Leveraging a longitudinal dataset concerning 102 inter-firm disputes, we evaluate the effects of contract structure on trust and on the likelihood of continued collaboration. We theoretically refine and empirically extend prior research by (a) distinguishing between control and coordination functions of contracts, (b) separating goodwill-based and competence-based trust, and (c) evaluating the effects of contract structure on relational outcomes in the context of disputes. We find that control provisions increase competence-based trust, but reduce goodwill-based trust, resulting in a net decrease in the likelihood of continued collaboration. Coordination provisions increase competence-based trust, leading to an increased likelihood of continued collaboration.

Trust and collaboration in the aftermath of conflict: the effects of contract structure

Sustainable supplier selection for water environment treatment public-private partnership projects

Tensions in governing megaprojects: How different types of ties shape project relationship quality?

Blockchain is considered a breakthrough technology in the construction industry, with the potential to improve the trust environment and workflow of construction stakeholders. Although recent research offers hints regarding possible contributing elements to blockchain adoption in the construction industry, no specific study has addressed this topic. This knowledge gap hinders the adoption and promotion of blockchain in construction organizations. This study aimed to identify the determinants of blockchain adoption in the construction industry and verify the influence of the combination of various factors on adoption intention. Based on the technology–organization–environment framework, a conceptual model of blockchain adoption in the construction industry was constructed. Data were collected through the distribution of questionnaires, and 244 professionals in the construction field participated in this study. To evaluate the model hypotheses, we used a two-stage partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) combination. The PLS-SEM revealed that factors such as compatibility, top management support, relative advantage, regulatory support, cost, competitive pressure, organizational readiness, and firm size significantly influence blockchain adoption. The fsQCA indicated that six causal conditions achieve high adoption intention. This is one of the first empirical studies on blockchain adoption in the construction industry, which can aid organizations, policymakers, and project participants in making informed decisions regarding the adoption of blockchain.

/pdf/factors-influencing-the-adoption-of-blockchain-in-the-1qunongq.pdf

Factors Influencing the Adoption of Blockchain in the Construction Industry: A Hybrid Approach Using PLS-SEM and fsQCA

Blockchain is a technology that allows the recording of information in a way that it is difficult or practically impossible to alter, hack, or cheat. It is a new, promising technology, considered by many as a general-purpose technology (GPT). GPTs are technologies that have the potential to affect an entire economy, impacting economic growth and transforming both everyday life and the ways in which we conduct business. We present a bibliometric analysis of the relevant literature, followed by a discussion about monetary mediums and the evolution of bitcoin, as the first digital medium managing to solve the “double-spending” problem and the first successful implementation of blockchain technology. The computational operations involved in blockchain are presented, together with the cryptographic technologies associated with it, its unique characteristics, and the advantages it offers as a technology. A comprehensive literature review is provided, of the current state of the art in blockchain in the fields of civil engineering, architecture and the construction industry. Six important application areas are identified, and the relevant literature is investigated. Namely, building information modelling and computer aided design, contract management and smart contracts, construction project management, smart buildings and smart cities, construction supply chain management, and real estate. Finally, we discuss the future applications, the challenges and the opportunities that blockchain technology brings to these fields.

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2022.840303/pdf

Blockchain in Civil Engineering, Architecture and Construction Industry: State of the Art, Evolution, Challenges and Opportunities

