Project title

Applying Case Knowledge in Calibrating a Commitment–Outcome Model (April 2003 – March 2004)
supported by Direct Allocation Grant, CityU

Abstract:

In recent years, the construction industry in Hong Kong has encountered various challenges such as economic recession and a changing housing policy. Construction experts in Hong Kong are often involved in detailed discussions in reaching decisions, especially when innovative techniques are employed in construction projects (e.g., precast concrete methods for typical high-rise buildings, diaphragm walls for basement construction, and the PM System for communication and management (Ming Pao 2001)). However, many construction problems, such as poor workmanship and substantially sub-standard piling foundations, still exist in practice. Indeed, it is difficult to assess those who are likely/unlikely (i.e. those are / are not committed) to remain in a project and contribute positively to its effectiveness. In order to ensure a high quality of building products is produced in challenging environments, a comprehensive study of construction management can provide us with valuable information on how to enhance goal commitment amongst project professionals in the actual management process (from goal-setting to implementation). Once the commitment profile of the construction professional is identified, the project manager can then use appropriate managerial measures to stimulate staff to achieve the goal.

The Principal Investigator (PI) has recently established a Commitment–Outcome Model for construction projects based on a preliminary study of a questionnaire survey (stage A; refer to project no. 7001388). Since lateral studies can only be effective when confounding variables are constrained and controlled, case studies are recommended to cross-validate the relationship between commitment and outcome over time. This research study (stage B) aims to: (1) test various factors identified in stage A upon the manageability of commitment influencing the goal commitment amongst construction professionals; (2) cross-check the relationships between commitment (identified in [2]) and the final outcome (success/satisfaction); and (3) verify the model to optimize the goal commitment and the final outcome (success/satisfaction) for real construction projects in Hong Kong. It is envisaged that the findings of (1) – (3) will lead to further research on devising management techniques that optimize critical goal commitment in real-life dynamic situations (stage C). These techniques could be used in managing construction projects in Hong Kong.


Team members:

Publications:

Leung M.Y. (2005) Predicting normative commitment in construction value management. Hong Kong Surveyor, 16(1), 41-46.

Leung M.Y., Chan H.K.L., Yau D.K.C. (2003) Antecedents of affective commitment in construction value management, HKIVM 6th International Conference Proceedings, Hong Kong: HKIVM.