The link between construction apps’ acceptance and digital attributes of construction professionals: perspectives from digital competence model

Abstract

Purpose The advancement of digital technological breakthroughs in the construction industry is dependent on connecting the attributes of the intended consumers to the technologies. Thus, this study aims to look at the relationship between construction app acceptance and the digital qualities of construction professionals (CPs) to determine whether understanding the connection can assist predict construction app user behaviour. Design/methodology/approach This study’s theoretical approach was derived from the European Union digital competence model, which supports the hypothesis that the traits associated with digital competence enable digitally competent CPs to embrace construction apps. Six hypotheses were developed to investigate the theories, and multiple linear regression analysis was used to predict the acceptance of construction apps based on the CP’s attributes. Findings The investigation’s findings revealed that the CP’s attributes can explain at least 50% of the proportion of variance in 34 construction apps. The use of a smartphone (Mean Score = 3.30; Factor Loading = 0.609), technological orientation (Mean Score = 3.55; Factor Loading = 0.663), information technology skills (Mean Score = 3.48; Factor Loading = 0.649), information on construction innovation (Mean Score = 3.73; Factor Loading = 0.528) and interest in R&D (Mean Score = 3.48; Factor Loading = 0.531) are the digital characteristics that can essentially forecast the acceptance of construction apps. The data backs up the notion that CPs would gain digital competency before accepting construction apps. This is because a digitally savvy CP will most likely embrace construction apps. Research limitations/implications Frameworks for accelerating digital technologies and innovations in the construction industry have been unveiled in this study. The research also gives recommendations for the evaluation, design and implementation of a more attractive construction app. This study also has implications for investigating the impacts of risk aversion, personal connection, social influence, technological curiosity and digital nativity as predictors of construction app uptake. Practical implications The findings of this study serve as an index for prioritising digital traits for CPs and characterising a digitally proficient construction professional. The findings provide recommendations for organising, training and supporting construction personnel’ digital competencies. The research is useful for developing and implementing instructional digital training programmes. Originality/value This study is unusual in that it provides clear insights on construction apps as well as variables for building great user-experience apps for CPs, which are both limited in the literature.