Search results
1 – 10 of 16Junwei Zheng, Guangdong Wu, Hongtao Xie and Hongyang Li
The purpose of this paper is to examine the joint congruence effect of leadership styles and organizational culture on project members’ innovative behaviors in the construction…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the joint congruence effect of leadership styles and organizational culture on project members’ innovative behaviors in the construction projects setting.
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed hypotheses are tested using polynomial regression with a sample of 217 project managers and employees of different construction projects in China, and plotted through response surface analysis.
Findings
The results of polynomial regressions support the congruence effect hypothesis, indicating that more innovative behaviors of the project members could be elicited by a high level of congruence between transformational or transactional leadership styles and organizational culture. Furthermore, asymmetrical incongruence effects are found wherein project members with lower levels of innovative behaviors when project organizational culture is stronger as compared with when two leadership styles are at higher levels. Specifically, the condition is found under the innovation dimension of organization culture, but higher level of innovative behavior conversely displays when the harmony culture is weaker than two leadership styles.
Research limitations/implications
The conceptual model and hypotheses are examined by analyzing cross-sectional and self-reported data collected in China. The findings could be further examined through multi-source or longitudinal, more systematic research.
Practical implications
The findings highlight the pivotal role played by the value congruence of leaders-organizations in motivating employees to be innovative in project organizations. This paper provides knowledge for project managers to help them understand whether and how project members’ innovative behaviors are better motivated by the fit or misfit between the styles of leadership and project organizational cultures. Besides, this study provides the approach or direction for the project leaders training.
Originality/value
This study is one of the first to examine the joint effects of leadership styles and organizational culture on innovative behavior based on the person-organization fit theory and from the perspective of value congruence.
Details
Keywords
Hongyang Li, Anjie Xue, Junwei Zheng, Martin Skitmore and Matthew Moorhead
The current booming development of smart cities poses new requirements and challenges for their internal infrastructure development. This article aims to explore the questions…
Abstract
Purpose
The current booming development of smart cities poses new requirements and challenges for their internal infrastructure development. This article aims to explore the questions of: What is the level of social sustainability of smart city infrastructure today? and What are the core contents and paths to improve this level?
Design/methodology/approach
With the theme of public participation in the social sustainability evaluation of smart city infrastructure in the context of big data, this study mainly makes a systematic literature review of the Web of Science's Science Citation Index Expanded and Social Sciences Citation Index databases. After collection and screening, 199 documents were finally obtained.
Findings
It is found that the level of social sustainability of smart city infrastructure is still low, and public participation can provide solutions to the difficulties and challenges involved in its development, while big data technology can broaden the channels for public participation and promote the development of smart city-related components in the process, including smart city infrastructure.
Originality/value
This article summarizes the internal mechanisms of smart cities at the theoretical level and analyzes the social sustainable development of smart city infrastructure. In practice, the shortcomings in this field are identified and suggestions are provided on how to carry out digital public participation, which has practical reference value.
Details
Keywords
Junwei Zheng, Yu Gu, Zhenduo Zhang, Hongtao Xie, Peikai Li and Hongyang Li
While existing literature emphasizes the importance of empowerment in construction projects, the working mechanisms of empowering leadership in the project context are unclear…
Abstract
Purpose
While existing literature emphasizes the importance of empowerment in construction projects, the working mechanisms of empowering leadership in the project context are unclear. Based on conservation of resources (COR) theory, this study aimed to examine the relationship between empowering leadership and project performance, highlighting the mediation roles of creative self-efficacy and leadermember exchange and the moderation role of perceived overqualification.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors collected data from 287 project members in different projects and tested the integrated conceptual model through moderated mediation analysis with bootstrapping strategy.
Findings
The results revealed that empowering leadership was positively related to project performance through creative self-efficacy and leader–member exchange. Perceived overqualification served as significant moderator.
Originality/value
The findings contribute to the understanding of empowering leadership in projects by verifying and extending the resource acquisition and investment process in the project context. The results of this study also demonstrated that creative belief and social exchange facilitate the effectiveness of project members' task efforts and outcomes and that perceived overqualification might not exert a detrimental effect on project performance.
Details
Keywords
Fangfang Liu, Yousong Wang, Hongyang Li and Xiaowei Zhou
The purpose of the study is to numerically investigate the relationship between the increase in transaction cost and prolongation of cooperative period acting as a nonmonetary…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the study is to numerically investigate the relationship between the increase in transaction cost and prolongation of cooperative period acting as a nonmonetary incentive for municipal PPP projects.
Design/methodology/approach
A model that combines real option theory and the concept of prospect theory is proposed in the study. Three municipal road PPP projects published by China Public Private Partnerships Center are selected as cases. The data of these cases are analyzed based on the model established.
Findings
The prolongation of the cooperative period affects the increase in transaction cost, which gradually decreases when the prolonged cooperative period increases. Furthermore, the large-investment PPP projects own more transaction cost compared with less-investment projects. The decrease in transaction cost in the former is less than that in the latter. The increase in transaction cost is evidently alleviated in a project with less investment when the cooperative period is prolonged further.
