Biased decision-making in the building sector

A study on the psychological factors that influence the adoption of sustainable building methods

Master thesis (2020)

Authors

B. Hofman Technology, Policy and Management

Contributors

G. van de Kaa Economics of Technology and Innovation - TPM (supervisor 2)
G. de Vries Organisation & Governance - TPM (supervisor 1)
Faculty
Technology, Policy and Management
Copyright: © 2020 Bjorn Hofman
TAM Sustainable development Technology Acceptance Model Hassle Barriers to innovation adoption Sustainable building Cognitive bias
More Info
expand_more

Published Date

23-06-2020

Language

English

Reuse Rights

Other than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download, forward or distribute the text or part of it, without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license such as Creative Commons.

Faculty

Technology, Policy and Management

Abstract

This thesis explores whether cognitive bias and hassle perceptions influence the adoption of sustainable building measures. A survey research and in-depth interviews were used to do so. It appears that innovation in the building sector is hindered by an internal resistance against change. This seems to be fuelled by a lack of knowledge, risk aversion, and perception of hassle due to complex information. Investing in effective knowledge management and promoting diversity in the workforce could prove effective in negating the effect of this internal resistance to change.