Measuring Key Knowledge-Related Factors for Individuals in AEC Project Teams

Abstract

Knowledge management practices in architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) projects emphasize team integration and motivational factors to improve knowledge transfer among team members, many of whom come from different disciplines and organizations. However, increased knowledge transfer might raise transaction costs without bringing desired benefits if team members are not able to properly process transferred knowledge. To contribute to knowledge management practices in AEC projects, this study aims to identify key individual-level knowledge-related factors and develop indicators to measure them. Based on the literature, we identified four factors, namely knowledge application, absorptive capacity, articulating capacity, and common knowledge, and developed a set of indicators to measure them. To test the validity and reliability of these indicators, we collected data from an AEC project team including more than 160 individuals. Confirmatory factor analysis and Cronbach’s alphas supported the validity and reliability of the indicators. The study’s contribution to the body of knowledge is the expansion of our understanding of knowledge management practices in complex multiteam systems by considering and measuring individuals’ knowledge-related factors in AEC project teams.