Huimin Li, Zhichao Zhao, Yongchao Cao, Limin Su, Jing Zhao and Yafei Zhang
Servitization and research and development (R&D) innovation provide new developmental opportunities for transformation in the construction industry. This study aims to explore the…
Abstract
Purpose
Servitization and research and development (R&D) innovation provide new developmental opportunities for transformation in the construction industry. This study aims to explore the transformative impact of servitization and R&D innovation on the value added of the construction industry, offering new insights into industry transformation and growth.
Design/methodology/approach
This study utilizes panel data from Chinese listed construction companies from 2014 to 2022 to empirically investigate the relationship among servitization, R&D innovation and value added in the construction industry. The data analysis is augmented by incorporating text mining techniques to rigorously investigate the interplay among servitization, R&D innovation and the value added within the construction industry.
Findings
The research findings indicate that the impact of servitization on value added follows a positive U-shaped relationship, while the influence of R&D innovation on value added exhibits an inverted U-shaped relationship. Additionally, innovation investment plays a negative moderating role in the relationship between servitization and value added.
Originality/value
This study reveals a fresh perspective on how construction companies can leverage servitization as a strategic pathway for transformation and competitive advantage. The research also lays a theoretical groundwork for future innovation investment strategies in the construction industry, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to innovation investments to maximize value added.
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Xiaolin Li, Liming Cheng, Hongbo Jiao and Huimin Li
The purpose of this study is to explore whether information technology (IT) integration capability and data sharing can improve project management performance in China’s…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore whether information technology (IT) integration capability and data sharing can improve project management performance in China’s construction industry under the background of global informatization. Moreover, the authors explore the moderating role of relational governance between IT integration capability and data sharing.
Design/methodology/approach
A theoretical model based on the research hypotheses proposed in this study was developed, and a questionnaire survey was conducted with 205 professionals. The data collected were analyzed by the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique.
Findings
The results indicate that IT integration capability has a significant and positive impact on project management performance and data sharing. Moreover, data sharing has a significant and positive impact on project management performance, and it plays a mediating role between IT integration capability and project management performance. In addition, relational governance significantly influences the mediating effect of data sharing.
Research limitations/implications
The data used in this study is from Chinese scenarios, so the research conclusions and application effects based on this are bound to have certain regional limitations. So, a larger sample size from other countries could be selected to test the model. Besides, there are many factors that affect project management performance improving, and the theoretical model proposed in this study may not be fully considered. Therefore, follow-up researchers can consider bringing more suitable variables into their research studies, so that the theoretical research studies can be more in line with the actual project management practice.
Originality/value
This research’s value is as follows: Firstly, this paper broadens the understanding of how IT integration capability, data sharing and relational governance affects project management performance and enriches the literature in the construction management field under the background of global informatization. Secondly, this research provides a detailed governance solution to improve project management performance.
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Huimin Li, Boxin Dai, Yongchao Cao, Limin Su and Feng Li
Trust is the glue that holds cooperative relationships together and often exists in an asymmetric manner. The purpose of this study is to explore how to mitigate the issue of…
Abstract
Purpose
Trust is the glue that holds cooperative relationships together and often exists in an asymmetric manner. The purpose of this study is to explore how to mitigate the issue of losses or increased transaction costs caused by opportunistic behavior in a soft environment where trust asymmetry is quite common and difficult to avoid.
Design/methodology/approach
This study focuses on examining asymmetric trust between the government and the private sector in public-private partnership (PPP) projects. Drawing upon both project realities and relevant literature, the primary conditional variables influencing asymmetric trust are identified. These variables encompass power perception asymmetry, information asymmetry, interaction behavior, risk perception differences and government-side control. Subsequently, through the use of a survey questionnaire, binary-matched data from both the government and the private sector are collected. The study employs fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to conduct a configurational analysis, aiming to investigate the causal pathways that trigger asymmetric trust.
