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doi: 10.1080/01446193.2011.619994pmid: N/A
The themes of awareness and influence within the innovation diffusion process are addressed. The innovation diffusion process is typically represented as stages, yet awareness and influence are somewhat under-represented in the literature. Awareness and influence are situated within the contextual setting of individual actors but also within the broader institutional forces. Understanding how actors become aware of an innovation and then how their opinion is influenced is important for creating a more innovation-active UK construction sector. Social network analysis is proposed as one technique for mapping how awareness and influence occur and what they look like as a network. Empirical data are gathered using two modes of enquiry. This is done through a pilot study consisting of chartered professionals and then through a case study organization as it attempted to diffuse an innovation. The analysis demonstrates significant variations across actors’ awareness and influence networks. It is argued that social network analysis can complement other research methods in order to present a richer picture of how actors become aware of innovations and where they draw their influences regarding adopting innovations. In summarizing the findings, a framework for understanding awareness and influence associated with innovation within the UK construction sector is presented. Finally, with the UK construction sector continually being encouraged to be innovative, understanding and managing an actor’s awareness and influence network will be beneficial. The overarching conclusion thus describes the need not only to build research capacity in this area but also to push the boundaries related to the research methods employed.
Egbelakin, Temitope; Wilkinson, Suzanne; Potangaroa, Regan; Ingham, Jason
doi: 10.1080/01446193.2011.629664pmid: N/A
Implementing seismic risk mitigation is a major challenge in many earthquake-prone regions, despite the availability of a significant number of risk reduction measures such as technical design solutions and regulatory frameworks that include building codes, policies and regulations necessary to facilitate successful risk reduction activities. However, building owners have been found unwilling to retrofit their earthquake-prone buildings. The objective of this research is to investigate how to enhance buildings owners’ earthquake hazard preparedness decisions by adopting a motivational approach in order to reduce their vulnerability to earthquake risks. A multiple case studies approach was adopted and interviews conducted with the various stakeholders involved in seismic adjustments decisions. Significant intrinsic and extrinsic interventions such as intensifying and promoting the use of critical awareness motivators, financial and property market-based incentives necessary to enhance building owners’ decisions were revealed from the analysis of the qualitative data. These revealed intrinsic and extrinsic interventions offer plausible explanations regarding how human motivational orientation can be used to influence disaster preparedness decisions by increasing the salience of seismic risk issues.
doi: 10.1080/01446193.2011.633538pmid: N/A
As zero-accidents cultures expand in popularity, knowledge and implementation of safety regulations have become priorities for construction organizations. An expanded literature review revealed that many industry leaders have responded by increasing the frequency and content of health and safety training programmes; however the provision of training largely has remained consistent. Identifying workers’ conceptions of the training they receive is critical to the design and deployment of effective workplace education programmes. Utilizing a hybrid questionnaire of qualitative and quantitative components to assess perceptions and knowledge, data were collected from a sample (n = 121) representing construction professionals across the United States who had completed an OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Training Course. The data described a workforce dissatisfied with training effectiveness and characterized a widespread situation in which the distinguishing characteristics of adult learning had not been addressed by qualified trainers. Strong health and safety training programmes improve employee retention as well as compliance with health and safety requirements. Trainees are more likely to respond positively to training programmes when adult learning theories are integrated into safety trainer readiness programmes.
doi: 10.1080/01446193.2011.623708pmid: N/A
Little research is focused on payment risks which constitute the biggest obstacle to adequate cash flow and the contractor’s ability to successfully complete a project and maintain a viable business. To minimize risks and improve net cash flow in a project, the various ways in which the key stakeholders could contribute to the contractor’s payment risks and cash flow problems (the ‘problems’) were investigated along with the mitigation measures. Using a two-stage descriptive survey method, pilot interviews were conducted with contractors, subcontractors, project managers, designers and quantity surveyors (the ‘group’). A questionnaire was designed based on the constructs generated during unstructured pilot interviews and used to obtain feedback from 120 members of the ‘group’ through structured interviews. The feedback was analysed for risks using the multi-factor analytical technique. Results showed that employers were the most risky sources contributing 24% of the contractor’s ‘problems’ in a project. The contractors and subcontractors were evaluated as being ‘high’ risk sources contributing 19% and 17%, respectively. The consultants and suppliers were evaluated as ‘moderate’ and ‘very low’ risk sources, respectively, with overall 37% contribution. Ensuring valid payment and variation claims that are supported with well-documented evidence was a key mitigation measure suggested for addressing the critical risk factors attributed to the ‘group’. The findings could guide the project team’s risk management efforts, especially on how to efficiently allocate the available resources to address the risk factors with a view to achieving more satisfactory outcomes and profitability in a project.
Olbina, Svetlana; Hinze, Jimmie; Arduengo, Christopher
doi: 10.1080/01446193.2011.631553pmid: N/A
Drug testing is an effective way to improve jobsite safety, productivity and profits. Since drug use impairs the abilities of construction workers, many construction companies have implemented drug testing policies. The research aim was to identify the current drug testing practices of construction contractors. The research objectives were to determine: (1) the extent of the implementation of drug testing; (2) testing practices being used; (3) testing methods being used; (4) the most frequently drugs used; and (5) the use and prevalence of adulterants to cheat on drug tests. In 2008 the data were collected through surveys sent to US construction firms that were randomly selected from the Blue Book of Building and Construction. The results show that drug use continues to be a concern although the extent of drug use has declined in recent years. Most of the firms conduct both pre-employment drug screening and random drug testing. Marijuana and cocaine are the primary drugs used. Urine analysis continues to be the most common drug test used, while other testing methods are being explored with some hesitance. Cheating on drug tests appears to be a major concern. The results show that there is a statistically significant relationship between drug usage and safety performance.
Hee, Cordelia H.S.; Ling, Florence Yean Yng
doi: 10.1080/01446193.2011.637569pmid: N/A
Quantity surveyors (QS) play an important role in the construction industry. There is therefore a need to reduce their job turnover, by minimizing their intention to quit the job (turnover intention) and improving their job satisfaction. Turnover intention was operationalized as the number of years QS are likely to remain in the profession (Y1) and in their present firms (Y2). The aims are to investigate job and jobholder characteristics that significantly affect Y1 and Y2; and provide recommendations to reduce QS’ turnover intentions. Using questionnaire survey, data were collected via e-mail from randomly selected QS in Singapore. Correlation analysis revealed that to reduce turnover, QS should be given competitive monetary and non-monetary benefits, and autonomy in decision making. To reverse turnover intention of well-performing QS who are ensconced in their firms, firms could enrich QS’ jobs so that their growth needs are met and they feel a sense of accomplishment. Certain characteristics of QS and their jobs give rise to job satisfaction, and therefore designing quantity surveying jobs that take in these characteristics may decrease turnover intention. The relevant characteristics that should be included in the design of QS’ jobs to increase retention rates are task significance, autonomy and feedback.
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