Implementing Sustainable Construction Practices in the Jordanian Housing Industry

Abstract

Sustainable construction practices (SCP) serve as a pivotal strategy in addressing the environmental impacts associated with the built environment. Focusing on the Jordanian housing industry, which accounts for more than 90.0% of construction permits, this research employs the fuzzy Delphi method (FDM) to identify and analyze barriers to the widespread adoption of SCP. The FDM, chosen for its efficacy in refining expert information amid uncertainty, provides an iterative and structured approach for converging on complex issues. Through in-depth interviews with eight key real estate developers engaged in a comprehensive research questionnaire, the study illuminates challenges faced by the industry and the role of developers in fostering sustainability. Findings reveal four primary barriers hindering SCP adoption: cultural resistance, financial challenges, limited knowledge among developers, and attitudinal resistance. This research enhances understanding of challenges in the Jordanian housing industry, offering insights for targeted interventions to promote sustainability. Identified barriers provide a robust foundation for strategies aimed at advancing sustainability within the region’s construction sector.

Keywords:

• Real estate developers
• resistance to change
• sustainable construction practice
• housing sector
• fuzzy Delphi method

Introduction

Buildings have played a pivotal role in the progression of human civilization and economic development (Choi, 2009; Fang & Yu, 2017). Their significance is underscored by their contribution of more than 30% to global energy consumption and the substantial 33% share in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Brooks & McArthur, 2019; Choi, 2009; Mahdiyar et al., 2020; Olaleye et al., 2015; Reed et al., 2009; Simons et al., 2014; Udomsap & Hallinger, 2020; Wilkinson, 2016; Zeadat, 2022). Moreover, the construction sector exerts a considerable demand for raw materials (Goh et al., 2020). In this context, the built environment, particularly the housing sector, assumes a crucial role in combatting climate change and advancing sustainable and green development (Alawneh et al., 2019; Albaali et al., 2021; Alkhalidi & Aljolani, 2020; Saidi et al., 2021). Consequently, the environmental repercussions of buildings have attracted substantial attention from scholars and policymakers, fostering a growing interest in the principles of sustainable construction practices (SCP) (Khasreen et al., 2009; Zeadat, 2022). According to Choi (2009), the implementation of SCP should be all-encompassing, spanning micro, macro, and metropolitan levels and addressing building, neighborhood, and city scales.

Housing Dynamics and Real Estate Development in the Jordanian Context: A Comprehensive Analysis

Cities in developing nations, such as Jordan, exhibit rapid population growth, mirroring global trends (Al-Hashimi & Ali, 2013). Jordan, positioned in the Middle East, exemplifies this phenomenon, with its population surpassing 11 million people, 80% of whom inhabit urban areas (Alawneh et al., 2018; Zeadat, 2022). The country has experienced a twofold population increase from 2005 to 2022 (Department of Statistics, Jordan, 2022).

Amman and Irbid, hosting 39% and 18% of Jordan’s population, respectively, underscore the concentration of urbanization in specific regions (Zeadat, 2018, p. 355). This urbanization trend gained momentum in the latter half of the 20th century, driven by regional political instability (Zeadat, 2022), resulting in a substantial 509-fold expansion of Amman’s urban areas from 1918 to 2002 (Al Rawashdeh & Saleh, 2006).

The construction industry, intricately linked to a country’s economic and societal progress (Yin et al., 2018), holds particular significance in Jordan, contributing 7.0% to the national economy (World Bank, 2018). This sector serves as a catalyst for economic growth, directly and indirectly impacting various segments (The Jordan Strategy Forum, 2019, p. 4).

However, the rapid urbanization in Jordan has presented challenges in managing crucial resources, such as energy and water, for the burgeoning urban populace. Surprisingly, SCP in the Jordanian housing sector remain underdeveloped, with only nine certified green buildings in the country, none of which pertain to the housing sector. The construction industry grapples with obstacles like high labor costs, environmental impact, and technological limitations (Al-Azhari & Al-Najjar, 2012), where SCP has demonstrated potential solutions (Al Balkhy et al., 2021).

