Interaction between Project- and Group-Level Knowledge Transfer in Project Team Networks: A Social Influence Analysis
Publication: Journal of Management in Engineering
Volume 40, Issue 2
Abstract
Collaboration is challenging for complex project teams that have many subteams with diverse and complementary skills that are working toward shared goals. Knowledge transfer among subteams (i.e., project-level knowledge transfer) enhances integrative collaboration and results in behavioral changes within subteams (i.e., group-level knowledge transfer). However, there is a lack of quantitative evidence about how such project-level knowledge transfer influences group-level knowledge transfer behaviors. This study examined the change in knowledge transfer behaviors along with project progress, using the energy-efficiency subteam as an example. To achieve the goal, the authors collected longitudinal email exchanges and archival project data during the delivery of a complex construction project in the state of Michigan. Social network analysis and social influence models were utilized to analyze the change of knowledge-transfer networks over time. The results confirmed that exposure to project-level knowledge transfer positively predicts the subsequent group-level knowledge transfer behaviors during project delivery, measured by eigenvector centrality. The findings provide quantitative evidence explaining the importance of knowledge transfer behaviors in project communication: project-level knowledge transfers change members’ attitudes and behaviors and subsequently improve individuals’ influences in their respective project subteams. In addition, opinion leaders demonstrate a certain extent of resistance to the change.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
This research was supported by the National Science Foundation through Grant No. 1825678. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the researchers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
References
Baek, S. I., and S. H. Bae. 2019. “The effect of social network centrality on knowledge sharing.” J. Serv. Sci. Res. 11 (2): 183–202. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12927-019-0009-2.
Bonacich, P. 1972. “Factoring and weighting approaches to status scores and clique identification.” J. Math. Sociol. 2 (1): 113–120. https://doi.org/10.1080/0022250X.1972.9989806.
Borgatti, S. P. 2005. “Centrality and network flow.” Social Networks 27 (1): 55–71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socnet.2004.11.008.
Borgatti, S. P., and M. G. Everett. 2000. “Models of core/periphery structures.” Social Networks 21 (4): 375–395. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0378-8733(99)00019-2.
Brass, D. J. 1984. “Being in the right place: A structural analysis of individual influence in an organization.” Admin. Sci. Q. 29 (4): 518–539. https://doi.org/10.2307/2392937.
Butts, C. 2008. “Social network analysis: A methodological introduction.” Asian J. Soc. Psychol. 11 (1): 13–41. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-839X.2007.00241.x.
Chinowsky, P., J. Diekmann, and V. Galotti. 2008. “Social network model of construction.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 134 (10): 804–812. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2008)134:10(804).
Chinowsky, P., J. E. Taylor, and M. Di Marco. 2011. “Project network interdependency alignment: New approach to assessing project effectiveness.” J. Manage. Eng. 27 (3): 170–178. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000048.
Cross, R., A. Parker, and S. Borgatti. 2014. “A bird’s-eye view: Using social network analysis to improve knowledge creation and sharing.” In IBM institute for business value. New York: IBM Corporation.
Das, K., S. Samanta, and M. Pal. 2018. “Study on centrality measures in social networks: A survey.” Social Network Anal. Min. 8 (1): 13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13278-018-0493-2.
Deutsch, M., and H. B. Gerard. 1955. “A study of normative and informational social influences upon individual judgment.” J. Abnormal Social Psychol. 51 (3): 629–636. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0046408.
Di Marco, M. K., J. E. Taylor, and P. Alin. 2010. “Emergence and role of cultural boundary spanners in global engineering project networks.” J. Manage. Eng. 26 (3): 123–132. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000019.
Du, J., D. Zhao, R. R. A. Issa, and N. Singh. 2020. “BIM for improved project communication networks: Empirical evidence from email logs.” J. Comput. Civ. Eng. 34 (5): 04020027. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CP.1943-5487.0000912.
