Digitalization and Knowledge Sharing in Construction Organizations : A case study of how digitalization can facilitate knowledge sharing between projects in a Norwegian Construction Organization

Abstract

The construction industry is one of the largest industries in Norway and one of the least digitized industries worldwide. Construction organizations are characterized by its complexity and project-based work. In these organizations, each project can be viewed as a separate unique organization, and therefore, sharing of best practices may be hindered. As a result, every project starts from scratch and the same mistakes repeat themselves in several projects. In other words, there is a low level of lesson learned. There is a great potential for digital improvements in construction organizations as some are still using paper drawings and traditional methods. Digitalization has the potential to fundamentally change the manner of working in construction organizations by increasing information flow and coordination and integrating separate units and individuals. Digitalization in construction organizations is a highly important issue and several initiatives have been started worldwide to foster development in this area. The characteristics of project-based work and the low level of both knowledge sharing and digitalization have inspired us to investigate these concepts further. Based on this, we formed the following research question: How can digitalization facilitate knowledge sharing between projects in construction organizations? With a qualitative case study, we wanted to do a contextual study to get an in-depth understanding. We conducted a single case study where we examined a Norwegian construction organization. In our study, we used a triangulation strategy with interviews as the main source for data. In our study, we have managed to identify the importance of knowledge sharing in construction organizations. In addition, our findings show a recognition of knowledge sharing between projects as valuable, although it is currently not properly facilitated in the studied organization. We have recognized several barriers and possibilities for knowledge sharing between projects and have discussed how digitalization can overcome these barriers.