Behavioral Factors Influencing Lean Information Flow in Complex Projects

As construction projects become increasingly complex, the success of these projects depends increasingly on effective information flow. Based on a three-year ethnographic study of the project team responsible for two capital healthcare projects, this paper presents a model of the interrelation of trust, commitment, learning, and understanding within project teams and how these constructs are vital to effective information flow. This model was developed through analysis of project team behaviors, behavioral trends, and triggers that prompted changes in behavioral trends. The model has implications regarding the competencies required of managers on complex projects, tools and processes that improve information flow, and the importance of information flow planning.