A field theory based model for identifying the effect of organizational structure on the formation of organizational culture in construction projects

摘要

A carefully selected organizational structure paves the way for the success of a construction project by fostering a strong and enduring organizational culture. However, very little research has been conducted regarding the effect of organizational structure on the formation of organizational culture. This research employs the field theory to demonstrate organizational culture development and thereafter proposes a novel model for identifying the effect of organizational structure on the formation of organizational culture in a construction project. An empirical analysis based on the Chinese construction industry is performed to verify the proposed model. The primary contribution of this research is twofold. First, it presents a new perspective of examining organizational culture development from organizational structure by using the cultural field theory. Second, it reveals the important effect of organizational structure on the formation of organizational culture and offers project owners a new approach for identifying the effect which could also be a reference for further selecting an appropriate organizational structure.