179 research outputs found
The role of philosophical context in the development of theory: Towards methodological pluralism
The research strategy dictates the major direction of the research and constitutes one of the important decisions made by the researcher. However, researchers? understanding on theory at the outset of the research guides the design of the research. The paper presents an overview of the involvement of theory within different research philosophies, approaches and methods. The relationship between data and theory is an issue that has been long debated. Moving from data to theory is commonly discussed in social constructionism with inductive approach and ideographic methods. However, within positivism philosophy with deductive approach and nomothetic methods, moving from theory to data is common. However, the growing concept of philosophical pluralism and methodological pluralism challenges the polarised views on philosophies and approaches, which suggests that methodologies are best used in complementary way
Knowledge management research within the built environment: Research methodological perspectives
As built environment is of major importance to all societies and economies, it
is essential that the discipline advances as rapidly and rigorously as possible. Only by use of
appropriate methodologies and methods of research, the body of knowledge for construction
can be established and advanced with confidence. Research is always executed in context and
it is vital to give careful consideration to the research methodology at the outset of the
research. This paper discusses available research philosophies and methodologies, while
highlighting the main facets of the arguments on their relative characteristics. Issues that need
to be considered when selecting the most appropriate approach and research methods when
undertaking research in built environment context are outlined. In highlighting above, the
paper explains and justifies the selected research strategy for a performance oriented
knowledge management research in built environment context. Social constructionism stance
in terms of epistemological undertakings and idealistic approach under the ontological
assumptions with value laden purposes are suggested together with the deployment of
multiple exploratory case studies approach and triangulation techniques
Recognising the importance of "Tacit" skills of the construction worker in a knowledge environment
Construction knowledge workers and their tacit knowledge skills in particular are still considered to be relatively unexplored. Hence, proper understanding and management of this resource is of immense importance for better performance of the industry as a whole. The paper stresses the value of the knowledge worker and their tacit knowledge skills in construction and highlights the importance of skills, training and development of construction workers. Selecting right human resource policies and ensuring knowledge supportive culture are highlighted as two dimensions in construction knowledge worker development. This paper argues that this provides a valid basis to embrace the concept of knowledge worker and the importance of tacit knowledge skills at all levels within construction organisations
Managing the construction worker in a knowledge environment
Valuable human and knowledge resources will be wasted unless
organisations make better use of these prime resources. Construction knowledge
workers and their tacit knowledge in particular is still considered to be relatively
unexplored and proper understanding and management of this resource is of immense
importance for better organisational performance. The paper stresses the importance of
knowledge worker and tacit knowledge in construction and examines the contribution
towards the company performance. Two dimensions in construction knowledge worker
management are highlighted. This provides a valid basis to embrace the concept of
knowledge worker and a knowledge culture at all levels within construction
organisations
Tacit knowledge generation and utilisation in the construction industry
The importance of knowledge as a key determinant of organisational
competitiveness and better performance is increasingly appreciated by both
academics and practitioners. However, the concept of tacit knowledge still lacks
sufficient attention within the construction industry, despite the fact that proper
understanding and management of this resource is of immense importance for
the achievement of better organisational performance. As the initial step
towards the management of tacit knowledge, this paper examines the factors
affecting tacit knowledge generation and utilisation in the construction industry.
The study integrates theories of experiential learning, cognitive science and
knowledge creation, in order to articulate the process of tacit knowledge
generation and utilisation. The exploratory phase of the case study identified
several factors affecting tacit knowledge generation and utilisation in an
organisational context in terms of Individual level: Intra-personal drivers;
Group level: Inter-personal drivers; and Organisational level: Situational drivers
Managing construction workers and their tacit knowledge in a knowledge environment: A conceptual framework
Within the construction industry, it is increasingly being acknowledged that
knowledge management can bring about the much needed innovation and improved
performance the industry requires. Nevertheless, sufficient attention is still to be received for
the concept of the knowledge worker and their tacit knowledge within construction industry.
Yet, proper understanding and management of this resource is of immense importance for the
achievement of better organisational performance. Hence, this paper aims to devise a
theoretical framework for managing construction knowledge worker and their tacit knowledge
based on review and synthesis of literature. Paper stresses the importance of construction
knowledge worker and tacit knowledge through review of literature and highlights prevailing
gap due to lack of attention and recognition given to the tacit knowledge in the construction
industry. Based on identified gap research aim, objectives and hypotheses are devised. As the
specific research methodology, the social constructionism stance in terms of epistemological
undertakings and idealistic approach under the ontological assumptions with value laden
purposes are suggested. Further, it recommends the deployment of multiple exploratory case
studies approach with triangulation techniques
The role of philosophical context in the development of research methodology and theory
The research strategy dictates the major direction of the research and
constitutes one of the important decisions made by the researcher. However, researchers’
understanding on theory at the outset of the research guides the design of the research. The
paper presents an overview of the involvement of theory within different research
philosophies, approaches and methods. The relationship between data and theory is an issue
that has been long debated. Moving from data to theory is commonly discussed in social
constructionism with inductive approach and ideographic methods. However, within
positivism philosophy with deductive approach and nomothetic methods, moving from theory
to data is common. However, the growing concept of philosophical pluralism and
methodological pluralism challenges the polarised views on philosophies and approaches,
which suggests that methodologies are best used in complementary way
The role of tacit knowledge in the construction industry: towards a definition
The construction industry is perceived as one of the knowledge-based value creating sectors of
the economy; however, it faces many challenges, especially in terms of performance, due to its
intrinsic nature. Different knowledge-based solutions have been proposed in the past to
overcome this problem. However, the process-based solutions, enhancing personalisation
strategies and interactions between construction workers to generate and share tacit knowledge,
would be much more relevant to overcome KM problems in construction organisations. As the
initial step towards the management of tacit knowledge, this paper examines the nature and
importance of tacit knowledge in the construction industry. Based on research findings a
definition for tacit knowledge is synthesised to: understanding, capabilities, skills and the
experiences of individuals; often expressed in human actions in the form of thoughts, points of
view, evaluation and advice; generated and acquired through past experiences, individuals, and
repositories; utilised for the benefit of individual and organisational development
Are we catering to the construction industry KM requirements?: A literature synthesis
The concept of Knowledge Management is now familiar to the construction industry and
various attempts are being made for the effective management of knowledge in the industry.
This paper addresses the importance of people factor and tacit knowledge in construction and
examines the current focus of knowledge management initiatives to find out the alignment with
the industry requirements. Labour and knowledge intensive nature of industry is revealed with
challenging aspects of construction performance. Dominant hard model of human resource
management is uncovered and finally the mismatch between the current focus and industry KM
requirements is unearthe
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