Understanding Interactions between Design Team Members of Construction Projects Using Social Network Analysis

Abstract

Social network analysis (SNA) has not been used to study design project teams in which the full interactions have become morecomplex (formal and informal) because the team members are from different companies and there is no colocation. This work proposes amethod to understand the interactions in the design teams of construction projects using SNA metrics and the sociograms generated withintemporary organizations. This study includes three stages: (1) a literature review of the dimensions of interactions within work teams and theapplication of SNA to the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry; (2) a proposal of an interaction network method forconstruction project design teams; and (3) an analysis of a pilot project. Interaction networks were defined in two categories: general interactionsand commitment management. For each network, metric indicators were defined for the analysis. The pilot project showed highlevels of consistency among team responses. The proposed method allows an analysis of the entire work team and of each individual teammember. The method also makes it possible to analyze the work team from a global perspective by carrying out a joint analysis of two or morenetworks.