Organizational antecedents and multiple paths of knowledge-sharing behavior of construction project members: evidence from Chinese construction enterprises

Abstract

Purpose

Lack of knowledge-sharing behavior (KSB) among construction project members hinders propagation of expertise, working methods, and lessons learned within an organization, and deprives the organization of a sustainable competitive edge. The present study investigates the combined effect of organizational antecedents of construction projects on members' KSB and provides a reference for developing management initiatives to motivate KSB.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on organizational theory and organizational behavior literature, five organizational antecedents associated with KSB from organizational culture and structure were identified. Subsequently, the authors used survey data from 152 organization members in Chinese construction enterprises to conduct the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) and reveal configurations of organizational antecedents influencing KSB.

Findings

This study identifies five configuration paths that are sufficient for shaping the KSB of construction project members, integrated into two types of driving modes, namely “trust-driven” and “incentive-driven”. Relevant discussions can guide managers of construction project organizations to position the driving strategies of KSB that match different organizational scenarios or constraints.

Originality/value

By analyzing the configuration effects of organizational antecedents on KSB, novel clues are provided for governing the deficiency of KSB among construction project members. This contributes to the literature on knowledge transfer and organizational behavior. The findings provide actionable insights for improving knowledge flow in construction project organizations and designing KSB guidance regimes.

Citation

Cheng, F. and Yin, Y. (2024), "Organizational antecedents and multiple paths of knowledge-sharing behavior of construction project members: evidence from Chinese construction enterprises", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 31 No. 3, pp. 957-975. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-07-2022-0614