Duva, M., S. Mollaoglu, D. Zhao, and K. Frank. 2020. “Expertise flows in AEC projects: An analysis of multi-level teams for sustainability.” In Proc., 18th Annual Engineering Project Organization Conf. (EPOC). Vail, CO: Engineering Project Organization Society.
Duva, M., D. Zhao, S. Mollaoglu, and K. A. Frank. 2022. “Knowledge exchanges in complex project networks: Influence model.” In Proc., Construction Research Congress 2022, 1055–1061. Reston, VA: ASCE.
Fong, P. S., and B. W. Lung. 2007. “Interorganizational teamwork in the construction industry.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 133 (2): 157–168. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9364(2007)133:2(157).
Foss, N. J., K. Husted, and S. Michailova. 2010. “Governing knowledge sharing in organizations: Levels of analysis, governance mechanisms, and research directions.” J. Manage. Stud. 47 (3): 455–482. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6486.2009.00870.x.
Frank, K., Y.-J. Lo, K. Torphy, and J. Kim. 2018a. “Social networks and educational opportunity.” In Handbook of the sociology of education in the 21st century, edited by B. Schneider, 297–316. Berlin: Springer.
Frank, K. A. 2000. “Impact of a confounding variable on a regression coefficient.” Sociol. Methods Res. 29 (2): 147–194. https://doi.org/10.1177/0049124100029002001.
Frank, K. A., and K. Fahrbach. 1999. “Organization culture as a complex system: Balance and information in models of influence and selection.” Organ. Sci. 10 (3): 253–277. https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.10.3.253.
Frank, K. A., S. J. Maroulis, M. Q. Duong, and B. M. Kelcey. 2013. “What would it take to change an inference? Using Rubin’s causal model to interpret the robustness of causal inferences.” Educ. Eval. Policy Anal. 35 (4): 437–460. https://doi.org/10.3102/0162373713493129.
Frank, K. A., and R. Xu. 2020. “Causal inference for social network analysis.” In The Oxford handbook of social networks, 288–310. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.
Frank, K. A., R. Xu, and W. R. Penuel. 2018b. “Implementation of evidence-based practice in human service organizations: Implications from agent-based models.” J. Policy Anal. Manage. 37 (4): 867–895. https://doi.org/10.1002/pam.22081.
Franz, B., R. Leicht, and K. Maslak. 2018. “Framework for assessing resilience in the communication networks of AEC teams.” Eng. Project Organ. J. 8 (1). https://doi.org/10.25219/epoj.2018.00108.
Franz, B., R. Leicht, K. Molenaar, and J. Messner. 2017. “Impact of team integration and group cohesion on project delivery performance.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 143 (1): 04016088. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001219.
Freeman, L. C. 1978. “Centrality in social networks conceptual clarification.” Social Networks 1 (3): 215–239. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-8733(78)90021-7.
Froehlich, D., and K. B. Carbonell. 2022. “Social influences on team learning.” In Research approaches on workplace learning: Insights from a growing field, edited by C. Harteis, D. Gijbels, and E. Kyndt. 239–255. Berlin: Springer.
Garcia, A. J., and S. Mollaoglu. 2020a. “Individual’s capacities to apply transferred knowledge in AEC project teams.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 146 (4): 04020016. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001791.
Garcia, A. J., and S. Mollaoglu. 2020b. “Measuring key knowledge-related factors for individuals in AEC project teams.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 146 (7): 04020063. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0001850.
Garcia, A. J., S. Mollaoglu, K. A. Frank, M. Duva, and D. Zhao. 2021. “Emergence and evolution of network structures in complex interorganizational project teams.” J. Manage. Eng. 37 (5): 04021056. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000951.
Garcia, A. J., S. Mollaoglu-Korkmaz, and V. Miller. 2014. “Progress loops in interorganizational project teams: An IPD case.” In Proc., Construction Research Congress (CRC). London: CRC Press.
Golbeck, J. 2013. “Chapter 3—Network structure and measures.” In Analyzing the social web, edited by J. Golbeck, 25–44. Boston: Morgan Kaufmann.