Despite these challenges, research on sustainable construction practices in Jordan is scarce (Aldeek, 2020; Ayoub et al., 2022). The urgency for SCP in developing nations is emphasized by recent studies, which highlight the need for reforming current construction methods that deplete resources, harm the environment, and pose risks to public health (Iqbal et al., 2021; Pradhananga et al., 2021).

Addressing these gaps, this article aims to identify the key impediments preventing real estate developers in Jordan from embracing sustainable construction practices. Through this assessment, we seek to contribute to the enhancement of housing projects in Jordan, aligning them with sustainability principles for the country’s long-term well-being.

SCP: Fundamental Principles and Implementation Strategies

Sustainable construction encompasses the entirety of the building process, from raw material extraction to waste management and recycling (Maqbool et al., 2022). Over the last 2 decades, the rise of green construction has compelled real estate developers to adopt a “sustainability mindset” in the conception and management of building projects (Udomsap & Hallinger, 2020). Traditional constructions, marked by inefficient resource utilization, indirectly contribute to environmental disruption (Wilkinson, 2016; Wilkinson et al., 2013). The construction industry faces increasing pressure to integrate sustainable practices (Athapaththu & Karunasena, 2018; Carvajal-Arango et al., 2019). Sustainability discussions have taken a central role in political discourse globally over the past 2 decades (Wilkinson et al., 2013). Various terms such as green, greener, ecological, environmentally sensitive, environmentally conscious, natural, and sustainable design are employed to describe sustainable buildings (Wilkinson, 2016). This study adopts the definition of sustainability outlined in the Bruntland Report (World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987), encompassing economic, environmental, and social dimensions while ensuring intra- and inter-generational equity, with no single pillar dominating the others (Goh et al., 2020). To effectively contribute to sustainable development, simultaneous assessment of all three aspects is essential, recognizing their interconnected nature and ensuring that progress in one does not compromise the others (Larsson & Larsson, 2020). Sustainability revolves around achieving a delicate balance between the pursuit of well-being and the preservation of natural support systems (Carvajal-Arango et al., 2019).

A paradigm shift is imperative in developing nations, embracing SCP to mitigate environmental consequences while nurturing a healthier built environment (Pradhananga et al., 2021). The evolution of new materials and construction methods has paved the way for sustainable building characteristics and construction procedures (Glick et al., 2015). SCP provides robust solutions to existing environmental and socioeconomic challenges (Yunus & Yang, 2011). It embodies a holistic approach covering the entire life cycle of construction, starting with raw material extraction; progressing through planning, design, and construction; and culminating in the deconstruction and disposal of construction debris (Athapaththu & Karunasena, 2018). The principles underpinning SCP are rooted in the rationale to minimize the adverse impacts of construction activities on the environment and surrounding communities (refer to Table 1 below).

Table 1. Main principles of sustainable construction practices (adapted from Olaleye et al., 2015).

