Revisiting what factors promote BIM adoption more effectively through the TOE framework: A meta-analysis

Abstract

Building information modeling (BIM), as a transformative technology, plays a crucial role in implementing lean construction within the architecture, construction, and engineering (AEC) industry. Despite extensive studies that have focused on how to promote BIM adoption more effectively, the literature remains divided on the relationship between BIM adoption and its determinants. To clarify the controversy, this meta-analysis was conducted on 62 empirical studies published between 2012 and 2023, involving 11,228 study subjects across 13 countries, based on the technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework. The findings showed that, among the technical characteristics, compatibility proved to be the major driver. Additionally, in the organizational dimension, organizational culture was considered a very crucial factor, while among the external environment, mimetic pressure stood out as a primary driver in promoting BIM adoption. This research synthesizes previous theories to develop an integrated framework of BIM adoption, verifying that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use mediated the influences of external factors on BIM adoption. It also showed that the national BIM maturity (eight complementary components), along with contextual factors (organization type, job level, and time span), moderates the effects of the particular pathways in the framework. The proposed integrated theoretical model measures the association of BIM adoption with its determinants, offering new insights into the mechanisms of BIM adoption. These findings help to resolve some lingering debates in the extant literature and promote wider adoption of BIM in the AEC industry.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

building information modeling / technology adoption / meta-analysis / AEC industry / TOE-TAM

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