IT sophistication, performance and progress towards formal electronic communication in the Hong Kong construction industry

Purpose - The adoption of computer technology by the construction industry has been driven by the competitive advantages offered by the available technology. The continuing evolution of information technology (IT) in the construction industry has led to widespread e-mail use for informal project communications but, as yet, only limited use of IT for formal communications. This study aims to address this issue Design/methodology/approach - An industry survey was conducted to assess the improvement towards IT literacy and increased competitiveness through the use of IT in Hong Kong, by comparison with previous surveys in the UK, Australia and Hong Kong. Findings - The research found that the Hong Kong construction industry's IT technical maturity and technical infrastructure are well advanced and remain at about the same level as Australia and the UK. Construction professionals commonly perceived benefits in migration to formal electronic communications. Originality/value - The perceived obstacles to the industry's adoption of formal IT-based communications were found to be additional cost and security/confidentiality concerns, but there are underlying obstacles in the industry's structure and lack of incentive (and budget) at project level.