Sustainable construction practices	Principle	Supporting reference
Sustainable legal framework and enforcement	Real estate developers ought to align with the regulatory framework of the country pertaining to sustainable development, as it serves as a catalyst for fostering economic advancement.	Pitt et al., 2009; Tan et al., 2011
Sustainable construction standards, guidelines, or policies	Real estate developers are encouraged to adopt and enforce sustainable regulations and standards to alleviate the environmental, economic, and social repercussions associated with construction processes.	Krigsvoll et al., 2010
Sustainable designs	Real estate developers are urged to incorporate green design principles across the entire life cycle of construction, including resource utilization, the use of eco-friendly materials, and waste minimization, among other critical considerations.	Gharzeldeena & Beheiry, 2015; Tan et al., 2011
Sustainable procurement	Real estate developers are encouraged to integrate green supply chain principles across the entire life cycle of the project.	Shaharudin & Ismail, 2015; Tan et al., 2011
Sustainable technologies, processes, and innovations	Real estate developers are encouraged to strategically employ sustainable technologies, practices, and innovations, including the integration of lean principles, to optimize operational efficiency and foster environmentally responsible development practices.	Booth et al., 2012; Liang et al., 2014; Tan et al., 2011
People and organizational structure	The organizational framework of real estate developers necessitates a demonstration of inherent flexibility and dynamism to adeptly facilitate the efficacious implementation of sustainable policies and strategies.	Liang et al., 2014; Tan et al., 2011.
Sustainable education and training	Real estate developers can fortify their dedication to sustainable construction practices through the cultivation of a corporate culture that prioritizes awareness, education, and training on sustainability for all personnel within the organizational milieu.	Liang et al., 2014; Tan et al., 2011
Sustainable measurements and reporting	Real estate developers are encouraged to institute a comprehensive monitoring and reporting system to assess their adherence to sustainable construction practices, systematically identifying areas for enhancement and continuous improvement.	Liang et al., 2014; Tan et al., 2011; Pitt et al., 2009
Sustainable waste management	Mitigating energy and material waste in construction necessitates a concerted effort to address issues such as excessive material and energy consumption, emissions of toxic gases, eutrophication, pollution, and substandard working conditions.	Iqbal et al., 2021; Verrier et al., 2016

In elucidating the discourse surrounding SCP, it is imperative to undertake a comprehensive examination of its efficacy, potential drawbacks, and unforeseen consequences, as underscored by scholarly contributions (Olaleye et al., 2015). In the domain of sustainable construction, analogous to various disciplines, there exists a cohort of scholars who proffer critical perspectives. The engagement of scholars in critiquing SCP is contingent upon specific contextual considerations and the facets they elect to scrutinize. Table 2 succinctly encapsulates nine factors that impede the adoption of SCP in developing nations. It is pertinent to acknowledge that the formulation of the research questionnaire, wherein real estate developers assess the significance of each barrier, is rooted in the identification of these nine barriers as foundational elements for investigation.

Table 2. Factors affecting the implementation of SCP in the housing industry.

	Factors	Supporting references
F1	Real estate developers have negative perceptions and no preference for SCP	Aghimien et al., 2019b; Elforgani & Rahmat, 2012; Fauzi et al., 2018; Sarhan et al., 2018; Sourani & Sohail, 2013
F2	Limited real estate developer knowledge and awareness regarding SCP	Abisuga & Oyekanmi, 2014; Aghimien et al., 2019a, 2019b; Ametepey et al., 2015; Angonese and Lavarda, 2014; Berawi et al., 2020; Davies & Davies, 2017; Djokoto et al., 2014; Elforgani & Rahmat, 2012; Lee et al., 2014; Schweiger et al., 2018; Sourani & Sohail, 2013
F3	Financial challenges and investment considerations	Abisuga & Oyekanmi, 2014; Abolore, 2012; Aghimien et al., 2018; Ametepey et al., 2015; Damawan & Azizah, 2020; Elforgani & Rahmat, 2012; Esezobor, 2016; Khan & Rehman, 2008; Sourani & Sohail, 2013
F4	Health and safety implications	Cardoso et al., 2019; Fortunate et al., 2012; Onubi et al., 2019; Zou & Couani, 2012
F5	Availability of resources	Ametepey et al., 2015; Ifije & Aigbavboa, 2020; Pham et al., 2020
F6	Absence of competitive pressure	Shen et al., 2010; Tunji-Olayeni et al., 2020; Ybema et al., 2016
F7	Limited customer demand	Ametepey et al., 2015; Daniel et al., 2018; Darko & Chan, 2017; Davies and Davies, 2017; Tunji-Olayeni et al., 2020
F8	Governmental and regulatory constraints	Abolore, 2012; Aghimien et al., 2018; Aghimien et al., 2019b; Ametepey et al., 2015; Berawi et al., 2020; Bible & Chikeleze, 2018; Choi, 2009; Darko & Chan, 2017; Davies and Davies, 2017; Djokoto et al., 2014; Gunduz & Almuajebh, 2020; Hoxha & Shala, 2019; Onuoha et al., 2017; Pham et al., 2020; Pradhananga et al., 2021; Yang et al., 2018
F9	Cultural resistance to new technologies due to the domination of existing trends and norms	Abisuga & Oyekanmi, 2014; Aghimien et al., 2018; Ametepey et al., 2015; Djokoto et al., 2014

SCP = sustainable construction practices.