The role of conventional contracts in achieving sustainability goals in public–private partnership (PPP) projects has been questioned. From the multifunctional perspective of contract theory, joint-contract functions that combine contractual control, coordination and adaptation may be a potential approach for improving PPP project sustainability performance. This research intends to investigate the link between the joint-contract functions and PPP project sustainability performance, and their underlying mechanism, by analyzing the mediating role of relationship quality and moderating roles of environmental uncertainty and behavioral uncertainty.,Based on 170 valid survey data collected from the Chinese PPP professionals, partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was adopted to test the hypothesis.,The results reveal that joint-contract functions are positively associated with the PPP project sustainability performance. This relationship is strengthened by environmental and behavioral uncertainty. Moreover, the relationship between the joint-contract functions and PPP project sustainability performance is mediated by relationship quality.,This research extends contract governance theory and sustainability research in PPP projects. The research implications are as follows: (1) joint-contract functions are a second-order construct consisting of three first-order dimensions: control, coordination and adaptation and are positively associated with PPP project sustainability performance; (2) joint-contract functions enhance the sustainable benefits of PPP projects during environmental uncertainty and behavioral uncertainty; (3) informal relationships are a critical bridge connecting formal institutions with the sustainability performance of PPP projects.,In general, these findings guide project participants who aim to achieve sustainable outcomes in PPP projects. (1) Project participants should consider the process of contract design and sign contracts that focus on joint-contract functions. (2) Project participants should investigate the degree of uncertainty of a PPP project before designing contracts, and design the contracts with corresponding complexity. (3) Project participants should work to enhance PPP sustainable benefits by improving the relationship between partners, such as encouraging mutual trust and joint problem-solving.,This research verifies the relationship between joint-contract functions and PPP project sustainability performance, and the boundary and intermediary conditions between them.

Can joint-contract functions promote PPP project sustainability performance? A moderated mediation model

Blockchain is regarded as a potential technology for transforming the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, and the number of related publications is increasing rapidly. However, a systematic review of blockchain applications in the AEC industry is lacking. The objective of this study was to review the current status of blockchain applications via a bibliometric analysis combined with a systematic literature review. According to related articles collected from databases, the present status of blockchain was analysed with regard to the distribution of articles over publication years, journals, institutions, countries, cooperation networks between authors, keyword co-occurrence networks, and research methodologies. The results indicated that research on blockchain applications is still relatively new and fragmented with regard to several topics. Five areas of benefit were identified: (i) supply chain management, (ii) contract management, (iii) information management, (iv) stakeholder management, and (v) integration management. On the basis of the technology–organisation–environment framework, nine types of challenges were identified. Future research opportunities were proposed according to the research findings. This study contributes to the current body of knowledge and provides guidelines for further research on blockchain applications in the AEC industry.

When Blockchain Meets the AEC Industry: Present Status, Benefits, Challenges, and Future Research Opportunities

Contracts are essential for managing the relationship among public–private partnership (PPP) partners. However, the impact of contracts on the trust between partners is unclear, especially in PPP p...

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/21582440211038245

Enhancing Trust Between PPP Partners: The Role of Contractual Functions and Information Transparency:

Inappropriate social interactions of entrepreneurs can generate negative effects in the peer-to-peer lending market. To address this problem and assist peer-to-peer entrepreneurs in customizing their online interaction strategies, we used the cutting-edge cognitive-experiential self-system conceptual model and studied the relationship between peer-to-peer entrepreneurs’ interactions and financing levels. Online interactive information was categorized as emotional or cognitive, adding the moderator of entrepreneur popularity, and the effect of these interactions on individual investors was analyzed. We found that the entrepreneurs’ online interactive information affected psychological perception of entrepreneurs and their corresponding brand image. The interaction between popularity and interactive information types was significant. The findings imply that less popular entrepreneurs should engage in emotional interactions, while more popular entrepreneurs should choose cognitive interactions. Online interaction created comparative advantages in the financing activities of peer-to-peer companies. These results expand understanding of the psychological facets of the consumer–brand relationship in the digital world, and extend the current literature. This study also highlights key areas of learning and application for both practitioners and scholars of organizational psychology.

The Influence of Entrepreneurs’ Online Popularity and Interaction Behaviors on Individual Investors’ Psychological Perception: Evidence From the Peer-To-Peer Lending Market

Guoliang Liu

Papers

Can joint-contract functions promote PPP project sustainability performance? A moderated mediation model

When Blockchain Meets the AEC Industry: Present Status, Benefits, Challenges, and Future Research Opportunities

Enhancing Trust Between PPP Partners: The Role of Contractual Functions and Information Transparency:

The Influence of Entrepreneurs’ Online Popularity and Interaction Behaviors on Individual Investors’ Psychological Perception: Evidence From the Peer-To-Peer Lending Market