This study is led by Prof. Wenshun Wang and Ph.D. Min Tao (School of Mechanics and Civil Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology). This research gproup, for the first time, develops and validates a comprehensive, theory-driven BIM adoption meta-analysis framework based on the TOE framework. It aims to clarify which factors within the TOE framework are more effective in promoting BIM adoption, through which pathways, and in what contexts.
Building information modeling (BIM), as a disruptive and innovative technology, assumes a pivotal measure for implementing lean construction in the architecture, construction, and engineering (AEC) industry. Based on this, researchers have explored the factors promoting BIM adoption from external perspectives such as TOE, INT, and DIT, as well as from psychological perspectives such as TAM. Although these theories help elucidate the relevant mechanisms between various motivations and BIM adoption, they remain fragmented and have yet to form a unified analytical framework, leading to confusion and contradictions in research results.
To reassess the nature of what we currently know and don't know about "promoting" and "hindering" BIM adoption, this paper refine the external influencing factors of technology, organization, and environment by integrating DIT and INT into the TOE framework. Simultaneously, when analyzing the impact pathways of external antecedents on BIM adoption, this study integrates TAM, using perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use as internal mediating factors.
The findings revealed that within the dimension of BIM technical characteristics, compatibility is the key factor to promote BIM adoption; In the organizational dimension, organizational culture plays a significant role in promoting BIM adoption. In the external environmental dimension, mimetic pressure stands out as a primary driver in promoting BIM adoption. By integrating existing theories to build an integrated framework for BIM adoption, this study further verified the mediating role of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use between external factors and BIM adoption.
In addition, to identify important boundary conditions that should be considered when developing policy interventions to promote BIM, this paper extend previous meta-analysis to national conditions (BIM maturity in different countries) and contextual factors (organization type, job level, and research publication time) as moderating variables.
This study contributes a novel perspective to BIM adoption research, establishing a comprehensive understanding of BIM adoption mechanisms. It integrates four theoretical perspectives to reveal potential paths between BIM adoption and its antecedents, providing empirical support for the comprehensive model through meta-analysis.