Sustainability, integral to the well-being of future generations, encompasses the ethical and responsible stewardship of Earth’s resources, ecosystems, and well-being (Athapaththu & Karunasena, 2018; Carvajal-Arango et al., 2019). In developing nations, factors such as unstable economies, monopolies, and ineffective regulations often overshadow this imperative, hindering the realization of sustainable practices (Pradhananga et al., 2021). It involves the judicious management of finite resources, ecological footprint reduction, and climate change mitigation, extending beyond environmental preservation to foster harmony among human societies, nature, and ecosystems. This holistic approach encompasses social equity, economic prosperity, justice, inclusivity, resource distribution, and the encouragement of eco-friendly solutions. Sustainability aspires to leave a balanced legacy, fostering a sound, equitable, and resilient planet capable of sustaining diversity for generations, acknowledging the profound impact of present actions on tomorrow’s world.

Transitioning from conventional to sophisticated practices is imperative for sustainable and environmentally friendly strategies in the construction industry (Elforgani & Rahmat, 2012; Sarhan et al., 2018). The pivotal role of real estate developers in the successful implementation of SCP is underscored by Fauzi et al. (2018), emphasizing the need for a positive perception of SCP among housing project clients. However, in some developing countries, a lack of awareness and knowledge may contribute to a negative perspective on environmental sustainability among real estate developers (Fauzi et al., 2018; Pradhananga et al., 2021). Poor understanding of sustainability may lead to misinformed decisions, misguided activities and, at worst, failure to achieve desired outcomes (Wilkinson, 2016; Yin et al., 2018). The complexity of sustainable methods and apprehensions about higher investment costs further deter SCP adoption (Ametepey et al., 2015; Elforgani & Rahmat, 2012; Sarhan et al., 2018).

Concerns about the financial benefits of sustainability in the construction industry persist, with a lack of transparent processes for assessing the financial viability of sustainable property investments (Warren-Myers & Reed, 2010). Real estate developers must grasp the economic advantages of SCP to make informed decisions, and this necessitates a clear correlation between sustainability and economic returns (Bently et al., 2015; Warren-Myers & Reed, 2010). The prevailing culture in the housing industry, prioritizing short-term benefits over lifetime costs, poses a significant hurdle to SCP implementation, as quality management processes traditionally focus on construction costs (Esezobor, 2016, p. 38).

The importance of labor safety concerning social sustainability is emphasized by Karakhan and Gambatese (2017), acknowledging the significant improvement SCP brings to workplace health and safety in the construction industry (Abd Jamil & Fathi, 2016; Ghasemi et al., 2015). However, skepticism about the effectiveness of SCP in addressing health and safety issues persists (Hwang et al., 2018; Karakhan & Gambatese, 2017). This skepticism is rooted in concerns about hazards associated with installing green building elements at significant heights and increased exposure to hazardous materials. Despite these concerns, sustainable construction has demonstrated success in enhancing labor safety.

The sourcing of locally available green building materials poses a challenge for many sustainable construction projects in developing nations, leading to delays and cost overruns (Ametepey et al., 2015; Pham et al., 2020). The absence of financial assistance, loans, and subsidies from financial institutions further impedes SCP implementation (Iqbal et al., 2021; Shahzad, 2020). Given the significant influence real estate developers wield over SCP decisions, their lack of competitive pressure and limited consumer demand hinder SCP adoption in developing nations (Olaleye et al., 2015; Ybema et al., 2016, p. 6). The absence of leadership and interest from upper management remains a significant hindrance, emphasizing the pivotal role real estate developers play in driving SCP implementation (Ametepey et al., 2015; Oke et al., 2019).

