Title: Technology-based vs. face-to-face interaction for knowledge sharing in the project teams

Authors: Abobakr Aljuwaiber

Addresses: Department of Administrative and Financial Sciences and Technologies, Community College, Taibah University, Saudi Arabia

Abstract: Knowledge sharing is indispensable for business organisations. The construction industry is one of the sectors in which intensive knowledge is spread across project-based teams. This study sheds light on which method is better for knowledge sharing within construction organisations: technology-based or face-to-face meetings. This research aims to understand organisational knowledge sharing by identifying and exploring the motivations and consequences of using face-to-face interaction vs. technology-based communication in project-based teams. This was undertaken through a qualitative case study with 15 employees of a large construction organisation. A qualitative analysis revealed four main factors related to worth adding a technology-based to face-to-face communication: the use of multiple communication strategies for knowledge sharing, whether sharing of all information via technology is allowed, legal restrictions, and limits on face-to-face communication due to work pressures. These findings contribute to the existing literature by identifying barriers and preferences regarding tools for sharing knowledge in a construction firm.

Keywords: knowledge sharing; knowledge management; information technology; face-to-face; project teams.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPOM.2019.102943

International Journal of Project Organisation and Management, 2019 Vol.11 No.3, pp.227 - 242

Received: 20 Dec 2018
Accepted: 13 Apr 2019
Published online: 11 Oct 2019 *

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