ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING TO ENHANCE CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTIVITY IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Organizational learning (OL) has been emerging as one of the most crucial and sustainable competitive advantage to enhance construction productivity (CP). However, there is a lack of empirical evidence and studies on OL in Singapore’s construction industry, showcasing how OL can potentially lead to an increase in CP. This study looks into Singapore’s low CP rates, and focuses on how OL in four areas, namely labour efficiency, BIM, BDAS and CAS, can lead to an increase in CP. It analyses the benefits and hindrances of OL in the local context, as well as potential factors in which adoption and practice of OL can lead to enhancements in CP. Quantitative data was collated through a survey questionnaire which was sent to contractors in Singapore, and the results were analysed using statistical software. Interviews were conducted, for better understanding of key issues and for validation of the survey questionnaire results. It was found and statistically proven that OL in BIM, BDAS and CAS can lead to enhanced CP. Using literature review and results from the findings, an OL-CP model was developed and proposed. The model connects OL to CP, through measures and potential factors in which OL can be practiced in, benefits of OL and evaluation of OL. Recommendations were made to local contractors and companies on the adoption and practice of OL, with the aim of encouraging its implementation, to raise the local CP rates.