Knowledge sharing through social networks within construction organisations: case studies in Australia

Abstract

Knowledge sharing through social networks is becoming an increasingly important mechanism for effective management of construction projects, which are regarded as heavily knowledge-intensive and relying on experiential knowledge. However, little is known on how social networks exist and their role in knowledge sharing within construction organisations in Australia. The aim of this study is to identify knowledge sharing processes within social networks in construction organisation using social network analysis (SNA). The research method for this study takes an interpretive stance using a case study approach to gain an in-depth insight. Accordingly, several mini cases (networks) within a single construction organisation were chosen for the study. Data collected through semi-structured questionnaires with key actors in each network were analysed using SNA tool. Consequently, a range of knowledge sharing processes adopted were found along with teams possessing higher network tie strength implementing structured knowledge sharing processes. Overall, the study found that networks portraying relational social capital dimension are the strongest ties. Although, the study is a case study with a single construction organisation, the findings are useful for strengthening network ties in similar construction organisations. The research also offers a method to identify strengths of networks using SNA tool for any organisation.