Granovetter, M. S. 1973. “The strength of weak ties.” Am. J. Sociol. 78 (6): 1360–1380. https://doi.org/10.1086/225469.
Hanneman, R. A., and M. Riddle. 2005. Introduction to social network methods. Riverside, CA: Univ. of California.
Henry, A. D., and B. Vollan. 2014. “Networks and the challenge of sustainable development.” Annu. Rev. Environ. Resour. 39 (1): 583–610. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-environ-101813-013246.
Hossain, L. 2009. “Effect of organisational position and network centrality on project coordination.” Int. J. Project Manage. 27 (7): 680–689. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2008.11.004.
Jasimuddin, S. M. 2007. “Exploring knowledge transfer mechanisms: The case of a UK-based group within a high-tech global corporation.” Int. J. Inf. Manage. 27 (4): 294–300. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijinfomgt.2007.03.003.
Javernick-Will, A. 2012. “Motivating knowledge sharing in engineering and construction organizations: Power of social motivations.” J. Manage. Eng. 28 (2): 193–202. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000076.
Kadushin, C. 2012. Understanding social networks: Theories, concepts, and findings. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.
Kaufer, D. S., and K. M. Carley. 2012. Communication at a distance: The influence of print on sociocultural organization and change. London: Routledge.
Kelman, H. C. 1953. “Attitude change as a function of response restriction.” Hum. Relations 6 (3): 185–214. https://doi.org/10.1177/001872675300600301.
Kereri, J. O., and C. M. Harper. 2018. “Trends in social network research in construction teams: A literature review.” In Proc., Construction Research Congress 2018, 115–125. London: CRC Press.
Koolwijk, J. S. J., C. J. van Oel, and J. C. G. Moreno. 2020. “No-blame culture and the effectiveness of project-based design teams in the construction industry: The mediating role of teamwork.” J. Manage. Eng. 36 (4): 04020033. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000796.
Korkmaz, S., D. Riley, and M. Horman. 2010. “Piloting evaluation metrics for sustainable high-performance building project delivery.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 136 (8): 877–885. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000195.
Kratzer, J., R. T. A. J. Leenders, and J. M. L. Van Engelen. 2010. “The social network among engineering design teams and their creativity: A case study among teams in two product development programs.” Int. J. Project Manage. 28 (5): 428–436. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2009.09.007.
Lee, C.-Y., H.-Y. Chong, P.-C. Liao, and X. Wang. 2018. “Critical review of social network analysis applications in complex project management.” J. Manage. Eng. 34 (2): 04017061. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000579.
Li, K., L. Zhang, and H. Huang. 2018. “Social influence analysis: Models, methods, and evaluation.” Engineering 4 (1): 40–46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eng.2018.02.004.
Marks, M. A., J. E. Mathieu, and S. J. Zaccaro. 2001. “A temporally based framework and taxonomy of team processes.” Acad. Manage. Rev. 26 (3): 356–376. https://doi.org/10.2307/259182.
Marsden, P. V., and N. E. Friedkin. 1993. “Network studies of social influence.” Sociol. Methods Res. 22 (1): 127–151. https://doi.org/10.1177/0049124193022001006.
Mollaoglu-Korkmaz, S., V. D. Miller, and W. Sun. 2014. “Assessing key dimensions to effective innovation implementation in interorganizational project teams: An integrated project delivery case.” Eng. Project Organ. J. 4 (1): 17–30. https://doi.org/10.1080/21573727.2013.855895.
Mollaoglu-Korkmaz, S., L. Swarup, and D. Riley. 2013. “Delivering sustainable, high-performance buildings: Influence of project delivery methods on integration and project outcomes.” J. Manage. Eng. 29 (1): 71–78. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000114.
Ni, G., Q. Cui, L. Sang, W. Wang, and D. Xia. 2018. “Knowledge-sharing culture, project-team interaction, and knowledge-sharing performance among project members.” J. Manage. Eng. 34 (2): 04017065. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000590.