State commitment to sustainability is crucial, with leadership playing a pivotal role in establishing appropriate legal infrastructure for successful SCP implementation (Ametepey et al., 2015; Pham et al., 2020). Financial incentives emerge as a critical driver for SCP, and the state’s role in implementing mandatory policies and incentive programs is essential to promote SCP in the housing industry (Bently et al., 2015; Yang et al., 2018). However, limited government incentives remain a significant barrier to SCP implementation, necessitating amendments to construction legislation and regulations to foster an environment conducive to sustainability.

Despite the potential benefits of sustainable building, considerable opposition to SCP persists in the construction industry, often attributed to a culture of "reluctance to change" (Goh et al., 2020). Cultural resistance to adopting sustainable practices in the construction industry is well documented, particularly in construction processes (Abisuga & Oyekanmi, 2014; Djokoto et al., 2014). This resistance underscores the necessity for real estate developers to fully embrace sustainable concepts for SCP integration. In summary, addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts, a paradigm shift, and a commitment from multiple stakeholders to advance SCP in the construction industry of developing nations.

Research Design

This section provides a comprehensive elucidation of the methodological framework employed to discern the paramount barriers impeding the implementation of SCP within the Jordanian housing industry. In the preliminary phase, the investigation drew upon the barriers cataloged by Okoye (2021) as a foundational basis, delving into the challenges that influence real estate developers in embracing SCP within the Jordanian housing sector. Subsequent to this initial phase, a series of in-depth interviews were conducted with a cohort of eight seasoned real estate developers, each possessing extensive experience in the Jordanian housing industry, aiming to ascertain the nuanced significance attributed to each identified barrier. The empirical research interviews were meticulously executed over a duration of 1 month, spanning from August 1, 2022, to August 31, 2022, encapsulating a judicious timeframe conducive to the thorough exploration of the subject matter. For contextual clarity, Table 3 furnishes pertinent background information pertaining to each participating expert engaged in the research endeavor.

Table 3. Profile of experts involved in the study.

Expert ID	Years of experience	Number of housing projects
EXP 1	33	50
EXP 2	16	43
EXP 3	12	>20
EXP 4	34	>15
EXP 5	14	14
EXP 6	19	>30
EXP 7	19	10
EXP 8	30	>50

The present study implemented the fuzzy Delphi method (FDM) as a robust mechanism to discern the preeminent barrier hindering the implementation of SCP within the housing sector of Jordan. The conceptual underpinning of FDM incorporates fuzzy set theory (FST), an innovative approach proposed by Tabatabaee, Mahdiyar et al. (2022) to contend with the inherent subjectivity, ambiguity, and fuzziness embedded in respondents’ qualitative inputs. FST played a pivotal role in the quantification of the five linguistic scales deployed in the questionnaire, as delineated by Tabatabaee et al. (2019) and presented in Table 4. Each fuzzy set, characterized by the least likely, the most likely, and the highest conceivable values, was defined within the confines of lower and upper bounds established at 1 and 5, respectively, while the membership functions ranged meticulously from 0 to 1.

Table 4. Linguistic variables used to determine the importance of the barriers to adopting sustainable construction practices in the housing industry (Tabatabaee, Mohandes, et al., 2022).

Variables	Fuzzy numbers
Very low importance	(1, 1, 1.5)
Low importance	(1.5, 2, 2.5)
Medium importance	(2.5, 3, 3.5)
High importance	(3.5, 4, 4.5)
Very high importance	(4.5, 5, 5)

The selection of FDM as the methodological conduit for identifying barriers to SCP adoption within Jordan’s housing sector is methodically grounded. FDM, renowned for its adeptness in navigating the intricacies and uncertainties intrinsic to SCP adoption, manifests efficacy in assimilating diverse stakeholder perspectives and navigating the realm of fuzzy data. The iterative and consensus-oriented modus operandi inherent to FDM harmonizes with the multifaceted nature of SCP, accommodating evolving viewpoints and expert consensus. Notably, FDM emerges as culturally attuned, enlisting the participation of local experts well versed in the specific challenges endemic to Jordan. Its efficacy further extends to adeptly managing the inherent subjectivity in SCP barriers, including nuanced aspects such as cultural resistance and cost perceptions. FDM, therefore, emerges as a discerning choice for managing risk and uncertainty germane to SCP adoption, concurrently fostering meaningful stakeholder engagement, particularly with real estate developers.

