A Working Integrated Model for the Diffusion of Construction Innovation

Abstract

Construction industry is said to be low in innovation and adoption of innovations is necessary to gain competitive advantage in a liberalized and globalized marketplace. This study investigated the factors that influenced the diffusion of construction innovations and developed an integrated framework to improve the diffusion process. A conceptual model was developed to guide the study and the modification of a questionnaire used in previous study of similar nature. The dependent variable was extent of diffusion and 10 independent factors were identified and categorized into industry characteristics, innovation attributes, adopter innovative characteristics and environmental interventions. A questionnaire survey was conducted on large and established construction firms in Malaysia. A randomized sample of 525 firms was selected and the primary data were collected by self-administered postal survey. The response rate was 28%. Data analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 12. Among the factors, innovative culture was found to be most significant and influenced diffusion positively. In contrast with most of the previous studies conducted in developed countries, this study was conducted in Malaysia. It is likely to benefit the construction industry of developing countries of similar settings. The integrated framework of innovation diffusion will benefit homegrown innovation developers in more successful diffusion of their future construction innovations.