Jialing Liu, Fangwei Zhu and Jiang Wei
This study aims to explore the different effects of inter-community group networks and intra-community group networks on group innovation.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the different effects of inter-community group networks and intra-community group networks on group innovation.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors used a pooled panel dataset of 12,111 self-organizing innovation groups in 463 game product creative workshop communities from Steam support to test the hypothesis. The pooled ordinary least squares (OLS) model is used for analyzing the data.
Findings
The results show that network constraint is negatively associated with the innovation performance of online groups. The average path length of the inter-community group network negatively moderates the relationship between network constraint and group innovation, while the average path length of the intra-community group network positively moderates the relationship between network constraint and group innovation. In addition, both the network density of inter-community group networks and intra-community group networks can negatively moderate the negative relationship between network constraint and group innovation.
Originality/value
The findings of this study suggest that network structural characteristics of inter-community networks and intra-community networks have different effects on online groups’ product innovation, and therefore, group members should consider their inter- and intra-community connections when choosing other groups to form a collaborative innovation relationship.
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Fangwei Zhu, Mengtong Jiang and Miao Yu
The challenge of unforeseen uncertainties in exploratory projects requires the lead firm in a project alliance to effectively manage exploratory co-innovation. The purpose of this…
Abstract
Purpose
The challenge of unforeseen uncertainties in exploratory projects requires the lead firm in a project alliance to effectively manage exploratory co-innovation. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the types of capabilities a lead firm required in exploratory projects and how these capabilities enable the exploratory innovation of the project alliance.
Design/methodology/approach
A multiple-case study was done to provide empirical evidence for the rationale of the capabilities of the lead firm. The provided analysis used abductive reasoning of two typical exploratory projects in China.
Findings
This paper identifies two types of capabilities: innovation-related capabilities and network-related capabilities. Furthermore, a process model of the capabilities of the lead firm is developed that enables exploratory co-innovation in a project alliance. The capabilities of the lead firm input varied at four different stages.
Practical implications
Innovation-related capabilities and network-related capabilities could form the foundation for the lead firm in an exploratory project alliance. This will enable an exploratory co-innovation and collaboratively overcome the barriers of exploratory projects.
Originality/value
Although exploratory project attracts extensive attention for its unique characteristics and universal value, there is limited amount of research on the context of joint exploratory projects. This study starts from the role of lead firm in an exploratory project alliance, contributes toward the comprehension of the link between the lead firm’s capabilities and the process of exploratory co-innovation. The findings will be of value in supporting the management of exploratory innovation in a project alliance.
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Fangwei Zhu, Linzhuo Wang, Miao Yu, Ralf Müller and Xiuxia Sun
Silencing behavior among project team members (PTM) poses a potential threat to project results. Hence, breaking silence in projects is critical to motivate team members and…
Abstract
Purpose
Silencing behavior among project team members (PTM) poses a potential threat to project results. Hence, breaking silence in projects is critical to motivate team members and beneficial for project outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between transformational leadership (TL) of project manager (PM) and silence behavior of PTMs. It proposes a mediating role of feeling trusted (FT) to fill this gap by conducting an empirical research.
Design/methodology/approach
A theoretical model was developed and a series of hypotheses were proposed based on existing literature. Then, regression analysis was conducted on a sample of 219 team members of a diverse set of projects in China.
Findings
The paper empirically shows that TL of PM is significantly negatively related to team members’ defensive and prosocial silence (PS), but not with their acquiescence silence. In addition, the study also discovered that team members’ FT mediates the effects of TL on team members’ defensive and PS.
Research limitations/implications
This study contributed to the project management literature by showing that feeling trusted link the relationship between TL of PM and PTMs’ silence. The studies’ findings also contribute to the silence theory in project context through discussions of the rationale behind the main effects. Practical implication is provided for PMs that making the most of TL can reduce the silence of PTM, through building trusted feelings. The limitation to this study is the research setting regarding culture-related issues that focused only on projects in China.
Originality/value
This research is one of the early studies that address the issue of silence behavior in project context, which is a contribution to the coordination and communication in project management.
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Muhammad Yousaf Malik, Linzhuo Wang and Fangwei Zhu
Variations of human-versus-structure and within-humans at the organizational and the project level are critical in shaping the internal arrangement for effectiveness of…
Abstract
Purpose
Variations of human-versus-structure and within-humans at the organizational and the project level are critical in shaping the internal arrangement for effectiveness of project-based organization’s (PBOs) governance. Recent discourse presents governmentality at the organizational level and leadership at the project level as human agency of governance, whereas governance structures to be their counterpart. However, project-level mechanisms of governmentality that can help to understand possible variations among these governance dimensions remained veiled. This study uses institutional theory to explore these internal arrangements accommodated by variations of PBOs governance dimensions at the project level.
