Analyzing the Key Influencing Factors of Contractors’ Environmentally Responsible Behavior in Megaprojects: A Social Network Analysis

Abstract In the context of environmental governance in megaprojects, contractors’ environmentally responsible behavior (ERB) plays an increasingly critical role. Previous studies have focused primarily on identifying individual factors influencing such behavior, but they have largely overlooked the potential interrelationships among these factors. This gap may result in misjudging their actual impact. Therefore, this study examined both the interrelationships and relative importance of factors affecting contractors’ ERB in megaprojects. First, based on a literature review and the Delphi method, 20 influencing factors were identified from a stakeholder perspective. Expert surveys subsequently were conducted to quantify the interrelationships among these factors. Finally, by employing social network analysis, an influencing factor network model was constructed, and the significance of each factor was assessed. The findings reveal 13 key influencing factors and 21 critical interactions. Among these, contractual governance, ascription of responsibility, environmental awareness, and organizational culture emerge as core factors. This study enhances understanding of the complex interrelationships among influencing factors and provides practical guidance for fostering contractors’ ERB in megaprojects.