Understanding Factors Influencing Project Managers’ Behavioral Intentions to Reduce Waste in Construction Projects

Abstract

Although investigating project stakeholders’ waste reduction intentions and behaviors has gained increasing attention in construction projects, limited efforts have been devoted to understanding behavioral intentions of project managers. Thus, research is needed to identify the motivational factors determining project managers’ waste reduction intentions. This study aimed to explore the predictors of project managers’ waste reduction intentions through a theoretical model developed based on Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior (TPB). Data collected from 199 project managers in China were tested against the TPB model, using the multiple regression analysis approach. The results strongly support the TPB model in predicting project managers’ waste reduction intentions. Particularly, attitude was found to be the strongest predictor of project managers’ waste reduction intentions, followed by subjective norms and perceived behavioral control. This study advances previous research by developing a model for exploring the predictors of project managers’ waste reduction intentions. Understanding the underlying interrelations of those factors influencing project managers’ waste reduction intentions can contribute to promoting project managers’ waste reduction intentions and willingness in practice.