Originality/value
The study systematically analyzes the relationship among transaction cost economics, real option theory and prospect theory and proposes a theoretical flowchart of the effect of nonmonetary incentive on the transaction cost. A model to quantify the effect of nonmonetary incentive (i.e. prolongation of cooperative period) on the transaction cost is proposed for the first time. The results of the study verify that the nonmonetary incentive affects transaction cost.
Details
Keywords
Hongyang Li, Yanlin Chen, Junwei Zheng, Yuan Fang, Yifan Yang, Martin Skitmore, Rosemarie Rusch and Tingting Jiang
In the absence of previous work, this study investigates how the psychological contract (PC) influences the safety performance of construction workers in China.
Abstract
Purpose
In the absence of previous work, this study investigates how the psychological contract (PC) influences the safety performance of construction workers in China.
Design/methodology/approach
The literature is first consulted to obtain a set of PC and safety performance measures that fits the specific situation of construction workers, which is then moderated by five construction experts. A questionnaire survey of 206 workers from 4 different construction sites is followed by a descriptive statistical analysis of the nature of the PC and level of the safety performance of the respondents. Finally, a regression analysis is used to ascertain the level of influence of the PS, and an analysis is made of the influence of PC on safety performance.
Findings
A set of PC and safety performance measures is identified that fits in the construction workers' specific situation. The PC of the respondents is found to be intact and well-performed, and their safety performance is maintained at a high level. Safety performance is highly influenced by the state of the PC, with the three dimensions of safety performance (safety result, safety compliance and safety participation) positively correlated with the three dimensions of the PC (normative, interpersonal and developmental).
Originality/value
Suggestions are made to improve safety production management and safety performance by providing adequate material and economic conditions, helping the workers establish good interpersonal relationships and realize their personal values.
Details
Keywords
Junwei Zheng, Xueqin Gou, Guangdong Wu, Xianbo Zhao, Hongyang Li and Bingsheng Liu
This study investigated the differential effects of empowering leadership and directive leadership in projects. Moreover, how the complex interplay between empowering and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigated the differential effects of empowering leadership and directive leadership in projects. Moreover, how the complex interplay between empowering and directive leadership styles influences both leader–member exchange and project performance was also explored.
Design/methodology/approach
Polynomial regression analysis and response surface modeling were applied to analyze 161 matched data collected from project members and managers worked in different projects located in China.
Findings
Four leadership styles were identified, i.e. ambidextrous, delegating, directive and laissez-faire styles. These may be combined with empowering and directive leadership. With regard to (in)congruence, leader–member exchange and project performance improved with ambidextrous style as a form of high–high congruence between empowering and directive leadership compared with laissez-faire style (i.e. low–low congruence). Results were better when a delegating style was combined with empowering leadership at a high level compared with the combination of directive style as directive leadership at a high level. Leader–member exchange was identified to exert a mediating role of the (in)congruence on project performance.
Originality/value
This study confirmed the contingent viewpoint of leadership by identifying distinct leadership styles applied in projects. Furthermore, the co-existence of empowering leadership and directive leadership was examined, and the underlying mechanism between the (in)congruence of empowering and directive leadership and project performance was identified.
Details
Keywords
Xin Wan, Yantong Zhang, Peng Mao, Hongyang Li, Rubing Wang, Xin Yi and Xianbo Zhao
Public participation is essential for mitigating local resistance faced by the environmentally stigmatized facilities. The purpose of this study is to investigate public…
Abstract
Purpose
Public participation is essential for mitigating local resistance faced by the environmentally stigmatized facilities. The purpose of this study is to investigate public participation intention in the decision-making of waste incineration power (WIP) projects by examining the role of perceived corporate social responsibility (PCSR) and public knowledge (PK) based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB).
Design/methodology/approach
A theoretical model correlating PCSR with public participation intention was developed by using the constructs of TPB as the mediators and PK as the moderator. Drawing on structural equation modeling (SEM), the data collected from 485 local residents of the WIP projects in Jiangsu, China were analyzed to test the model.
Findings
Companies' CSR practice went through public attitude, subjective norm and personal norm as mediating steps towards promoting participation intention. PK positively moderated the indirect relationships between PCSR and participation intention. Moreover, attitude, subjective norm and personal norm were found to have a positive effect on participation intention.
Originality/value
This study advances the understanding of public participation intention and enriches the literature relating to CSR and TPB involved in infrastructure development. In order to improve public participation intention, companies should take strategic social responsibility actions and present the benefits and moral values of the activities to the public, and as well make effort to diffuse WIP-related knowledge through interactive activities with the public. Authorities should establish social and personal value systems that praise public participation and improve their expectations of participation outcomes.
Details
Keywords
Junwei Zheng, Xueqin Gou, Hongyang Li, Nini Xia and Guangdong Wu
Following the conservation of resources theory and job demands–resources model, this study aims to explore the relationship between work interference with family (WIF) and…
Abstract
Purpose
Following the conservation of resources theory and job demands–resources model, this study aims to explore the relationship between work interference with family (WIF) and emotional exhaustion and the boundary condition for construction professionals.
