Shaping Inter-Team Knowledge Transfer Networks in EPC Projects: A Structural-Affective-Cognitive Framework

Inter-team knowledge transfer is a key issue for collaboration in EPC construction projects. However, the understanding of knowledge transfer in the context of multi-team systems is limited. Based on multi-team systems theory, social identity theory, and mental model theory, this study proposes a structural-affective-cognitive framework to explore how inter-team knowledge transfer shapes EPC construction projects. Relationship data from 193 project members of 12 core teams participating in a large-scale EPC construction project were collected through sociometric and questionnaire surveys. The results show that knowledge transfer network of multi-team EPC construction projects exhibits reciprocity and transitivity path closure, and there are differences in the reciprocity structure patterns between intra-team knowledge transfer networks and inter-team knowledge transfer networks. Task dependence relationships positively influence the formation of inter-team knowledge transfer, while the impact of contractual relationships is not significant. Inter-team task dependence relationships enhance the positive impact of members’ dual identification and mental models on the formation of inter-team knowledge transfer. The findings enrich the understanding of inter-team knowledge transfer network in multiteam EPC construction projects.