Findings
No single conditional variable is a necessary condition for the emergence of trust asymmetry. The pathways leading to a high degree of trust asymmetry can be categorized into two types: those dominated by power perception and those involving a combination of multiple factors. Differences in power perception play a crucial role in the occurrence of high trust asymmetry, yet the influence of other conditional variables in triggering trust asymmetry should not be overlooked.
Originality/value
The findings can contribute to advancing the study of trust relationships in the field of Chinese PPP projects. Furthermore, they hold practical value in facilitating the enhancement of trust relationships between the government and the private sector.
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Lianhua Cheng, Huina Ren, Huimin Guo and Dongqiang Cao
Safety cognitive ability is a key factor influencing unsafe behavior. However, the existing achievements have not yet involved the division of the hierarchical relationship of…
Abstract
Purpose
Safety cognitive ability is a key factor influencing unsafe behavior. However, the existing achievements have not yet involved the division of the hierarchical relationship of factors influencing safety cognition and lack a quantitative evaluation system of safety cognitive ability. The purpose of this paper is to find out the deficiencies in the safety cognition of workers in high-risk construction positions and to provide practical suggestions for improving their safety cognitive ability and reducing unsafe behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the iceberg model, the factors influencing the safety cognitive ability of workers in high-risk construction positions and their hierarchical relationship were determined, and an evaluation index system consisting of four primary indicators and 20 secondary indicators was constructed. The game theory algorithm was used to optimize the subjective and objective weights of the indicators calculated by the sequential analysis method (G1) and the entropy weighting method (EWM) to obtain the optimal combination weight value. The Matlab software was used for cloud mapping and similarity calculation to determine the safety cognitive ability level of the object to be evaluated.
Findings
The research results indicate that the comprehensive level of safety cognitive ability of scaffolders in this construction project is at “Level III”, the fundamental factors and compliance factors are at “Level IV”, the auxiliary factors and driving factors are at “Level III”. This conclusion aligns with the situation learned from the previous field investigation, which validates the feasibility and scientificity of the proposed evaluation method.
Research limitations/implications
Considering that the safety cognitive ability of construction workers is constantly changing, this study has not yet delved into the specific impacts of various influencing factors on the level of safety cognitive ability. Future research can utilize simulation software, such as MATLAB and Vensim, to construct dynamic simulation models that accurately simulate the changing rules of construction workers’ safety cognitive ability under the influence of different factors.
Practical implications
This research broadens the application scope of the iceberg model, enriches the analysis model of the factors influencing the safety cognitive ability of workers in high-risk construction positions and provides a novel perspective for similar research. The safety cognitive ability evaluation method proposed in this paper can not only accurately evaluate the safety cognitive ability level of workers in high-risk positions such as scaffolders but also provide practical suggestions for improving the safety cognitive ability of workers, which is of great significance to improve the safety management level and reduce unsafe behavior in the construction field.
Originality/value
This research fills the research gap of workers in high-risk construction positions and the quantification of safety cognitive ability. The iceberg model is used to realize the hierarchical division of the factors influencing safety cognitive ability. Additionally, an evaluation method for the safety cognitive ability of workers in high-risk construction positions based on the game theory combination weighting method and cloud model is proposed, which realizes the quantitative evaluation of safety cognitive ability.
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Zhuang Xiong, HuiMin Yang, Chenyi Zhang, Shiqi Yang and Pengju Wang
Addressing the adverse effects of entrepreneurial failure stigma and establishing the subsequent entrepreneurship legitimacy of new ventures are crucial for reinvigorating…
Abstract
Purpose
Addressing the adverse effects of entrepreneurial failure stigma and establishing the subsequent entrepreneurship legitimacy of new ventures are crucial for reinvigorating entrepreneurial endeavors. This paper investigated the implementation of impression-management strategies for mitigating the adverse effects of the stigma associated with entrepreneurial failure on the legitimacy of subsequent entrepreneurial activities.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on impression-management theory and legitimacy theory, we conducted three experimental studies to explore the impact of impression-management strategies of entrepreneurial-failure stigma on the legitimacy of subsequent entrepreneurship. Additionally, the role of stakeholders’ forgiveness as a mediating factor and how the specific type of entrepreneurial failure stigma (attributable vs non-attributable) moderates these effects were analyzed.
