Knowledge creation opportunities for consultants in the construction industry

Abstract

As knowledge-intensive organisations, consultant organisations in the construction industry need to manage knowledge effectively to enhance both organisational performance and customer value. This research explores how knowledge creation (KC) opportunities for different consultant professionals such as Architects, Quantity Surveyors and Structural Engineers differ based on the nature of the job they are required to perform. The research was carried out in Sri Lanka using a survey research method. In total, questionnaires were distributed to 213 construction professionals such as Consultant Quantity Surveyors (QS), Consultant Architects, and Consultant Structural Engineers. Research findings highlighted that the job functions of these professionals are less diversified and repetitive in nature. With regard to KC, results revealed that Architects and Engineers have more opportunities compared to Quantity Surveyors. In addition, mixed results were obtained for different knowledgecreation modes, namely, ocialisation, extemalisation, combination and internalisation. The research finally concludes that the nature of the job of the studied professionals lead to different levels of knowledge creation opportunities. This research can be extended to other construction rganisations, psychological factors, and on barriers to knowledge creation as future directions.