A study of knowledge sharing in multinational construction alliances

Ingirige, Bingunath

Abstract

Alliances within construction have increased significantly in number and in the volume
of activity they undertake in recent years. Further, communications technologies have
progressed to a degree where they can support collaborations across geographic
borders. The prevailing literature generally notes that alliances are effective
collaborative 'vehicles', which facilitate 'automatic' knowledge sharing. Although
writers in the field highlight benefits of developing knowledge sharing as a core
capability to create and maintain sustained collaboration and sustainable competitive
advantage, a majority of the alliances engage in short-term orientated work processes
targeting short-term commercial advantages. This research contextualised this
phenomenon within construction alliances and investigated the business logic of
developing knowledge sharing as a core capability.
First, a conceptual model was developed from a review and synthesis of the relevant
literature. The four variables in the conceptual model were:
(i) Alliance strategic direction;
(ii) Alliance Climate;
(iii) Task relatedness of messages communicated through knowledge
transfer mechanisms; and
(iv) Media richness of knowledge transfer mechanisms.
The conceptual model comprised the framework for five interrelated hypotheses. Then,
the hypotheses were tested utilising two construction alliance case studies: HN alliance
was a project based joint venture alliance between two large international construction
contractors and XY alliance is a long-term strategic partnering alliance between a
petroleum retailer and a construction project management company. The principal data
collection methods used were semi structured interviews for senior executives and
structured interviews for the project managers. The principal method used for data
analysis was cognitive mapping.
The empirical testing of hypotheses revealed that the alliances concentrated on shortterm
commercial advantages to the detriment of longer term sustainable competitive
advantages. Therefore, initiatives taken to improve high quality interactions among
alliance participants and thereby sustain inter-firm relationships have not yielded the
anticipated benefits. The study comments on the diagnostic robustness of the initial

Citation

Ingirige, B. A study of knowledge sharing in multinational construction alliances. (Thesis). Salford : University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 3, 2012
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2004