Cognition and action in construction project organising

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

In this chapter we consider the central role of uncertainty for cognition and
action in construction project organising – specifically, how project practitioners think about the future. We take a cognitive approach to uncertainty in the context of a broader information processing approach to decision-making in organisations inspired by the Carnegie School. In doing so, we identify the failure of this approach to connect cognition through to action as one of its limitations and, hence, the main concern of this chapter. We present the Un-Certain Complex Complicated Hidden (UnCoCoH) model to recognise the transition from individual cognition to collective action – where action is future orientated and proactive – and identify the role of narratives for stabilising uncertainty through this transition. Our concern with the relationship between cognition and action is inspired by Schütz and recent developments in relational sociology. This then provides the foundations for working towards the development of a projectivity perspective in construction project organising and advancing a research agenda for this program of research.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationA Research Agenda for Construction Management
EditorsRoine Leiringer, Andrew Dainty
Place of PublicationCheltenham
PublisherEdward Elgar
Chapter7
Pages141-170
Number of pages30
ISBN (Electronic) 978 1 80037 545 1
ISBN (Print)978 1 80037 544 4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 14 Jul 2023

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