Construction client and innovation : effect of client characteristics

Clients or users of products, processes or services are being identified as potentialsources of innovation in research conducted in construction sector and other sectorssuch as aviation and management consultancy. The recent literature has emphasisedthe potential role that can be played by the construction client to promote innovationin the industry, to overcome the criticism the construction industry face due to itsperceived lack of innovation despite having capabilities and potential. However, thelack of knowledge on the desirable characteristics of construction client wasidentified as one of the barriers for the construction client to be an effectiveinnovation promoter. This background drove the author to formulate a research withthe aim of "improving the role of the client in promoting innovation".The multiple holistic case studies were used as the research strategy and semistructuredinterviews were used as the principal data collection technique. Theprimary data analysis techniques used for the study were content analysis andcognitive mapping. The findings were analysed across cases and triangulated withliterature to consolidate findingsBased on the research findings it is concluded that client can increase the efficiencyof his/her own duties toward the construction process, stimulate team dynamics andteam action through the championing behaviour which intern can strengthen theinnovation process that lead to the innovative product. The interpersonal activitiessuch as being a team player and promoting respect for people, motivational activitiesand informational activities such as knowledge and information dissemination arerecommended as constituent of the championing behaviour that promote innovationin construction projects. Further, it is concluded that the personal (or organisational)skills such as competence, value judgement, flexibility, and the self motivation willenergise the success of the championing behaviourX