A mixed methods study on choice of media influence on construction industry communication

<p>This study focuses on the use of different communication media for solving problems in the construction industry. The focus of this research is on design-problems containing spatial information and are informally reported between site supervision and design professionals. Due to the fragmented nature of the construction industry, miscommunication is a well-known and common problem. Yet, this fragmented nature is necessary in order to build a complex product involving many different types of professionals. To better understand the issue, this study uses previous literature, such as those published on media richness theory, problem-solving strategy, and construction specific communications, in a three-phased sequential mixed-methods approach. The phases included an online survey with industry professionals (phase 1), interviews with industry professionals (phase 2), and a quasi-experiment (phase 3). Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed depending on the phase. Results indicate that construction industry communication relies strongly on face-to-face interaction, and telephone and email communications. The need for a `paper trail' is an important factor driving communication patterns. Finally, phase 3 suggested that communication media that allow for immediate feedback and visual cues are more helpful in solving design-problems containing spatial information. Based on these results, guidelines for effective use of different types of media in the construction industry were then developed as a final product of this study. These guidelines seek to improve awareness about the importance of effective communication in the construction industry.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Technology

Year

2016

Author dc:creator

• Debs, Luciana de Cresce El

Contributors dc:contributor

• Mark Shaurette
• Jenny L. Daugherty
• Bryan Hubbard
• Todd R. Kelley

• Social sciences
• Applied sciences
• Construction management
• Problem solving
• Teamwork
• Engineering
• Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

Repository record dc:identifier

https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/open_access_dissertations/749

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:docs.lib.purdue.edu:open_access_dissertations-1941