Beyond Perceived Barriers: Human Capacity and Technological Readiness in Sustainable Construction Adoption in Jordan

Abstract

Sustainable construction adoption in developing economies is often discussed in terms of financial, regulatory, and institutional barriers, while the organizational capabilities required for implementation have received less attention. This study examines the associations between key organizational and external factors and the adoption of sustainable construction practices in Jordan using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework. Data were collected through a cross-sectional questionnaire completed by 192 contractors, consultants, developers, and other construction professionals. Financial Barriers, Economic Support, Regulatory Support, Human Capacity, and Technological Readiness were modeled as antecedents of adoption, while Perceived Sustainability Value (PSV) was modeled as the outcome. Human Capacity (β = 0.273, p = 0.001) and Technological Readiness (β = 0.300, p = 0.002) were positively associated with adoption, whereas Financial Barriers, Economic Support, and Regulatory Support were not statistically significant in the full model. Adoption was positively associated with PSV (β = 0.563, p < 0.001). The model accounted for 44.5% and 31.7% of the variance in adoption and PSV, respectively. The findings distinguish between barriers identified by practitioners as important and organizational capabilities most strongly associated with reported implementation. Strengthening training, technical expertise, equipment, and access to appropriate technologies may support sustainable construction adoption in Jordan. Because the data are cross-sectional and self-reported, the results are interpreted as associations rather than causal effects.