Design/methodology/approach
The study followed Eisenhardt protocols of multiple case study design using an abductive research approach. Considering the heterogeneity of governance as a phenomenon in literature, boundary conditions were established before theorizing the model of the study to avoid ambiguities and define the research scope. Five PBOs were chosen using theoretical sampling, yielding 70 interviews. Data were analyzed by constant comparison with theory, using replication logic and cross-case analysis.
Findings
Findings revealed that project managers perform a buffer function for governmentality at the project level. Identified mechanisms of governmentality at the project level included two downward mechanisms, i.e. communication and informal interactions of governors, and two upward mechanisms of adaptation and reciprocity by project managers and project team members. Cross-analysis for variations among PBOs’ governance at the project level revealed seven arrangements showcasing synergies or contrasts.
Originality/value
The study adds to organizational project management literature by advancing the significance of congruence between humans and structures in project governance. Furthermore, the synchronization of the project manager’s leadership style with the governmentality approach and governance structure of PBOs is of crucial importance at the project level. Findings suggest the same by showcasing synergetic versus contrasting internal arrangements accommodated in varying PBOs governance dimensions. Implications highlight that synergies among PBOs governance dimensions and project manager’s styles can minimize conflicts and inconsistencies in governance implementation, whereas contrasts might trigger them.
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Fangwei Zhu, Mouxuan Sun, Linzhuo Wang, Xiuxia Sun and Miao Yu
The complexity caused by conflicting values of stakeholders is a critical issue influencing the performance and sustainability of stock public–private partnership (SPPP) projects…
Abstract
Purpose
The complexity caused by conflicting values of stakeholders is a critical issue influencing the performance and sustainability of stock public–private partnership (SPPP) projects, which is a special type of public–private partnership (PPP) project in China. The purpose of this paper is to focus on value conflicts between local government and private sector, which are two major stakeholders in SPPP projects, and investigate exchange rules to resolve value conflicts.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a mixed method approach, 55 semi-structured interviews were conducted for 15 stakeholders involved in a representative SPPP project. Social network analysis was then adopted to outline the value conflict network based on data drawn from focus group discussions. Finally, 24 value conflicts between local government and private sector were analyzed through another 13 semi-structured interviews in an abductive approach.
Findings
Results show that value conflicts between local government and private sector are dynamic and intertwined within and across three project phases, based on which six exchange rules, rationality, Altruism, power consistency, competition, group gain and reciprocity, are identified. Two sets of situational factors which potentially influence exchange rules adopted by the two parties are revealed, namely, urgency and professionality for local government and short-term interests and long-term interests for private sector. A summary of paired exchange rules is provided to predict if value conflicts between the two major stakeholders will be resolved or not.
Research limitations/implications
Theoretical implications are twofold. First, the results provide a contribution to PPP project management by investigating value conflicts between local government and private sector, which deepen the understanding on the unique characteristics of SPPP projects. Second, the findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of social exchange theory by suggesting a summary of condition-based and pair-based exchange rules.
Originality/value
One strength of the study is in the concentrated analysis of a single case which allows for a deep understanding of value complexity between local government and private sector in SPPP projects from a dynamic and networked perspective. A guideline is provided for both parties when a value conflict is found hard to resolve. Besides, this study is also among the first that addresses value issues in SPPP projects.
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Haoyang Song, Fangwei Zhu, Ole Jonny Klakegg and Peng Wang
Due to the increasing risk and uncertainty of construction projects, contractual flexibility has been considered as an effective tool to cope with emergences and to promote…
Abstract
Purpose
Due to the increasing risk and uncertainty of construction projects, contractual flexibility has been considered as an effective tool to cope with emergences and to promote cooperation between owners and contractors. However, in practice, owners often failed to build an efficient cooperative relationship via contracts, resulting in a lacking of appropriate justice. Furthermore, due to a lack of available empirical research, the influence of contractual flexibility on the cooperative behavior of contractors requires further investigation. The purpose of this paper is to fill this gap by conducting empirical research from the perspective of justice perception.
Design/methodology/approach
A theoretical model was developed and a series of hypotheses were proposed. Then, partial least squares structural equation modeling analyses were conducted on a sample of 188 respondents.
Findings
The results show that contractual content and executing flexibility both have a positive influence on the cooperative behavior of a contractor, which was partially mediated by distribution, procedural, and interactional justice perceptions. Moreover, content flexibility has a significant impact on all three types of justice perception, and the execution of flexibility has more impact on interactional justice compared to other justice perceptions.
Originality/value
The findings contribute to an improved understanding of how contractual flexibility affects the cooperative behavior of contractors, indicating that the owner could develop a fair exchange relationship through flexible contracting and motivation of the other party.