A foundational attribute of the Delphi method lies in its meticulous pursuit of a dependable consensus among subject matter experts. Following the completion of exhaustive expert questionnaires, an imperative task ensued to ascertain the attainment of a judicious consensus. To scrutinize this consensus, the research employed the standard deviation to mean ratio (SDMR) criterion, as posited by Gunduz and Elsherbeny (2020). The acceptability threshold for consensus on a particular driver was set at an SDMR value below 30%. Conversely, an SDMR equal to or exceeding 30% for each barrier indicated a suboptimal consensus, compelling a revisitation of responses by real estate developers. Additionally, the Cronbach reliability test, in accordance with Tabatabaee, Mohandes et al. (2022), mandated a value surpassing .7 to affirm a heightened level of agreement among experts.

With the attainment of consensus levels on each driver established, the research seamlessly transitioned to employ triangular fuzzy numbers (TFNs). This transformative step was instrumental in quantifying the intricate linguistic variables inherent in the responses of research participants. The mathematical formalism of TFNs is expounded in Equations (1)(1) $$\mathit{\text{Fi}}\left(b\right)=\left(l_b,m_b,u_b\right),f\mathit{\text{or}}i=1,2,\dots ,n$$(1) and (2)(2) $$B\left(b\right)=\left(l_B,m_B,u_B\right)=\left(\mathit{\text{min}}{l}_b,\mathit{\text{mean}}{m}_b,\mathit{\text{max}}{u}_b\right)$$(2) below: (1) $$\mathit{\text{Fi}}\left(b\right)=\left(l_b,m_b,u_b\right),f\mathit{\text{or}}i=1,2,\dots ,n$$(1) (2) $$B\left(b\right)=\left(l_B,m_B,u_B\right)=\left(\mathit{\text{min}}{l}_b,\mathit{\text{mean}}{m}_b,\mathit{\text{max}}{u}_b\right)$$(2) where Fi(b) represents expert i’s TFN response to barrier b, and B(b) represents the sum of all expert responses to barrier b (where min lb, mean mb, and max ub represent the minimum lower value, the arithmetic mean of the most likely value, and the maximum upper bound, respectively).

Subsequently, defuzzification was applied to obtain the precise value for each factor, as shown in Equation (3)(3) $$\text{DB}\left(b\right)=\left(\text{lb}+\left(4*\text{mb}\right)+\text{ub}\right)/6$$(3) . In order to identify critical driver(s) that are particularly relevant to the Jordanian context, the threshold value was calculated using Equation (4)(4) $$\mathit{\text{TS}}={\sum }_{n=1}^g\mathit{\text{DB}}\left(b\right)/g$$(4) . (3) $$\text{DB}\left(b\right)=\left(\text{lb}+\left(4*\text{mb}\right)+\text{ub}\right)/6$$(3) (4) $$\mathit{\text{TS}}={\sum }_{n=1}^g\mathit{\text{DB}}\left(b\right)/g$$(4)

DB(b) represents the defuzzified number of aggregated responses for barrier b, and TS represents the threshold value. In the Jordanian context, the determination of a barrier’s criticality is contingent upon the surpassing of the defuzzified value over the designated threshold value; contrarily, it is deemed impractical. Subsequently, a cohort of eight experts was engaged to fulfill the questionnaire employing the predefined linguistic variables. A representative excerpt of the questionnaire is delineated in Table 5 for reference and elucidation.