Findings
The results from Studies 1 and 2 show that implementing impression-management strategies positively contributes to sustaining the legitimacy of subsequent entrepreneurial endeavors in failed new ventures. Assertive strategies demonstrate a more effective impact on enhancing the legitimacy of subsequent entrepreneurship than defensive impression management strategies. In addition, stakeholders’ forgiveness plays a mediating role in the relationship between impression-management strategies and subsequent entrepreneurship legitimacy. The results of Study 3 demonstrate that the type of stigma associated with entrepreneurial failure moderates the impact of impression-management strategies on the legitimacy of subsequent entrepreneurship. In situations where the stigma is attributable, implementing only assertive strategies is adequate to yield favorable results. However, in situations where the stigma is non-attributable, it is essential to implement both defensive and assertive strategies to effectively strengthen subsequent entrepreneurship legitimacy.
Originality/value
The findings make a valuable contribution to the existing literature on the recovery from entrepreneurial failure, and they also offer practical strategies for new ventures to adeptly handle the stigma of failure and resume their entrepreneurial endeavors.
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Jing Jiang, Huijuan Dong, Yanan Dong, Huimin Gu and Yina Lv
This study aims to use event system theory and job demands–resources (JD-R) model to examine the double-edged sword effect of event strength of Beijing Winter Olympics (BWO) on…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to use event system theory and job demands–resources (JD-R) model to examine the double-edged sword effect of event strength of Beijing Winter Olympics (BWO) on volunteers’ in-role performance and proactive behavior as mediated by work overload and meaningfulness.
Design/methodology/approach
The sample included 193 volunteer–leader dyads working at one BWO venue. The authors conducted a multitime and multisource study using Mplus 8 to examine the hypotheses.
Findings
Volunteers’ perceived BWO event strength was positively related to work overload, which reduced in-role performance and proactive behavior. Volunteers’ perceived BWO event strength was also positively related to work meaningfulness, which promoted in-role performance and proactive behavior. Perceived organizational support served as a moderator by mitigating the positive relationship between perceived BWO event strength and work overload; however, it did not strengthen the positive relationship between perceived BWO event strength and work meaningfulness.
Originality/value
This study developed a comprehensive model of how BWO event strength affected volunteers’ performance from the perspective of event system theory and the JD-R model, which enriches theoretical application and research in the context of mega sport events.
研究目的
本研究运用事件系统理论和工作需求-资源(JD-R)模型, 探讨了2022年北京冬奥会(BWO)事件强度通过工作负荷和工作意义感知进而对志愿者角色内绩效和主动性行为的双刃剑效应。
研究设计
我们在冬奥会场所之一实施了多时点、多来源的收集数据的方式, 最终样本包括193份志愿者-领导配对数据, 并使用Mplus 8来检验我们的假设。
研究发现
志愿者感知的BWO事件强度与工作负荷呈正相关, 进而会降低他们的角色内绩效和主动性行为。志愿者感知的BWO事件强度与工作意义感也呈正相关, 进而会促进他们的角色内绩效和主动性行为。感知的组织支持通过弱化BWO事件强度与工作负荷之间的正相关关系, 进而调节了志愿者的角色内绩效和主动性行为; 然而, 感知的组织支持并没有强化BWO事件强度与工作意义感之间的正相关关系。
原创性
本研究结合事件系统理论和JD-R模型, 发展了一个BWO事件强度对志愿者绩效表现影响的综合模型, 丰富了有关大型体育赛事志愿者的理论应用和研究。
Objetivo
Este estudio utiliza la teoría del sistema de eventos y el modelo de demandas de trabajo-recursos (JD-R) para examinar el efecto de doble filo de la fuerza del evento de los Juegos Olímpicos de Invierno de Pekín (BWO) sobre el rendimiento en el rol y el comportamiento proactivo de los voluntarios, mediado por la sobrecarga laboral y la significatividad del trabajo.
