Understanding Interactions between Design Team Members of Construction Projects Using Social Network Analysis

Abstract

Social network analysis (SNA) has not been used to study design project teams in which the full interactions have become more complex (formal and informal) because the team members are from different companies and there is no colocation. This work proposes a method to understand the interactions in the design teams of construction projects using SNA metrics and the sociograms generated within temporary organizations. This study includes three stages: (1) a literature review of the dimensions of interactions within work teams and the application of SNA to the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry; (2) a proposal of an interaction network method for construction project design teams; and (3) an analysis of a pilot project. Interaction networks were defined in two categories: general interactions and commitment management. For each network, metric indicators were defined for the analysis. The pilot project showed high levels of consistency among team responses. The proposed method allows an analysis of the entire work team and of each individual team member. The method also makes it possible to analyze the work team from a global perspective by carrying out a joint analysis of two or more networks.