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Xiuxia Sun, Fangwei Zhu and Mouxuan Sun
This paper aims to explore the ways to solve the dilemma of balancing between efficiency and flexibility in project-oriented organizations (POOs). It investigates the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the ways to solve the dilemma of balancing between efficiency and flexibility in project-oriented organizations (POOs). It investigates the characteristic of the relationship between efficiency and flexibility in the context of POOs. Based on the framework of organizational design, this study tries to open the “black box” of how POOs make a balance between efficiency and flexibility, and examines the influence of organizational design in this process.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is a comparative multiple case study based on four project-oriented enterprises, whose relationships between efficiency and flexibility are diverse from one another. It follows the process of building theory from case study, applying within-case and cross-case analysis and replication logic in shaping hypotheses.
Findings
The results show that the relationship between efficiency and flexibility in POOs can be divided into four different situations. The contradictory factors are identified as functional structure and project structure, standardized process and temporary plan, as well as strategic-level centralization and project-level decentralization. It is found that the key to achieve a balance between efficiency and flexibility is to coordinate the relationship of contradictory factors through the effective integration of organizational level and project level.
Originality/value
This study introduces the framework of organizational design in solving the dilemma of balancing between efficiency and flexibility, responding to the call for developing the project management theory from a strategic perspective. It provides theoretical support for POOs to achieve balancing between efficiency and flexibility, and suggests an effective synergy of organizational design in both organizational and project level.
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Fangwei Zhu, Linzhuo Wang, Miao Yu and Xiaotian Yang
A growing number of studies have become focused on managing conflict more effectively and comprehensively in the construction industry. However, little research has aimed to…
Abstract
Purpose
A growing number of studies have become focused on managing conflict more effectively and comprehensively in the construction industry. However, little research has aimed to operationalize all the facets related to the quality of conflict management that are necessary in governing conflict management. The purpose of this article is to propose a new model measuring the quality of conflict management in a construction project context that is not only inclusive but also practical.
Design/methodology/approach
To address this research gap, the authors used the measurement theory to investigate a series of studies, and then, developed a scale to operationalize the concept of quality of conflict management in a project context.
Findings
The findings show five dimensions to the quality of conflict management: satisfactory resolution outcome, integrated resolution process, conflict prevention, fairness perception, and post-conflict effect.
Originality/value
The research findings contribute to conflict management theory by providing the conceptualization and operationalization of conflict management quality. Practitioners will benefit from this article by understanding effective and efficient ways of managing conflicts in construction projects.
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Mouxuan Sun, Fangwei Zhu and Xiuxia Sun
The present study investigated how different factors interact and work in concert to influence construction professionals’ burnout (hereafter CPs’ burnout) in China.
Abstract
Purpose
The present study investigated how different factors interact and work in concert to influence construction professionals’ burnout (hereafter CPs’ burnout) in China.
Design/methodology/approach
A sequential mixed-method approach was chosen for this research. Twenty-two interviews were conducted and analysed, and we identified ten influencing factors associated with CPs’ burnout. Subsequently, a sample of 232 questionnaires was analysed using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to ascertain the eight configurations of CPs’ high and low burnout.
Findings
The key findings include the following: first, perceived workload, role ambiguity, role conflict, emotional demand, work-home interference, relationships with supervisors, autonomy, fairness of rewards, support from project team and self-efficacy are the ten factors influencing CPs’ burnout; second, experienced and less experienced construction professionals take different paths towards high or low burnout; and third, among construction professionals, perceived workload and burnout are not necessarily correlated. We found that autonomy plays a crucial role in this process.
Originality/value
This is one of the first studies to adopt a configurational approach for understanding influencing factors of CPs’ burnout. The strength of the present study is its sequential mixed-method approach, which forms a loop between the qualitative and quantitative studies.
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Haibin Chen, Jie Zhu, Fangwei Xie, Xinjian Guo and Xudong Zheng
The purpose of this paper is to use the viscosity of fluid to transmit power known as the hydro-viscous drive (HVD) to research the effect of two-phase flow on transmission…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to use the viscosity of fluid to transmit power known as the hydro-viscous drive (HVD) to research the effect of two-phase flow on transmission characteristics.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, a 3D computational model of oil film between friction pair was built to study the transmission characteristics of a two-phase oil film, and the distribution contours of pressure and temperature of oil film were investigated using the computational fluid dynamics technology.
Findings
The finding of the paper suggests that the distribution law of pressure and temperature of two-phase oil film is almost linear along the radial direction. However, since the physical phenomena near the outlet of the oil film are entirely different, there exists fluctuation. Meanwhile, the volume fraction of air was obtained at different rotation speeds, and the maximum value is 10.55 percent. Compared to the single-phase oil film, the torque transferred by the oil film is not linear with the rotation speed, its value decreases gradually.
Originality/value
This paper’s conclusions are very important for the study of HVD and its applications, which provide a new idea to further study the mechanism of oil film transmission and its cavitation. The development of fluid viscous speed clutch is dedicated to a large industrial fan and water pump speed regulation and energy saving. With the successful application of the technology, it will have more wide applications in different fields, such as, in steel, water, petrochemical, power plant of slag pump and exhaust fan.