Technology-based vs. face-to-face interaction for knowledge sharing in the project teams

Knowledge sharing is indispensable for business organisations. The construction industry is one of the sectors in which intensive knowledge is spread across project-based teams. This study sheds light on which method is better for knowledge sharing within construction organisations: technology-based or face-to-face meetings. This research aims to understand organisational knowledge sharing by identifying and exploring the motivations and consequences of using face-to-face interaction vs. technology-based communication in project-based teams. This was undertaken through a qualitative case study with 15 employees of a large construction organisation. A qualitative analysis revealed four main factors related to worth adding a technology-based to face-to-face communication: the use of multiple communication strategies for knowledge sharing, whether sharing of all information via technology is allowed, legal restrictions, and limits on face-to-face communication due to work pressures. These findings contribute to the existing literature by identifying barriers and preferences regarding tools for sharing knowledge in a construction firm.