New Modes of Learning in Services: A Study of Hong Kong's Consulting Engineers

Abstract

The point of departure of this paper is that Hong Kong consulting engineers face a challenge of making a transition from a traditional mode of learning based primarily on the exploitation of existing knowledge to a more innovation‐oriented mode of learning. Focusing on three key dimensions of the accumulation of knowledge in the consulting engineering sector, the paper examines the intrinsic and extrinsic barriers to an innovation‐oriented mode of learning among consulting engineering firms in Hong Kong. First, the paper studies the role of mobilizing creative human resources; second, it examines the role of partnership and interaction in project‐based organizations; third, it explores the effects of more widespread use of information and communication technology (ICT) for enhancing the flow of knowledge and innovation in the sector.

Keywords:

• Hong Kong
• consulting engineers
• learning human resources
• information and communication technology

Acknowledgements

Research for the present paper has been supported with a grant from the Research Grants Council, Hong Kong (HKUST6168/00H). The author is grateful for the very constructive comments by the referees.