A qualitative investigation of perceived impacts of virtuality on effectiveness of hybrid construction project teams

Abstract

Purpose The “virtuality” of a team collaborative interaction is the extent to which it is accomplished in the same place, in fully distributed virtual teams, or in a hybrid combination of the two. However, existence, strength and process of potential association between virtuality and effectiveness in construction project teams have remained elusive. This paper aims to address this gap in the literature. Design/methodology/approach In this study, a conceptual model demonstrating the association between virtuality and effectiveness of teams was developed through integrating the input-process-output (IPO) model and the “Big Five” theory. This conceptual model was contextualised for the construction industry drawing upon conducting 17 semi-structured interviews with hybrid team experts. Findings The findings provide the first model mapping the associations between virtuality and dimensions of team effectiveness for the construction context. Practical implications The discovered patterns of associations between virtuality and dimensions of effectiveness for hybrid construction project teams (HCPTs) will assist managers in designing and running more effective teams. In addition, the findings help construction practitioners better understand how virtuality influence the performance and satisfaction of team members in HCPTs. The present study concludes with outlining a set of recommendations based on the findings of the study. Originality/value As the first study in its kind, the present study offers a new insight into the concept and impacts of virtuality for construction teams and provides instructions and guidelines for designing and maintaining the effectiveness of such teams on construction projects.

Challenges negating virtual construction project team performance in the Middle East

“…There is a strong need for virtual project teams in the construction sector, which would benefit organisations to achieve a global scope of work for these companies in the Middle East. Hosseini et al. (2018) revealed that many more construction companies have instituted virtual workplaces and have reaped reduced real estate expense benefits, increased productivity, higher profit and improved customer service, environmental benefits and access to global markets.…”

“…Against this backdrop, the lack of studies on virtual project teams in the construction literature has been questioned (Iorio and Taylor, 2015;Hosseini et al, 2018). Also, many previous studies on virtual teams have focused on various challenges faced by virtual teams (Zuofa and Ochieng, 2017).…”

Integration Factors of Design Participants in Performance-Based Building Design of Commercial Property

“…Studies by Hosseini et al [48] show that the success of the design depends on the use of proper information technology (IT). The use of IT for integration is the support of information technology that makes it easy for designers to exchange data at the same time interval, and the existence of communication protocols that include capturing, organizing, and storing information that makes it easier for designers to access or reuse related information of design [49].…”

Engineering project networks: providing “sustainable work systems” for construction knowledge workers

“…Challenges affecting construction businesses. EPN team working has gained such momentum in the construction industry with the construction economic environment facing many challenges (Committee on the Offshoring of Engineering, 2008;Hosseini et al, 2018a). The economic environment is changing at an unprecedented rate as it responds to globalising pressures (Ramalingam et al, 2014).…”