge sharing behavior, among which are contributions and project performance assessment. Second, upon running descriptive statistical analysis, these factors showed meaningful results that were analyzed to point out the weaknesses in the knowledge sharing process. To verify the context specific developed factors, these factors were compared with factors from the literature. Also, considering the context of application, suggestions such as giving feedback and appraising performance were discussed to improve the working environment for a better knowledge sharing process; hence, increased labor productivity and improved project performance.