Developing an Impact Model in Construction Companies During Pandemics

Abstract

The distinctive traits of COVID-19, which were different from other viral pathogens, quickly compelled the World Health Organization (WHO) to announce a pandemic. Many affected countries responded with different approaches to the pandemic. The disease became prevalent in the U.S. with a short delay after Asian and European regions were infected; however, the initial impacts of COVID-19 were massive, and its effects were beyond anyone's expectations. The pandemic caused new situations for various markets, including the construction industry, and demanded additional health and safety regulations. In addition, the economic effect of COVID-19 on the construction industry became another mediumand long-term challenge for construction managers and executives. In order to examine the initial perceptions of construction professionals about the COVID-19 impacts, a study was conducted during its early appearance in the U.S. during the spring of 2020. The objective of this study was to evaluate the construction professionals' perceptions of pandemics and further investigate the possibility and characteristics of an impact model during pandemics. A model was developed to highlight areas and aspects that are impacted by COVID-19 related to construction companies. The model examination was followed by a quantitative method to gather data and analyze the responses. An online survey was conducted in 2020 to verify the validity of the proposed model. The model maps out environments, domains, and factors impacting construction companies during pandemics. The implication of this paper is to realize the early perceptions of construction professionals about pandemics and the necessity of an impact model to handle the negative effects of any global disturbances. The results of this paper will help construction managers to recognize potentially affected areas and more effectively manage crisis response plans.