Incentivisation of digital technology takers in the construction industry
Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
ISSN: 0969-9988
Article publication date: 23 November 2022
Issue publication date: 2 April 2024
Abstract
Purpose
Studies showed that digital technology applications in the construction industry are low, especially in many developing nations. Construction incentivisation (CI) is one of the long-standing principles adopted to enhance project performance. There is a paucity of studies concerning CI to improve digital technology applications. Thus, this research investigated the relevance and perceived hindrances that may hinder the implementation of CI from promoting digital technologies and proffer ways to improve digital technology applications in the construction sector.
Design/methodology/approach
In Nigeria’s context, this research is exploratory. Twenty-four semi-structured virtual interviews were conducted in Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria, with knowledgeable participants that indicated interest and were interviewed. The engaged interviewees were drawn from government agencies, academicians in construction consultancy, Internet and communication technology experts, construction contracting firms and construction consulting firms. The collected data were coded and analysed through a thematic method.
Findings
Digitalisation of the industry via CI may face some hindrances. The perceived issues that may hinder CI implementation were classified into most severe, severe and fairly severe in Nigeria’s construction industry context. Findings proffer feasible policy solutions that can mitigate these issues and improve digital technology applications in the industry via the CI.
Research limitations/implications
This study covered the relevance and perceived issues that may hinder the implementation of the CI to improve digital technology applications in the industry. Also, the study proffers policy solutions to enhance digital technology applications in the industry via the CI concept.
Practical implications
Findings from this research will support and offer a valuable understanding of the relevance of the “incentivisation concept” to improve digital technology applications in the Nigerian-built environment. Other developing countries with low applications of digital technology in construction may consider the suggested policy solutions from this research. Also, this study will stir policymakers and construction practitioners to support policies tailored towards improving digital technology applications in construction.
Originality/value
This research contributes by exploring the effectiveness of the CI concept and informing construction practitioners and policymakers on how to improve digital technology applications in the Nigerian construction industry.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to Prof. Aigbavboa C. and Dr. Nor Azazi N. A. for their contribution to the paper. The authors extend special thanks to the participants for providing knowledgeable contributions to enhance the findings of this paper. Also, the authors appreciate the comments, suggestions and recommendations provided by the anonymous reviewers, which collectively helped hone and strengthen the quality of this manuscript during the blind peer-review process.
Funding: This study has been funded by the School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor, Malaysia and Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa (05-35-061890).
Citation
Ebekozien, A. and Samsurijan, M.S. (2024), "Incentivisation of digital technology takers in the construction industry", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 31 No. 4, pp. 1373-1390. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-02-2022-0101
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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