Influences of social capital on knowledge creation

This paper is a contribution towards closing the gap in the literature on the influence of ‘social capital’ on project-level knowledge processes (e.g. knowledge creation and sharing). Its primary aim is to identify how the structural dimension of ‘social capital’, i.e. social networks, influences knowledge creation capability of integrated project teams in the construction industry. First, social networks of teams are analysed. Then, knowledge creation capacity inherent in these networks is evaluated. This evaluation is based on knowledge/information flows within teams as an important condition of knowledge creation. The paper concludes with the identification and verification of potential improvement areas in terms of the teams’ knowledge creation capability and absorptive capacity; and their utilisation of social networks.