Nonaka, I. 1994. “A dynamic theory of organizational knowledge creation.” Organ. Sci. 5 (1): 14–37. https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.5.1.14.
Pauget, B., and A. Wald. 2013. “Relational competence in complex temporary organizations: The case of a French hospital construction project network.” Int. J. Project Manage. 31 (2): 200–211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2012.07.001.
Penuel, W., K. Frank, M. Sun, C. Kim, and C. Singleton. 2013. “The organization as a filter of institutional diffusion.” Teachers Coll. Rec. 115 (1): 1–33. https://doi.org/10.1177/016146811311500105.
Peters, L. D., A. D. Pressey, and W. J. Johnston. 2017. “Contagion and learning in business networks.” Ind. Mark. Manage. 61 (Apr): 43–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2016.06.011.
Poleacovschi, C., and A. Javernick-Will. 2016. “Spanning information and knowledge across subgroups and its effects on individual performance.” J. Manage. Eng. 32 (4): 04016006. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ME.1943-5479.0000423.
Poleacovschi, C., A. Javernick-Will, and T. Tong. 2017. “The link between knowledge sharing connections and employee time savings: A social network analysis.” Construct. Manage. Econ. 35 (8–9): 455–467. https://doi.org/10.1080/01446193.2017.1287414.
Quintane, E., and A. Kleinbaum. 2011. “Matter over mind? E-mail data and the measurement of social networks.” Connections 31 (1): 22–36.
Rosenberg, J. M., R. Xu, Q. Lin, and K. A. Frank. 2022. Konfound-It!: Quantify the robustness of causal inference. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE.
Sanchez, O. P., M. A. Terlizzi, and H. R. O. C. de Moraes. 2017. “Cost and time project management success factors for information systems development projects.” Int. J. Project Manage. 35 (8): 1608–1626. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2017.09.007.
Singley, M. K., and J. R. Anderson. 1989. The transfer of cognitive skill. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
Swarup, L., S. Korkmaz, and D. Riley. 2011. “Project delivery metrics for sustainable, high-performance buildings.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 137 (12): 1043–1051. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000379.
Szulanski, G. 1996. “Exploring internal stickiness: Impediments to the transfer of best practice within the firm.” Supplement, Strategic Manage. J. 17 (S2): 27–43. https://doi.org/10.1002/smj.4250171105.
UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme). 2020. Global status report for buildings and construction: Towards a zero-emission, Efficient and resilient buildings and construction sector. Washington, DC: UNEP.
US Energy Information Administration. 2021. International energy outlook. Washington, DC: EIA.
USGBC (US Green Building Council). 2020. LEED reference guide for building design and construction. Washington, DC: USGBC.
Valente, T. W. 2010. Social networks and health: Models, methods, and applications. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.
Valente, T. W., and P. Pumpuang. 2007. “Identifying opinion leaders to promote behavior change.” Health Educ. Behav. 34 (6): 881–896. https://doi.org/10.1177/1090198106297855.
Wei, Y., and S. Miraglia. 2017. “Organizational culture and knowledge transfer in project-based organizations: Theoretical insights from a Chinese construction firm.” Int. J. Project Manage. 35 (4): 571–585. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2017.02.010.
Zhao, D., M. Duva, S. Mollaoglu, K. Frank, A. Garcia, and J. Tait. 2021. “Integrative collaboration in fragmented project organizations: Network perspective.” J. Constr. Eng. Manage. 147 (10): 04021115. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0002149.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Management in Engineering
Volume 40 • Issue 2 • March 2024
Copyright
© 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 5, 2023
Accepted: Oct 20, 2023
Published online: Jan 5, 2024
Published in print: Mar 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Jun 5, 2024
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Analysis (by type)
- Business management
- Construction engineering
- Construction management
- Data collection
- Energy efficiency
- Energy engineering
- Engineering fundamentals
- Methodology (by type)
- Network analysis
- Personnel management
- Practice and Profession
- Project management
- Research methods (by type)
- Social factors
- Structural behavior
- Structural engineering
- Team building
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.