Attitudes, behaviours and the transmission of cultural traits

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of an appropriate investigative mechanism deployed to uncover the link between individual attitude, consequent decision making and development of group culture, and their impact on the use of information and communication technology/building information modelling (ICT/BIM) across a temporary project organisation (TPO). Design/methodology/approach -The paper develops a protocol and conducts a case study of a specialist subcontractor associated with the design and construction of an engineered facade operating in a specific TPO. It adopts a phenomenological perspective, utilising ethnographic data collection techniques and constructivist analysis/abstraction. Findings -Differentiation resulted in impaired e-business activity; however, there was a positive impact on the overall project outcome. This was attributed to the positive cultural traits demonstrated by the specialist subcontractor. Individuals' attitudinal traits develop over time through personal experiences and interaction with others. These traits are transportable and potentially infectious, as in this case, where the result was beneficial to the stakeholders. Originality/value -The paper describes the successful implementation of an appropriate investigative protocol to chart the links between the beliefs and actions of individuals in relation to ICT/BIM, and the consequences for TPO culture and the project as a whole.

ICT & innovation: a case of integration in a regional construction firm

“…Moreover it was observed that the presence of a project participant with experience in this regard enabled such collaborative behaviours to temporarily exist within the wider network of TPO members. The value of this phenomenon was not confined to the engineered facade either, "infecting" the operational culture of the project team, leading to a more collaborative working environment (Brewer & Gajendran, 2012;p 8).…”

“…(Brewer & Gajendran, 2012) The design of research methods is shaped by a combination of theoretical and practical research considerations. These commence with consideration of ontology, what is believed to exist and its relationship to the existing body of knowledge.…”

Innovative Capability of Building Information Modeling in Construction Design

“…It has been stated internationally that the BIM adoption rate is slower than anticipated (Gu and London 2010;Elmualim and Gilder 2014), and BIM's expected technological potential for innovation could not be realised where it was implemented (e.g. Dossick and Neff 2010;Brewer and Gajendran 2012). It is widely acknowledged that in addition to technology implementation, BIM implementation should include process and organisational changes in order to fully realise its potential benefits (Gu and London 2010;Arayici et al 2011;Olatunji 2011).…”

“…It is widely acknowledged that in addition to technology implementation, BIM implementation should include process and organisational changes in order to fully realise its potential benefits (Gu and London 2010;Arayici et al 2011;Olatunji 2011). It has been further argued that the inability to realise the full potential of BIM is connected to social issues Dossick and Neff 2011;Brewer and Gajendran 2012). Hence arguments that highlight what practitioners and organisations actually do with BIM technologies focus on the (enabling and disabling) roles of organisational and social issues in BIM-enabled innovation.…”

The Impact of Individual Beliefs and Expectations on BIM Adoption in the AEC Industry

“…Studies in dig ital construction s howed that resistance (Davis & Songer 2008;Brewer & Gajendran 2012) and other socio-techno behaviours may raise during early stages of adoption: e.g. stubbornness of employees about keeping the old CAD ways of working alive (Morlhon et al 2014;Tu lenheimo 2015).…”