“I can say things I wouldn't normally say”: Changing project delivery implementation and social networks as drivers of institutional change in Nordic infrastructure projects

Abstract

The implementation of collaborative project delivery models introduces new ways of working, changing processes and behaviours, and influencing network structures, especially in major inter-organisational projects. The ongoing standardisation thereof helps align the industry and change infrastructure institutions while the formation of network ties in a specific project can in turn guide the implementation of the models. We study how this deliberate change of governance structures impact project institutions through two Nordic infrastructure projects, which show how different project networks result in either a successfully implemented change or a return to traditional behaviours. Our findings show first, how inter-organisational projects with a collaborative approach can change institutions through the interaction of institutional levels and second, that network ties helps changing the institutional context, role behaviours and project processes. The findings contribute to the discussion on institutional change and give empirical evidence of how project networks help explain the success or failure of institutional change initiatives.