Attenuating disruptions in knowledge flows in construction projects

Attenuating disruptions in knowledge flows during the delivery of construction project is beneficial for problem-solving; relationship-management; and reflexive practice in the project environment. There are however limited studies that have examined the role of knowledge-brokering and relationship management in construction project delivery. Knowledge-brokers are often beneficial in attenuating disruptions in knowledge flows; in-graining positive relational dynamics and encouraging healthy team culture across project teams. This research presents a conceptual framework for visualising the mechanism of knowledge flow across different levels (i.e., individuals; teams; and project) in a construction setting to enhance project performance outcomes. Using an inductive case-study method; we collect triangulated data through questionnaire surveys; focus-groups; and semi-structured interviews on an Australian construction project that engaged a facilitator as knowledge-broker between construction teams. This research found that the intermediate role of the facilitator was instrumental in shaping how problems were identified and efficiently resolved. The novelty of this study is that alliance principles of knowledge-brokering are being applied in a fixed-price lump-sum contractual arrangements, which typically tends to be adversarial and hinders effective knowledge flow between parties in projects.