Design/methodology/approach
This study collected 319 valid samples from Chinese construction projects and examined the established integrative moderated mediation model using regression analysis and bootstrapping.
Findings
The results indicated that WIF was positively related to emotional exhaustion. The surface acting strategy mediated the relationship between WIF and emotional exhaustion. Emotional intelligence alleviated the indirect effect of WIF on emotional exhaustion via surface acting.
Originality/value
These findings unveil the resource depletion process of work–family conflict in the construction project context, enrich the emotional intelligence literature to demonstrate the buffer function on the negative impact of emotional resource depletion and address the implications for the construction labour workforce.
Details
Keywords
Today’s China has striven to exclude street vendors through political campaigns such as “National Sanitary City” and “National Civilized City.” Such campaigns pursue modernity and…
Abstract
Purpose
Today’s China has striven to exclude street vendors through political campaigns such as “National Sanitary City” and “National Civilized City.” Such campaigns pursue modernity and beautiful urban spaces by deeming street vendors to be disorderly, unsanitary, and obsolete. Taking a single Chinese city as a case study, this research analyzes why and how local bureaucratic apparatuses apply rapidly-changing and ambiguous political treatment to street vendors. This research also examines street vendors’ struggles and coping strategies with these ever-changing politics.
Methodology/approach
The data for this study were obtained during a total of ten months of fieldwork, beginning in 2013 and ending in 2016. In-depth interviews were conducted with fifty-one street vendors and six government officials; additionally, the researcher consulted newspaper reports, archives, and relevant official publications.
Findings
First, regarding the governance of street vendors, the local administration has shifted their stance between two distinct patterns – suppression and tolerance – depending on the timing of certain political campaigns. Second, the corruption and laziness of government officials has provided niches for the revival of street vending after campaigns are over, though with limitations. Third, street vendors in China tend to be passive recipients of government suppression, unable to forge effective resistance because of a lack of strong leadership and general organization.
Originality/value
This research will add to the general understanding of the government-vendor relationship by revealing the complexity, uncertainty, and flexibility inherent in interactions between these two groups.
Details
Keywords
Hongyang Wang and Quansheng Sun
Polyurethane concrete has a high strength-to-weight ratio in the short term, and the strength-to-weight ratio stage during the maintenance period is critical. Freeze-thaw cycles…
Abstract
Purpose
Polyurethane concrete has a high strength-to-weight ratio in the short term, and the strength-to-weight ratio stage during the maintenance period is critical. Freeze-thaw cycles have a noticeable damaging effect on the durability of polyurethane concrete. The engineering specification of polyurethane concrete with incomplete hydration reaction must be studied, as well as the development of internal structure during curing. In this paper, the polyurethane concrete tests were set up under eight distinct maintenance settings based on the climate features of the northern area and the service environment. The test results were evaluated to determine the effect of the number of early freeze-thaw cycles and the time node of early freeze-thaw cycles on the mechanical characteristics of polyurethane concrete, which revealed that the time node of freeze-thaw damage impacted the freeze-thaw resistance of polyurethane concrete susceptible to early freeze-thaw damage.
Design/methodology/approach
The early-age freeze-thaw damage polyurethane concrete was experimentally studied by controlling the time node of the freeze-thaw cycle and the curing environment. The test considered the time node, frequency of freeze-thaw damage of polyurethane concrete and the influence of subsequent curing environment and observed the mass change, relative dynamic elastic modulus, relative durability index, compressive strength and apparent damage of polyurethane concrete. The early mechanical properties of polyurethane concrete were studied by analyzing the change of numerical value. The microscopic mechanism of strength formation of polyurethane concrete was analyzed by XRD, FTIR and SEM image.
Findings
The closer the time of freeze-thaw damage was to the specimen hardening, the worse the mechanical properties and structure were, according to SEM photographs. For specimens with serial number of 12-groups, its compressive strength is only 82.39% of that of the standard group, even if the curing process continues after 20 times thawing, which increased early environment exacerbate strength loss in polyurethane concrete and also reduced freeze-thaw resistance. The findings of the tests reveal that curing can restore the freeze-thaw resistance of damaged polyurethane concrete. Curing in water has a better recovery impact than curing in air; the mechanical properties can be restored by sufficient re-curing time and good re-curing conditions.
Originality/value
By studying the freeze-thaw cycle test and test results of polyurethane concrete in different curing time nodes, the relationship between the mechanical properties of polyurethane concrete and the time node, number of freeze-thaw cycles, and subsequent maintenance environment was explored. Considering the special mechanism of strength formation of polyurethane concrete, the polyurethane concrete damaged by freeze-thaw has the ability to continue to form strength under subsequent maintenance. This experimental study can provide an analytical basis for the strength formation and reconditioning of polyurethane concrete structures subjected to freeze-thaw environments during the curing time under extreme natural conditions in fall and winter in actual projects.
Details