A Conceptual Exploration of a Collaborative Environment in the Construction Industry When Working With Temporary Socio-Technical Processes

Abstract

Previous research on construction projects showed that low productivity characterizes the construction industry, repeatedly explained in terms of the industry’s complex and fragmented nature. However, few studies have approached the production problem in terms of the entire industry. This paper consequently elaborates on the challenges and the importance of a collaborative environment in the construction industry because construction is complex, with the main operations produced within temporary and sociotechnical systems. Through a conceptual exploration, this paper combines theories on networks, boundaries, open systems, and loose and tight couplings to assesses the consequences of temporality and how integrated project delivery (IPD) tighten couplings in the industry. Finding show that because projects are temporary, they challenge the multilevel connections of networks needed for the industry’s evolution to become more productive. However, theories on open systems and tight and loose couplings indicate that IPD enable a cooperative network environment. Thus, the boundaries of cooperative delivery models will enable a stronger link between change and process, industry and projects, needed for a socio-technical process in construction.