Table 5. Questionnaire survey.

Factors	Importance of factors
	Very low importance	Low importance	Medium importance	High importance	Very high importance
Real estate developers have negative perceptions and no preference for sustainable construction practices.	□	□	□	□	□
Limited real estate developers’ knowledge and awareness regarding sustainable construction practices.	□	□	□	□	□
Financial challenges and investment considerations	□	□	□	□	□
Health and safety implications	□	□	□	□	□
Availability of resources	□	□	□	□	□
Governmental and regulatory constraints	□	□	□	□	□
Absence of competitive pressure	□	□	□	□	□
Existing trends and traditions	□	□	□	□	□
Limited customer demand	□	□	□	□	□
Cultural resistance to new technologies due to the domination of existing trends and norms	□	□	□	□	□

Results and Discussion

This research endeavored to scrutinize and delineate pivotal factors hindering the assimilation of SCP within the Jordanian housing sector. The subsequent section meticulously elucidates the factors identified as “critical,” as ascertained through the rigorous application of the FDM, with the detailed research findings comprehensively cataloged in Table 6. A culmination of expert opinions and perspectives converged during the second iteration of surveys, fostering a consensus among the scholarly cohort.

Table 6. Fuzzy Delphi method results.

Factor	Min	Most likely value	Max	Defuzzification	Rank	SDMR (first round)	SDMR (second round)	Cronbach’s alpha
F1	2.5	3.875	5	7.666		.2	–	.878
F2	2.5	4.375	5	8.333		.19	–
F3	2.5	4.625	5	8.666		.15	–
F4	1.5	2.875	4.5	5.833		.43	.2
F5	1.5	3.5	5	6.833		.32	.2
F6	1.5	4	5	7.5		.25	–
F7	1.5	3.625	5	7		.51	.3
F8	1.5	4	5	7.5		.25	–
F9	3.5	4.5	5	8.833		.11	–

SDMR = standard deviation to mean ratio.

As delineated by the empirical insights gleaned from the research findings, explicitly elucidated in Table 6 and graphically represented in Figure 1, F9, denoting “cultural resistance to change due to the domination of existing trends and traditions,” conspicuously emerges as the paramount impediment impeding the adoption of SCP within the Jordanian industrial milieu. In proximate significance, F3 (“financial challenges and investment consideration”) and F2 (“limited real estate developers’ knowledge and awareness regarding SCP”) manifest as the most pivotal obstacles. In the interest of brevity, this section will concentrically delve into the foremost critical barrier, F9.

Figure 1. The most critical barriers based on the specified threshold values.

Cultural Resistance to New Technologies in the Construction Industry

In the context of the Jordanian construction industry, entrenched cultural resistance to new technologies constitutes a formidable barrier, significantly impeding the widespread adoption of SCP. This deep-seated resistance is rooted in long-standing traditions and prevailing trends within Jordan’s construction sector, posing a substantial challenge to the integration of modern and sustainable construction methods. Practitioners in the industry, accustomed to conventional construction techniques, exhibit a reluctance to relinquish these traditional methods, thereby complicating the implementation of new sustainable approaches (Aghimien et al., 2019b).

Amid the dynamic landscape of the construction industry, change is an inevitable facet driven by global technological advancements (Nnadi, 2020). The advent of computer-based applications has reshaped construction practices (Memon et al., 2006), and the Fourth Industrial Revolution has ushered in significant technological innovations with profound implications for the construction sector (Zhu et al., 2022). Despite these advancements, the traditional processes in the architecture, engineering, and construction sector have not inherently accommodated the incorporation of smart technologies, including SCP. Successful SCP implementation is intricately linked to the adoption of new technologies, such as information and communication technology, which has facilitated SCP integration (Chang et al., 2016).

