Knowledge Transferring Features in Traditional Construction Project Team in China: Based on SNA

Yong Tang

doi:10.4236/ti.2012.34032

Abstract

For the uniqueness and one-time feature, construction project is urgently needed in knowledge transferring to acquire its high performance. This paper focuses in the exploration of knowledge transferring features from the network perspective. Based on the data from a real construction project team of 40 members, we find that all members have knowledge transferring behavior, while the knowledge transferring density is comparatively low and distance is long; from cluster analysis we find that 89 different clusters in the whole network, and some members (especially the managers) repeated appear in different clusters and assume the responsibilities in coordinating knowledge transferring.

Highlights

Transferring knowledge effectively is long been viewed as an important indicator for a company to acquire competence advantage (Linda Argotea, 2000) [1]
For the uniqueness and one-time feature, construction project is urgently needed in knowledge transferring to acquire its high performance
Based on the data from a real construction project team of 40 members, we find that all members have knowledge transferring behavior, while the knowledge transferring density is comparatively low and distance is long; from cluster analysis we find that 89 different clusters in the whole network, and some members repeated appear in different clusters and assume the responsibilities in coordinating knowledge transferring

Summary

Introduction

Transferring knowledge effectively is long been viewed as an important indicator for a company to acquire competence advantage (Linda Argotea, 2000) [1]. Scholars consistently deem knowledge transferring abilities as an effective means to improve company’s performance (Kogut et al, 1992) [5]. In knowledge-based era, organizations are viewed as social communities specializing in efficient knowledge creation and transfer (Kogut et al, 1996) [6]. SNA is a method in calculating some variables such as network density, cohesion degree based on ties and related weights of every pair of ties (Wasserman, 1994) [10]. It is efficient in telling the features of group communication and the individual communication in the group

The Knowledge Management in Construction Project Team

Background

Detailed Processes

Discussion and Analysis

Conclusions and Recommendations