Perceptions of lean construction for waste management in the UAE building sector: a partial least squares structural equation modeling approach

Despite having a significant socio-economic impact on a country’s growth, one of the biggest contributors to waste generation is the construction sector, thus increasing the necessity for innovative construction waste management strategies. Lean Construction (LC) is a much-adopted methodology that helps manage construction waste efficiently. This study investigates the barriers to LC implementation in the UAE’s building construction sector, with a specific focus on its potential for effective construction waste management. Recognizing the urgent need to adopt sustainable practices in the face of escalating environmental concerns, the study employs a quantitative exploratory approach combining literature synthesis, expert validation, descriptive statistical analysis, Relative Importance Index (RII) ranking, and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to examine stakeholder perceptions across eight critical categories: Knowledge/Awareness, Attitude, Management, Government, Financial, Material/Resource, Technical, and Other contextual factors. The RII analysis ranks these barriers based on stakeholder responses, while the PLS-SEM approach models the strength and significance of their interrelationships within a validated structural framework. The findings reveal that while all eight categories significantly influence stakeholder perceptions, Attitude and Management factors exhibit the strongest impact, highlighting the importance of behavioral and organizational readiness in enabling LC adoption. The key deliverable of this research is a validated and empirically supported structural model that provides a strategic roadmap for overcoming resistance to LC implementation. By offering actionable insights into which barriers matter most and how they interact, the study equips policymakers, contractors, and industry stakeholders with evidence-based guidance to design targeted interventions. Ultimately, this research contributes to the growing discourse on sustainable construction by positioning LC as a viable pathway for reducing construction waste and improving efficiency in the UAE context.