Construction process improvement through cognitive power under team generative learning

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report a study that explores the means through which cognitive power under team learning is exploited for generative learning in order to remain competitive in the challenging business environment and to examine the extent to which various types of teams are used for purposes of generative learning by construction contractors.

Design/methodology/approach

To ascertain the significance of cognitive power through various types of teams, a study was undertaken in Malawi, one of the countries in the Sub‐Saharan region. A questionnaire survey was employed to elicit data on the constructs of cognitive power from various types of business teams that were employed by construction contractors.

Findings

Using cognitive power under team application as an analytical lens, the research shows that construction contractors displayed low cognitive, social and physical competences in the various types of teams as critical determinants for generative learning. Innovative behaviour of construction contractors correlated positively to the overall physical, social and cognitive competences.

Research limitations/implications

A comparative study of the three preconditions for team generative learning in other developing and developed construction business environments is recommended whose results could further enrich the industry with tools for enhancing innovative behaviour of construction contractors.

Practical implications

The primary implication of the research findings is that construction executives have an additional role of harnessing and managing cognitive power where mission‐pertinent learning and knowledge activities should be nurtured. In practice, it means that the objectives of utilizing various business teams need to be re‐conceptualized.

Originality/value

The article should be valuable to the leader of any construction organisation that is attempting to sustain superior competitive performance in the knowledge economy through effective engagement and utilization of business teams.

Citation

Keeble Kululanga, G. (2009), "Construction process improvement through cognitive power under team generative learning", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 16 No. 4, pp. 307-324. https://doi.org/10.1108/09699980910970815