Exploring cognitive process of construction engineering tacit knowledge transfer based on interpersonal brain synchronization

Abstract

The efficient transfer of tacit knowledge is crucial for enhancing teamwork resilience and promoting collaborative innovation in construction projects. This study used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) hyperscanning technology to measure interpersonal brain synchronization (IBS) during the transfer of different classifications of tacit knowledge. This study explored the relationships among types of tacit knowledge, IBS during the transfer process, and the performance of tacit knowledge transfer. Finally, the role of knowledge behavioral characteristics in the process of tacit knowledge transfer was revealed. The results show that i) there is a significant IBS between the sender and receiver during the transfer task, with the IBS level of the cognitive tacit knowledge group being significantly lower than that of the technical tacit knowledge group. ii) There is a significant causal relationship between the IBS level of the transferring subjects and transfer performance, and the type of tacit knowledge influences transfer performance through IBS. iii) The tacit knowledge learning willingness of the receiver and the tacit knowledge sharing willingness of the sender moderate the relationship between the classification of tacit knowledge and the IBS level, and the absorptive capacity of the receiver moderates the relationship between the IBS level and tacit knowledge transfer performance. This study identifies the transfer mechanism of engineering tacit knowledge and provides a reliable predictor for the performance of tacit knowledge transfer with strong hysteresis.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

construction tacit knowledge transfer / interpersonal brain synchronization (IBS) / functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) hyperscanning / knowledge behavior characteristics / transfer performance

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