Explaining Knowledge-Sharing Intention in Construction Teams in Hong Kong

Abstract

Knowledge sharing among construction team members is important for improving project performance and successful project delivery. This study aims to develop an integrative understanding of factors affecting individual knowledge-sharing intention in construction teams in Hong Kong. Based on the widely accepted theory of planned behavior (TPB), a comprehensive research model and corresponding hypotheses were developed. To test the research model and hypotheses, a questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data from pro- fessionals working in construction companies in Hong Kong. Then the data were analyzed by the statistic technique of structural equation modeling (SEM). The results indicate that professionals' knowledge-sharing intention is mainly determined by their attitude toward and perceived behavioral control over knowledge sharing, but weakly influenced by subjective norms regarding knowledge sharing. The research findings also reveal that professionals' attitude toward knowledge sharing is positively influenced by perceptions of knowledge self-efficacy and feedback, while it has no significant relationships with perceptions of economic reward and enhanced personal relationship. In addition, the results show that information and communication technology (ICT) support has a significant effect on professionals' perceived behavioral control over knowledge sharing. This study is one of the first to use the existing theory of social psychology to examine knowledge-sharing behavior in the construction sector. It provides a new direction for studying knowledge sharing in the construction industry. Based on the research findings, several implications are suggested for construction companies to manage professionals' knowledge-sharing behavior in construction teams. Research limitations and recommendations for future studies are also discussed. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862 .0000607. © 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.