Determinants of knowledge transfer effectiveness in the practice-based learning of informal construction practices

Abstract

Previous studies on knowledge transfer and knowledge sharing in the construction industry have mostly concentrated on the formal transfer and sharing practices mainly in organizations, projects and between managers and experts in project teams rather than workers, particularly craftsmen engaging in informal construction practices. This study examined how informal construction practices facilitate knowledge transfer and knowledge sharing in a practice-based learning. Moreover, the study investigated the determinant factors of knowledge sharing and transfer. Using the quantitative research design, the data were collected through questionnaire survey from 417 craftsmen in Dar es Salaam. These data were analyzed using correlation and logistics regression. The study findings indicate that knowledge transfer effectiveness is significantly influenced by individual related factors than environmental factors. Thus, improving knowledge transfer effectiveness in informal construction practices requires establishment of environment that enhances individual factors such as motivation, knowledge retention, absorption capacity and craftsman learning priority setting.

Key Words: Practice-based learning, knowledge transfer, knowledge sharing, informal construction