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Abadou, Y, Ghrieb, A, Bustamante, R and Faid, H (2020) Optimization by mixture design approach. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 18(06), 1731–47.

Addy, M N, Akunyumu, S and Simons, B (2019) Key risk factors affecting renewable energy independent power producer (IPP) set-up projects in developing countries. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 17(06), 1340–55.

Adebisi, E O, Alao, O O and Ojo, S O (2020) Assessment of early warning signs predisposing building projects to failure in Nigeria. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 18(06), 1403–23.

Aghimien, D O, Aigbavboa, C O and Thwala, W D (2019) Microscoping the challenges of sustainable construction in developing countries. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 17(06), 1110–28.

Agyefi-Mensah, S, Kpamma, Z E and Hagan, D E (2020) Residential adaptations as users' tacit means of communicating spatial needs in housing design. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 18(06), 1593–613.

Agyekum, B, Kissi, E, Yamoah Agyemang, D and Badu, E (2018) Examining barriers for the utilization of non-traditional cost estimating models in developing countries. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 16(06), 814–27.

Agyekum, K, Kissi, E, Danku, J C, Ampratwum, G and Amegatsey, G S (2020) Factors driving the career progression of construction project managers. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 18(06), 1773–91.

Amany, A, Taghizade, K and Noorzai, E (2020) Investigating conflicts of expert contractors using the last planner system in building information modeling process. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 18(06), 1381–402.

Ankomah, E N, Ayarkwa, J and Agyekum, K (2020) Status of lean construction implementation among small and medium building contractors in Ghana. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 18(06), 1691–709.

Aouad, R and Amara, I (2018) Influence of the cutting condition on the wear and the surface roughness in the steel AISI 4140 with mixed ceramic and diamond tool. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 16(06), 828–36.

Arefizadeh, H and Shahir, H (2020) Three-dimensional analysis of anchored wall with concrete bearing pads. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 18(06), 1469–86.

Asa, E, Anna, A S and Baffoe-Twum, E (2019) An investigation of mechanical behavior of concrete containing crushed waste glass. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 17(06), 1285–303.

Asa, E, Shrestha, M, Baffoe-Twum, E and Awuku, B (2020) Development of sustainable construction material from fly ash class C. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 18(06), 1615–40.

Babatunde, S O, Ekundayo, D, Adekunle, A O and Bello, W (2020) Comparative analysis of drivers to BIM adoption among AEC firms in developing countries. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 18(06), 1425–47.

Benabdellah, A C, Benghabrit, A and Bouhaddou, I (2020) Complexity drivers in engineering design. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 18(06), 1663–90.

Bendak, S and Alhammadi, A A (2019) A multi-criteria decision-making approach to minimising fire risk in detached house designs. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 17(06), 1146–60.

Bhardwaj, A and Sharma, R K (2020) Effect of industrial wastes and lime on strength characteristics of clayey soil. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 18(06), 1749–72.

Bhaurkar, V P and Thakur, A G (2019) Investigation of crack in beams using anti-resonance technique and FEA approach. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 17(06), 1266–84.

Chen, Y and Yang, Z (2018) Validity and reliability of rating scales for subjective breathing resistance of wearing respirators. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 16(06), 837–49.

Chileshe, N, Edwards, D J, Kavishe, N and Haupt, T C (2020) Perception on challenges impacting bid decision of indigenous building contractors in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 18(06), 1641–62.

Correia, J M, Sutrisna, M and Zaman, A U (2020) Factors influencing the implementation of off-site manufacturing in commercial projects in Western Australia. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 18(06), 1449–68.

De Silva, N, Rathnayake, U and Kulasekera, K (2018) Under-reporting of construction accidents in Sri Lanka. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 16(06), 850–68.

Djafri, R, Mohamed Osman, M, Suzilawati Rabe, N and Shuid, S (2020) Investigating quality of life by residents of social housing in eastern Algeria: a structural equation modelling. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 18(06), 1907–26.

Entner, D, Prante, T, Vosgien, T, Zăvoianu, A, Saminger-Platz, S, Schwarz, M and Fink, K (2019) Potential identification and industrial evaluation of an integrated design automation workflow. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 17(06), 1085–109.

Erkan, I (2020) A system proposal for rapid detecting of anthropometric data and affecting design strategies. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 18(06), 1793–822.

Feldman, G, Shah, H, Chapman, C, Pärn, E A and Edwards, D J (2017) A systematic approach for enterprise systems upgrade decision-making: Outlining the decision processes. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 15(06), 778-802.

Fiorineschi, L, Papini, S, Pugi, L, Rindi, A and Rotini, F (2020) Systematic design of a new gearbox for concrete mixers. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 18(06), 2017–42.

Gaddala, K and Raju, P S (2020) Optimal location of UPQC for power quality improvement: novel hybrid approach. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 18(06), 1519–41.

Hamurcu, A, Timur, & and Rızvanoğlu, K (2020) An overview of virtual reality within industrial design education. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 18(06), 1889–905.

Ikediashi, D, Udo, G and Ofoegbu, M (2020) Post-occupancy evaluation of University of Uyo buildings. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 18(06), 1711–30.