Diseño/metodología/enfoque
Nuestra muestra incluyó 193 díadas de voluntarios-líderes que trabajaban en una sede de BWO. Realizamos un estudio multitemporal y multifuente utilizando Mplus 8 para examinar nuestras hipótesis.
Resultados
La intensidad percibida por los voluntarios en los eventos de BWO también se relacionó positivamente con la significación del trabajo, que promovió el rendimiento en el rol y el comportamiento proactivo. Además, el apoyo organizativo percibido sirvió como moderador al mitigar la relación positiva entre la intensidad percibida del evento BWO y la sobrecarga de trabajo; sin embargo, no reforzó la relación positiva entre la intensidad percibida del evento BWO y la significatividad del trabajo.
Originalidad/valor
Este estudio desarrolló un modelo integral de cómo la fuerza del evento BWO afectaba al rendimiento de los voluntarios desde la perspectiva de la teoría del sistema de eventos y el modelo JD-R, lo que enriquece la aplicación teórica y la investigación en el contexto de los megaeventos deportivos.
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Shixuan Fu, Jianhua Jordan Yu, Huimin Gu and Xiaoxiao Song
Shifting to OLSL classes during the pandemic can bring learners ambivalent experiences: negative, positive or both appraisals toward the technologies. However, few studies have…
Abstract
Purpose
Shifting to OLSL classes during the pandemic can bring learners ambivalent experiences: negative, positive or both appraisals toward the technologies. However, few studies have examined how ambivalent experiences can influence students' learning behaviors, specifically cyberslacking and active participation. Using the challenge-hindrance stressor framework, this study investigates the impact of challenge and hindrance appraisals on these learning behaviors.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a mixed methods approach to answer research questions. An interview was conducted to identify the key components of ambivalent appraisals, and a survey was conducted to empirically examine the impact of challenge and hindrance appraisals on learners' behaviors in online live streaming learning (OLSL) contexts. The data of 675 university students were analyzed using structural equation modeling.
Findings
This study found that hindrance appraisal leads to cyberslacking while challenge appraisal leads to active participation, but it can also cause cyberslacking. Social presence has a double-edged effect, acting as both a facilitator and inhibitor, strengthening the effect of hindrance appraisal on cyberslacking and the impact of challenge appraisal on active participation.
Originality/value
Prior studies have primarily focused on the negative side (techno-distress) of technology appraisals. This study simultaneously examines the positive side, techno-eustress, on learners' behaviors in OLSL contexts, and explores the moderating effects of social presence. This study contributes to the technostress and technology adaptation literature by revealing how technology-induced ambivalent appraisals impact behavioral responses. It offers important theoretical and practical implications for education tool designers.
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Mengyuan Cheng, Heap-Yih Chong, Guoliang Liu and Qian Li
Perceived justice is crucial to achieving public–private partnership (PPP) projects’ goals, but little is known about the transmission mechanism of perceived justice that affects…
Abstract
Purpose
Perceived justice is crucial to achieving public–private partnership (PPP) projects’ goals, but little is known about the transmission mechanism of perceived justice that affects added value in PPP projects. Therefore, this research intends to investigate the link between perceived justice and PPP projects’ added value and their underlying mechanism by analysing the mediating role of cooperative behaviour.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on 246 valid survey data collected from the Chinese PPP professionals, structural equation modelling was adopted to analyse and test the proposed hypotheses.
Findings
The results show all three dimensions of perceived justice positively correlated with PPP projects’ added value. The influence effect from high to low was determined to be as follows: interactive, distributive and procedural justice. Moreover, both perfunctory and consummate performance were found to be positively correlated with and thus of great importance to PPP projects’ added value, but perfunctory performance was found to have a greater influence coefficient. The relationship between perceived justice and PPP projects’ added value is mediated by perfunctory and consummate performance. Therefore, the strategies of perceived justice in improving added value are verified in the context of Chinese PPP projects.
Research limitations/implications
The findings of this study can help realise added value in three ways. Firstly, new perspectives for PPP project added value should be proposed by combining the improvement of project basic objectives and the realisation of the participants’ implicit demands. Secondly, the effects of different perceived justice on added value should be analysed instead of a single dimension of perceived justice. Thirdly, the mediating effects of different types of cooperative behaviour that may influence the relationship between perceived justice and added value should be evaluated.
