Construction client and innovation : effect of client characteristics

Clients or users of products, processes or services are being identified as potential sources of innovation in research conducted in construction sector and other sectors such as aviation and management consultancy. The recent literature has emphasised the potential role that can be played by the construction client to promote innovation in the industry, to overcome the criticism the construction industry face due to its perceived lack of innovation despite having capabilities and potential. However, the lack of knowledge on the desirable characteristics of construction client was identified as one of the barriers for the construction client to be an effective innovation promoter. This background drove the author to formulate a research with the aim of "improving the role of the client in promoting innovation". The multiple holistic case studies were used as the research strategy and semistructured interviews were used as the principal data collection technique. The primary data analysis techniques used for the study were content analysis and cognitive mapping. The findings were analysed across cases and triangulated with literature to consolidate findings Based on the research findings it is concluded that client can increase the efficiency of his/her own duties toward the construction process, stimulate team dynamics and team action through the championing behaviour which intern can strengthen the innovation process that lead to the innovative product. The interpersonal activities such as being a team player and promoting respect for people, motivational activities and informational activities such as knowledge and information dissemination are recommended as constituent of the championing behaviour that promote innovation in construction projects. Further, it is concluded that the personal (or organisational) skills such as competence, value judgement, flexibility, and the self motivation will energise the success of the championing behaviour X