Knowledge/technology transfer mechanisms in Sri Lankan construction organisations

Effective management and transfer of knowledge and technologies are increasingly recognised as critical for individuals, organisations and nations in the globalised knowledge society. It is practically impossible for a single firm to internally create all the knowledge and technologies required. Hence, continuous exchanges of knowledge and technologies are needed with external sources and thereby enhance capacity. Construction industry is a knowledge-based industry and the knowledge is vital for organisations and their project teams. Managing knowledge more effectively offers construction organisations a possible mechanism for improving their performance. The research question articulated for this study is as follows: How do knowledge and technology transfer take place in constructing organisations and what are the key int1uencing factors in knowledge and technology transfer implementation? The research method used to investigate the research question is case study methodology. Semi structured interviews were used as the primary data collection techniques. Content analysis has been used to analyse the data. According to case study findings, basically two modes were identified in terms of knowledge and technology transfening mechanisms, used in construction firms: transfer in and transfer out. Sub contracting arrangements and interaction with competitors were found to be the most popular transfer out mechanism while training programmes and employee turnover are identified as popular transfer in mechanisms. The study also revealed key factors that affect such transfer processes in such contexts and develops a force-field analysis.