However, the construction industry has historically lagged in the adoption of new technologies, exhibiting hesitance despite the complexity and novelty of construction projects (Arabshahi et al., 2021; Gholizadeh et al., 2018; Hwang et al., 2022; Lines et al., 2015; Lu et al., 2015; Maali et al., 2020; Yap et al., 2022). Crew (2017) emphasizes the industry’s reluctance to embrace technological advancements. Real estate developers, to embrace new processes, necessitate a resolute commitment to change management (Lines et al., 2015). Change, defined as the act of making or becoming different, requires systematic organizational change management procedures for a transformative impact on existing practices (Burnes, 2009, as cited in Maali et al., 2020).

Neglecting organizational change management, real estate developers may fail to realize the full potential of technological solutions. Cultural resistance to adopting innovative sustainable methods in construction projects is particularly pronounced in developing nations, influenced by cultural beliefs among the population (Pinkse & Dommisse, 2009). In Jordan, as in numerous other countries, the construction industry is deeply rooted in traditional norms and peer influence, contributing to the pervasive cultural resistance. Studies in Jordan’s housing sector underscore cultural opposition to sustainable approaches as a significant impediment to the adoption of SCP (Maqbool et al., 2023).

Researchers have conducted studies within Jordan’s construction industry, elucidating how cultural resistance hampers the integration of new technologies. Notably, scholars such as Hyarat et al. (2022), Alshdiefat (2018), and Al Awad (2015) emphasize the prevalence of cultural resistance and a lack of awareness as prominent barriers to adopting new technologies in Jordan’s construction industry. Case studies within Jordan’s construction industry, such as those involving Eagle Hills Jordan and Abdali Investment and Development PSC, provide concrete examples of projects and companies grappling with cultural resistance to new technologies. These instances underscore the impact of cultural resistance on the adoption of SCP within the Jordanian context.

Research Conclusion and Recommendations

The housing sector in Jordan, despite contending with escalating population growth and a diminishing GDP per capita (World Bank, 2018), has exhibited resilience. However, the pressing need for proactive measures to alleviate the housing deficit and enhance affordability remains evident. In this context, the imperative role of SCP becomes unequivocal. The extant literature has meticulously delineated numerous barriers to the successful implementation of sustainable construction practices. This study, building upon the identified barriers by Okoye (2021), undertook a comprehensive investigation into the impediments faced by real estate developers in embracing SCP within the Jordanian housing industry. Among these multifaceted factors, cultural resistance to the adoption of new technologies emerged as the preeminent and most critical barrier.

Cultural resistance, deeply ingrained within the Jordanian construction industry, stands as a formidable obstacle to the seamless integration of SCP. Supported by corroborative studies within the Jordanian housing sector, this analysis accentuates the imperative of addressing cultural factors and instigating cultural change as integral components of endeavors to advance SCP in Jordan.

In alignment with this imperative, Maali et al. (2022) proffered a comprehensive framework comprising six change management strategies imperative for real estate development firms to efficaciously facilitate the adoption of SCP. These strategies encompass senior leadership commitment, investment in training resources, effective communication of benefits, establishment of a realistic time frame, deployment of change agents, and the implementation of measured benchmarks. Notably, the direct involvement of senior management during the adoption phase is recurrently underscored as a pivotal strategy, given the organizational influence wielded by senior managers in real estate development firms, as elucidated in the literature (Aranyossy et al., 2018; Lu et al., 2015). The second strategy advocates for substantial investments in change-related training and education, acknowledging the transformative role of educational sessions in enabling employees to seamlessly incorporate change into their professional roles. The third strategy pertains to the identification and communication of the benefits engendered by change, serving to engender a collective understanding and commitment among employees. The fourth strategy advocates for the establishment of a realistic time frame for the adoption of change within the organizational milieu. The penultimate strategy underscores the pivotal role of change agents, construed as "internal champions of change," who facilitate knowledge transfer, provide avenues for personal development, and ultimately serve as exemplars for new entrants (Maali et al., 2020, p. 3). The final strategy advocates for meticulous preparation underpinned by quantifiable criteria, thereby facilitating the judicious evaluation of the change process.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The American University of Madba has graciously provided generous financial support to defray the publication fees associated with this research.