Opinion: Understanding the WEIRD Bias and Its Impact on the Construction Industry

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of BuiltWorlds.

The construction industry is one of the world’s largest and most diverse sectors. Yet, its strategies, technologies, practices, and standards are often shaped by a Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) bias. This bias is not just an unconscious tendency, it can often appear intentional. The discourse around collaborative work, digital transformation, and best practices is overwhelmingly dominated by Western perspectives, limiting engagement with other regions. Although this issue isn’t entirely one-sided, WEIRD bias significantly restricts the construction industry’s ability to foster meaningful global collaboration.

How WEIRD Bias Shapes Global Construction Practices

The dominance of WEIRD countries in the construction industry is reinforced by the fact that many of the largest Construction markets and leading firms are based in these regions. In countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain and Japan, large firms such as Bechtel, VINCI, Hochtief, Ferrovial and Obayashi set global trends. As a result, global construction methodologies tend to reflect the priorities, regulations, and constraints of these Western, industrialized economies, rather than the diverse needs of the broader global industry. However, these best practices do not always translate seamlessly across diverse economic and cultural contexts.

Beyond project management and technology adoption, WEIRD bias also influences discussions around habitat and living standards. In wealthier nations, the focus is often on high-tech solutions: smart buildings, energy-efficient systems, and advanced infrastructure. While these innovations offer benefits in affluent regions, they are not always suitable for lower-income areas, where basic housing remains an urgent priority. The emphasis on expensive, high-tech features can overshadow the need for scalable, low-cost housing solutions that address the fundamental demand for shelter.

In many regions, low-tech construction methods, such as using locally sourced materials and manual labor, are not only more affordable but also more adaptable to the local environment. Focusing on high-tech solutions can undermine the potential of these low-tech methods to address the basic needs of shelter in regions that lack the infrastructure to support advanced technology. This bias risks perpetuating inequalities by prioritizing technological advancements over accessible, sustainable, and locally appropriate construction models.

WEIRD Bias In Project Management Practices

Project management methodologies such as Agile, Lean Construction, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) originated in WEIRD contexts and assume specific workplace structures, educational backgrounds, and digital infrastructures. When applied directly in non-Western settings, these approaches often encounter resistance due to mismatches in organizational culture, hierarchical work environments, and technological readiness.

For example, European firms successfully implement Lean Construction across their markets, but attempts to introduce it elsewhere often fail due to differing management styles and decision-making processes. Similarly, US construction firms are leaders in BIM adoption. Yet, when they expand into regions with lower digital literacy, they face significant implementation challenges. The assumption that these methodologies are universally applicable ignores the reality of local constraints, leading to ineffective execution and frustration.

WEIRD Bias In Safety Protocols

Developed economies enforce strict safety standards, but these protocols are not always feasible in lower-income regions due to economic constraints, regulatory differences, and cultural variations in workplace behavior. Construction firms operating in Africa, for example, often struggle to enforce European-style safety protocols due to local regulations and limited resources. This highlights the challenge of applying developed-world safety standards in regions where resources and infrastructure may not support such stringent measures. In some regions, these firms have to modify their safety training programs to accommodate the region’s diverse languages and cultural expectations, ensuring that workers are able to engage with the content effectively.

WEIRD Bias In Innovation Adoption

Technological advancements such as 3D printing, modular construction, and AI-driven project management are frequently developed in WEIRD markets, where high labor costs and advanced supply chains make these solutions economically viable. However, when these innovations are introduced elsewhere, they often encounter barriers related to affordability, material availability, and workforce readiness.

Western firms pioneering 3D printing in construction, for instance, face significant cost and logistical challenges when scaling this technology in developing regions. Similarly, prefabrication, which is gaining momentum in North America and Europe, struggles to gain traction in emerging markets where traditional, labor-intensive methods remain more practical. The failure to account for local economic realities often results in stalled projects and wasted investments.

Moving Beyond WEIRD Bias: Evidence-Based Solutions

To mitigate the impact of WEIRD bias, the construction industry must adopt a more inclusive and data-driven approach. Reports from organizations like McKinsey, the World Economic Forum, and the World Bank provide some insights into regional disparities in productivity, digital transformation, and workforce development. For example, BIM adoption rates vary significantly, with the UK leading the way while emerging markets struggle due to weaker digital infrastructure. Similarly, disparities in construction safety statistics highlight the uneven enforcement of industry standards.

Incorporating perspectives from non-Western firms is essential. Companies like Tata Projects (India) and China State Construction Engineering Corporation bring valuable insights into regional Construction challenges, which are often overlooked in Western discourse. Context-specific adaptation is also crucial.

Rather than applying one-size-fits-all solutions, firms should modify project management methods, align safety regulations with local realities, and adjust innovation strategies to fit regional constraints.

Investment in capacity building is another key solution. Companies like Larsen & Toubro (India) run specialized training programs to bridge skills gaps, ensuring that local workers are equipped to adopt new technologies. More global firms are recognizing the importance of workforce education, emphasizing digital readiness to create more inclusive and effective global practices.

Bridging the Gap: Building a Truly Global Construction Industry

WEIRD bias presents significant challenges in project management, safety, and innovation adoption within the global construction industry. It is further amplified by the fact that all leading technology providers in the industry are based in WEIRD countries. These companies, often shaped by Western-centric perspectives, inadvertently perpetuate this bias by designing solutions that cater primarily to the needs and values of these regions, thereby limiting their applicability and effectiveness in diverse global contexts. Overcoming this bias requires a cultural shift, one that acknowledges diverse perspectives and integrates them into mainstream industry practices. Addressing these biases is essential to ensuring that the industry evolves in a way that serves all regions, rather than reinforcing the priorities of a select few.

This article represents an important first step, but further work is needed to move beyond commercial narratives surrounding digital transformation and focus on developing long-term, sustainable alternatives. The overrepresentation of the US and Europe in construction discussions has led to an imbalanced view of the sector’s future, often excluding perspectives from Africa, LATAM, Asia, and the Middle East. By embracing a more diverse range of voices, the construction industry can drive a truly inclusive and transformative global evolution.