Building information modelling and project performance: a framework unpacking the trust

Purpose Drawing upon the trust and sociotechnical system (STS) theories, this study aims to develop a conceptual framework addressing trusts in building information modelling (BIM) and project partners to identify the underlying mechanism of the BIM-enabled performance. Design/methodology/approach This study followed a two-stage process, first refining 63 trust items in BIM to 15 across five dimensions via literature and expert interviews, and then validating these through surveys with BIM-enabled project managers in China, obtaining a 75% response rate. Data from the surveys were analysed using path analysis to explore the relationships between trust in BIM, trust in partners and project performance. Trust and performance metrics were gauged using established scales on a five-point Likert scale. Findings The results reveal that trusts in BIM and project partners are significantly correlated with the performance of BIM-enabled projects through organisation citizenship behaviour (OCB) and information sharing. Research limitations/implications The contribution of this research is twofold, as we (1) develop a paradigm aiding the BIM-enabled projects through unearthing the roles of “trusts” and (2) set forth a platform for future research into BIM integration. Practical implications The developed “trust in BIM” scale is the first attempt to provide a reliable and practical measurement tool for understanding trust in BIM. It enables practitioners to better organise and manage BIM-enabled projects from the perspectives of trust and cooperation. Originality/value This study expands the theoretical underpinning of integrated project delivery with BIM by developing a homological network of trust and revealing its influencing mechanism. The integrated Trust-STS framework offers an analytical perspective with trust as the environment, social technology as the basis and project performance as the orientation.