Jahangiri, M, Haghani, A, Heidarian, S, Mostafaeipour, A, Raiesi, H A and Alidadi Shamsabadi, A (2020) Sensitivity analysis of using solar cells in regional electricity power supply of off-grid power systems in Iran. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 18(06), 1849–66.

Katoch, V and Mohan, S (2019) Design and fabrication of a safety frame for workers carrying out head lifting at construction sites. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 17(06), 1250–65.

Khalilzadeh, M, Balafshan, R and Hafezalkotob, A (2020) Multi-objective mathematical model based on fuzzy hybrid multi-criteria decision-making and FMEA approach for the risks of oil and gas projects. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 18(06), 1997–2016.

Kulkarni, S, Edwards, D J, Parn, E A, Chapman, C, Aigbavboa, C O and Cornish, R (2018) Evaluation of vehicle lightweighting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with focus on magnesium substitution. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 16(06), 869–88.

Kwofie, T E, Adinyira, E and Fugar, F (2017) Theoretical and practical implications for engendering project team communication effectiveness in mass housing project delivery in Ghana. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 15(06), 826-44.

Matarneh, S, Danso-Amoako, M, Al-Bizri, S, Gaterell, M and Matarneh, R (2019) BIM-based facilities information: streamlining the information exchange process. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 17(06), 1304–22.

Moses, T, Heesom, D and Oloke, D (2020) Implementing 5D BIM on construction projects: contractor perspectives from the UK construction sector. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 18(06), 1867–88.

Nani, G, Mensah, I and Adjei-Kumi, T (2017) Duration estimation model for bridge construction projects in Ghana. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 15(06), 754-77.

Nawfal, S and Ali, F (2018) The acceleration of 3D graphics transformations based on CUDA. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 16(06), 925–37.

Ndokwana, A and Fore, S (2018) Economic assessment of bioethanol production from maize in South Africa. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 16(06), 973–94.

Oke, A E, Ibironke, O T and Bayegun, O A (2017) Appraisal of reward packages in construction firms: A case of quantity surveying firms in Nigeria. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 15(06), 722-37.

Oke, A E, Ogunsemi, D R and Adeyelu, M (2019) Quadrant and gap analysis of required and exhibited quantity surveyors’ competencies. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 17(06), 1161–73.

Olawale, O A, Oyedele, L O and Owolabi, H A (2020) Construction practitioners’ perception of key drivers of reputation in mega-construction projects. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 18(06), 1571–92.

Othman, A A E and Hafez, M G (2019) A framework integrating corporate social responsibility for marketing architectural design firms in developing countries. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 17(06), 1174–91.

Owusu-Manu, D, Edwards, D J, Kukah, A, Parn, E A, El-Gohary, H and Hosseini, M R (2018) An empirical examination of moral hazards and adverse selection on PPP projects. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 16(06), 910–24.

Owusu-Manu, D, Edwards, D J, Mohammed, A, Thwala, W D and Birch, T (2019) Short run causal relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and infrastructure development. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 17(06), 1202–21.

Owusu-Manu, D, Ghansah, F A, Darko, A, Asiedu, R O and Edwards, D J (2020) Insurable and non-insurable risks in complex project deals: case of the Ghanaian construction industry. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 18(06), 1971–95.

Rajabion, L, Sataei Mokhtari, A, Khordehbinan, M W, Zare, M and Hassani, A (2019) The role of knowledge sharing in supply chain success. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 17(06), 1222–49.

Ramdav, T and Harinarain, N (2020) A strategic framework for the survival of the quantity surveying profession. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 18(06), 1487–518.

Rezaei, M, Mostafaeipour, A, Jafari, N, Naghdi-Khozani, N and Moftakharzadeh, A (2020) Wind and solar energy utilization for seawater desalination and hydrogen production in the coastal areas of southern Iran. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 18(06), 1951–69.

Riaz, Z, Parn, E A, Edwards, D J, Arslan, M, Shen, C and Pena-Mora, F (2017) BIM and sensor-based data management system for construction safety monitoring. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 15(06), 738-53.

Romanello, G (2018) Stability analysis of mobile cranes and determination of outriggers loading. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 16(06), 938–58.

Senaratne, S, Mirza, O, Lambrousis, G and Fernandez-Soncini, A (2018) Structural applicability of steel fibre-recycled aggregate concrete in construction. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 16(06), 959–72.

Shekhawat, P, Sharma, G and Singh, R M (2020) Durability analysis of eggshell powder–flyash geopolymer composite subjected to wetting–drying cycles. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 18(06), 2043–60.

Simpeh, E K and Smallwood, J J (2020) An integrated model for predicting the probability of adoption of green building in South Africa. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 18(06), 1927–50.

Srivastava, A, Srivastava, D K and Misra, A K (2019) Spatial variability modeling and reliability analysis of flexible pavement through mechanistic–empirical model. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 17(06), 1129–45.

Taofeeq, M D, Adeleke, A and LEE, C (2020) Government policy as a key moderator to contractors’ risk attitudes among Malaysian construction companies. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 18(06), 1543–69.

