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

• Published in: Buildings (Basel) Vol. 12; no. 9; p. 1349
• Main Authors: Li, Chunhao, Zhang, Yuqian, Xu, Yongshun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01.09.2022
• Subjects: Algorithms; Bibliometrics; Blockchain; Business competition; Comparative analysis; Construction industry; Cryptography; Empirical analysis; fsQCA; Fuzzy sets; innovation adoption; Innovations; Literature reviews; Mathematical models; Multivariate statistical analysis; Organizations; PLS-SEM; Qualitative analysis; Supply chain management; Technology; Technology adoption; technology–organization–environment (TOE); Third party; Workflow
• ISSN: 2075-5309; 2075-5309
• DOI: 10.3390/buildings12091349

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.