What drives the adoption of building information modeling in design organizations? An empirical investigation of the antecedents affecting architects' behavioral intentions

Abstract

For years, building information modeling (BIM) has attracted much attention in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. BIM has furthermore been widely employed in design organizations. Although BIM is emerging as a useful tool for facilitating design processes, the expected benefits of BIM have not yet been fully realized during the course of its implementation. The aim of this study is to empirically examine the factors that can potentially facilitate architects' adoption of BIM through an extension of the technology acceptance model. The results revealed that top management support, subjective norm, compatibility, and computer self-efficacy are critical factors affecting architects' behavioral intentions to adopt BIM. The relationships between these antecedent factors and behavioral intentions are mediated by perceived usefulness and/or ease of use. This study provides a framework to broaden understanding of adoption behavior within this context and thereby increasing the chances for successful adoption of BIM. • This study empirically examines the factors affecting architects' adoption of BIM. • The TAM was extended by adding five external variables as the theoretical framework. • The research model was validated with 162 responses from design organizations. • The results of this study broaden our understanding of adoption behavior of BIM.