  • Type: Journal Article
  • Keywords: Government policies; Organizational control theory; PLS-SEM; Contractor’s risk attitude; Individual factor;
  • ISBN/ISSN: 1726-0531
  • URL: https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-08-2019-0192
  • Abstract:
    The main parties in construction projects are the engineers, clients, architects, contractors, material suppliers, and consultants such as the project managers. They play the most important roles in implementing construction projects, and their activities have a significant impact on their risk attitudes during the execution of projects. Because each participant has their particular interests, by proprietary information, each participant is driven to achieve maximum benefit, which can result in improper behaviour concerning each other. The risk in this situation is that there would be a moral hazard and adverse selection based on information asymmetry among principal construction participants especially contractors; this outcome is called risk attitudes. Behaviour is affected by various risk factors and the successful implementation of construction projects depends on effective management of the key risk factors part of which is a personal factor. The purpose of this paper is to identify the critical factors affecting contractors’ risk attitudes among Malaysian construction companies with the moderating role of government policy. Organizational control theory and expected utility theory were used to develop the theoretical framework. The study investigated G7 contractors in the Malaysian construction industry. Data were collected through the use of a questionnaire. Design/methodology/approach The research analysis was based on structural equation modelling (SEM), and the research model was ascertained through the Smart PLS 3.0 software (Ringle et al., 2012). Partial least square-SEM is an appropriate analysis that was used to assess the results in the current research because its algorithm permits the unrestricted computation of cause-effect relationship models that use both reflective and formative measurement models. This study uses the quantitative method to identify the individual factors influencing contractors’ risk attitude and the moderating role of government policy among construction companies in Malaysia. This study also focussed on the G7 contractors operating in the Malaysia construction industry that specializes in building, bridge and road construction projects. The duration of the data collection was between two and three weeks. The questionnaire was prepared both in Malay and English languages to allow the respondents to respond most conveniently. Before the copies of the questionnaire were distributed, the selected contractors’ committees were duly informed about the details of the survey procedures. The adopted Likert scale was originally a five-point scale that ranges from “very low” to “very high” with “low or high” in between. Findings The result of this study moderately supports the hypothesized relationships proposed in the theoretical model. In particular, the results recommended that personal factors that affect risk attitudes (working experience, emotional intelligence, professional competence and physical health) have a significant relation with contractors’ risk attitudes in the construction companies in Malaysia. Also, it has been found that government policy (rules and regulations) are important determinants of risk attitudes. Research limitations/implications The study focussed on individual factors affecting contractors’ risk attitudes in the construction company’s in Malaysia. Therefore, the dimensions of factors affecting risk attitudes can be used in another aspect of construction projects such as management factors, economic factors and technical factors. Therefore, further research might investigate other grades of Malaysian construction companies apart from Grade 7 contractors to know if there is a similarity in the results; other grades of the contractors might have potential positive contributions to the construction industry as well. Practical implications With consider to the practical, the current research findings have several contributions for the contractors and project managers. The research results demonstrate that government policy plays an important role in the construction industry and organizational support will also help contractors to control their attitudes in working place. Individual factor has a direct relationship with contractor risk attitudes (CRA), project managers must ensure that the government policy has an impact in all their workers and offered is competitive, fair and by their employees’ contribution. Apart from that managers should also focus on organizational goals especially in managing professional and skilled contractors in the companies. Employees who perceived their employers as uncaring or not supporting their needs and well-being may not be happy working with the organization and the tendency for them to change their attitudes towards risk will be high. Social implications This study also contributes knowledge by lending empirical support to the organizational control theory and expected utility theory system’s effect on CRA and confirming that changing one individual attitude will change the whole equilibrium. This is useful to aid in further synthesis of organizational control theory and expected utility theory in construction companies. Originality/value This study is the first attempt at evaluating the direct and moderating effect relationships among individual factor affecting risk attitudes, government policy and CRA in Malaysian construction companies. These findings also prop up the applicability of the organizational control theory and expected utility theory within the context of construction companies in Malaysia. Also, this study contributed to the literature on psychology by subjective (psychological) measures of individuals’ behaviour and decisions. In the CRA literature, there has been much discussion on personal characteristics to understand behaviours such as attitudes of a contractor towards risk and morals.

Tengan, C, Aigbavboa, C O, Guribie, F and Annor-Asubonteng, J (2019) Analysis of the outcome features of effective monitoring and evaluation in construction project delivery. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 17(06), 1192–201.

Titirla, M and Aretoulis, G (2019) Neural network models for actual duration of Greek highway projects. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 17(06), 1323–39.

Witmer, A (2018) Contextual engineering assessment using an influence-identification tool. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 16(06), 889–909.

Yap, J B H and Lock, A (2017) Analysing the benefits, techniques, tools and challenges of knowledge management practices in the Malaysian construction SMEs. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 15(06), 803-25.

Yap, J B H, Lee, K Y and Skitmore, M (2020) Analysing the causes of corruption in the Malaysian construction industry. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , 18(06), 1823–47.