Practical implications
This study contributes to a better understanding of the relationship between perceived justice and PPP projects’ added value and provides a reliable reference for project managers to achieve added value outcomes in PPP projects. In addition, this study reveals the impact of perceived justice on PPP projects’ added value and the path of perceived justice transformation. This provides a useful reference for project managers to take advantage of the positive effects of distributive, interactive and procedural justice to enhance inter-organizational cooperative behaviour. This study thus helps improve the practice and value of PPP projects by using the right strategy of perceived justice.
Originality/value
The research clarifies the impacts of multidimensional perceived justice for added value of PPP projects throughout the implementation process. It offers a new perspective on PPP projects’ added value by combining the improvement of the realisation of participants’ implicit claims.
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Pengcheng Xiang, Simai Yang, Yongqi Yuan and Ranyang Li
The purpose of this paper is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the public safety risks of international construction projects (ICPs) from the perspective of threat and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the public safety risks of international construction projects (ICPs) from the perspective of threat and vulnerability. A novel and comprehensive risk assessment approach is developed from a systemic perspective and applied to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to improve the public safety risk management strategy for ICPs in BRI.
Design/methodology/approach
First, a public safety risk indicator system was constructed from the two dimensions, namely threat and vulnerability. Next, an integrated measurement model was constructed by combining the Genetic Algorithm-Backpropagation (GA-BP) neural network, fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method and matter-element extension (MME) method. Data from 49 countries involved in the BRI, as well as five typical projects, were used to validate the model. Finally, targeted risk prevention measures were identified for use at the national, enterprise and project levels.
Findings
The findings indicate that while the vulnerability risks of typical projects in each region of the BRI were generally low, threat risks were high in West Asia and North Africa, Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries and South Asia.
Originality/value
First, the structure of the public safety risk system of ICPs was analyzed using vulnerability and system theories. The connotation of public safety risk was defined based on two dimensions, namely threat and vulnerability. The idea of measuring threat risk with public data and measuring vulnerability risk with project data was clarified, and the risk measurement was integrated into the measurement results to help researchers and managers understand and systematically consider the public safety risks of ICPs. Second, a public safety risk indicator system was constructed, including 18 threat risk indicators and 14 vulnerability risk indicators to address the gaps in the existing research. The MEE model was employed to overcome the problem of incompatible indicator systems and provide stable and credible integrated measurement results. Finally, the whole-process public safety risk management scheme designed in this study can help to both provide a reference point for the Chinese enterprises and oversea contractors in market selection as well as improve ICP public safety risk management.
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Suhaib Arogundade, Mohammed Dulaimi, Saheed Ajayi and Ali Saad
The decisions of contractors could impact the reduction of construction carbon footprint. These decisions are linked to the belief of contractors which equally affects how they…
Abstract
Purpose
The decisions of contractors could impact the reduction of construction carbon footprint. These decisions are linked to the belief of contractors which equally affects how they behave while delivering projects. This study aims to investigate the behavioural tendencies of contractors that could lead to carbon minimisation during the execution of construction projects.
Design/methodology/approach
An industry survey was performed amongst 41 UK construction professionals. Spearman’s correlation and factor analysis were used to analyse the data.
Findings
The result of the Spearman’s correlation gave rise to 14 contractors’ carbon reduction behaviour (CCRB) variables and their factor analysis yielded two distinct factors, namely, contractors’ consummate carbon reduction behaviour and contractors’ pragmatic carbon reduction behaviour. The findings suggest that in the UK, contractors are willing to take voluntary practical steps to decrease the carbon footprint of construction projects.
Practical implications
This finding might be unexpected to construction stakeholders, especially construction clients who may believe that infusing strict carbon reduction obligations in contracts is sufficient in nudging contractors to lessen the carbon impact of projects.
Originality/value
The study attempted to quantitatively derive CCRB, thereby extending the breadth of knowledge in the construction carbon reduction domain.