Do drivers matter more than barriers? Evidence from artificial intelligence adoption for resource optimization in construction using a TOE-DOI framework
Ahmed A. El-Barbary, Ahmed Elzoghby Elsaied, Mohamed BadawyPurpose
This study aims to investigate how perceived drivers and barriers jointly influence the intention to adopt artificial intelligence (AI) for resource optimization in construction planning and scheduling, using an integrated technology-organization-environment (TOE) and diffusion of innovations (DOI) framework.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative survey was conducted with 327 construction professionals from Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Drivers and barriers were modeled as second-order reflective constructs encompassing technological, organizational and environmental dimensions, measured using a probability-impact approach. Data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with multi-group comparisons.
Findings
Perceived drivers exert a strong positive effect on AI adoption intention (ß = 0.918), whereas perceived barriers exert a strong negative effect (ß = −0.887). Together, the constructs explain 87.7% of the variance in adoption intention (R2 = 0.877). The difference between the absolute effects was not statistically significant (Δß = 0.031, p > 0.05), indicating that drivers and barriers exert nearly equivalent but opposing influences on adoption decisions. Organizational dimensions exhibited the strongest loadings within both constructs, indicating that internal readiness and managerial commitment are the most influential factors shaping AI adoption decisions. Differences were observed across countries, organization types and professional roles.
Originality/value
This study examines drivers and barriers simultaneously, revealing their balanced influence on AI adoption decisions. The proposed model provides an empirically validated framework for understanding AI adoption for resource optimization in construction, particularly in emerging markets and offers practical insights for managers and policymakers.