Innovation development and adoption in small construction firms in Ghana

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this research is to identify the conditions under which the internal environment of small construction firms makes them either develop or adopt an innovation. Design/methodology/approach The research described in this paper adopted a qualitative case study approach. The data were obtained from multiple sources such as face-to-face semi-structured interviews with company representatives and from project reports. Findings The study identified that firms’ decision to either adopt or develop an innovation is determined by a complex interaction between their internal environment and 12 different conditions. Some of the findings contrast widespread perceptions in broader literature on innovation development and adoption in small construction firms. Research limitations/implications The study focused only on firms from two regions in Ghana. Additionally, adopting a purely qualitative approach meant that the quantitative impacts of the different factors were not presented. Practical implications The results can inform the decisions of agencies and persons wishing to invest their resources in innovation activities of small construction firms. It can also inform the policy debate and directions of government and industry associations looking to create innovation-friendly environments in the small business sector. Originality/value This research provides a better understanding of innovation development and adoption by small construction firms. Given that there is little previous research on innovation by small construction firms, especially in developing economies, the paper complements existing studies that generally focus on much larger firms and developed economies.

An Integrated Participatory Systems Modelling Approach: Application to Construction Innovation

“…Subsequently, lower levels of barriers contribute positively to the innovation process. This relation is consistent with literature [2,3]. The graph represents an exponential decay behaviour created by a reinforcing loop.…”

“…The construction sector plays a key role in any country's economy. However, the innovation implementation process in the construction industry has been extremely slow [2][3][4][5]. One of the reasons is a significant gap between the creation of theoretical foundations for technology within R&D and their absorption and application in mass production.…”

Knowledge management and the competitiveness of small construction firms

“…Nevertheless, it was observed that small and medium companies pay less attention to KM and innovation compared to large companies (Park et al , 2013; Dansoh et al , 2017). It is observable that small companies are at a disadvantage on the technology and technical expertise front (Jeffcoate et al , 2000), but a broad range of knowledge, skills and technology are crucial for the company to perform multiple tasks and remain healthy (Sexton and Barret, 2003; Boyd et al , 2004).…”

Examining transition pathways to construction innovation in Russia: a system dynamics approach

“…Nevertheless, a high level of innovation performance is extremely important for the industry's growth and the development a country economy. Many studies have been undertaken to examine innovationrelated topics in the field of construction management (Egbu 2004;Stewart 2007;Panuwatwanich et al 2008Panuwatwanich et al , 2009aPanuwatwanich et al , 2009bDavidson 2013;Ozorhon 2013;Davis et al 2016;Dansoh et al 2017;Yusof et al 2017). It is worth noting, that most of the aforementioned studies have addressed innovation processes in the industry by mainly focusing at the project and firm level.…”