Mapping Construction Contractors’ Green Behavior: Developments, Gaps, and Implications

Abstract

Against the backdrop of global sustainable development and environmental governance, research on contractors’ green behavior has received increasing attention. However, the research progress and knowledge structure within this field remain unclear. This study, therefore, reviews the literature published between 1985 and 2005 in the Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus databases. It aims to reveal the current state of research, identify gaps, and propose future research directions. First, through bibliometric analysis, this study explores research trends, journal distribution, country distribution, author distribution, institutional distribution, and collaboration patterns. Second, social network analysis of keyword co-occurrence is conducted to identify emerging research hotspots and frontier topics. Third, content analysis complements the quantitative findings by synthesizing theoretical foundations, methodological approaches, and influencing factors. Finally, potential future research directions are outlined regarding collaboration models, thematic integration, theoretical frameworks, research methods, factors, research boundaries, contextual applications, and behavioral outcome variables. By systematically reviewing the literature on contractors’ green behavior, this study offers valuable insights for future research as well as management practices.

1. Introduction

Although activities such as construction and resource extraction contribute to economic growth and fulfill social demands, they also exacerbate environmental issues, including climate change and pollution [1,2]. These challenges pose serious threats to the sustainable and healthy development of the global economy and society [3]. In response, countries around the world have recognized the urgency of enhancing environmental governance and promoting green development [4]. As an industry with both economic and environmental dimensions, construction plays a pivotal role in the transition toward green development. It serves as a vital engine of economic progress and a foundation for human advancement [5,6]. Construction activities generate substantial economic benefits by stimulating industrial chains and creating employment opportunities [7], while also meeting diverse societal needs [8]. However, the construction industry has long been associated with high energy consumption, emissions, and pollution, which substantially harm the environment [9,10]. The construction industry consumes approximately 32% of the world’s total energy and accounts for 34% of global carbon dioxide emissions [11]. The industry generates nearly 10 billion tons of construction and demolition waste annually, representing 30% to 40% of the total global waste output [12]. With continued global population growth and economic expansion, demand for construction is expected to rise, thereby intensifying environmental pressures. Consequently, reducing the negative environmental impacts of construction has emerged as an urgent global priority.

To reconcile economic development with environmental protection, green behavior has garnered increasing attention as an effective approach to environmental governance [13]. Green behavior, also referred to as “environmental behavior”, “pro-environmental behavior”, “environmentally responsible behavior”, or “environmentally friendly behavior”, encompasses various decisions and practices adopted by individuals or organizations to protect the environment and foster sustainable development [14,15]. As environmental governance efforts deepen, the significance of green behavior within the construction sector has become increasingly evident [16]. However, the construction industry involves numerous stakeholders, among whom the expression of green behavior and governance effectiveness greatly varies. As the primary executors of construction projects, contractors are not only major contributors to environmental degradation but also essential agents of pollution prevention. Therefore, promoting green behavior among contractors is particularly crucial [17]. Contractors’ green behavior refers to actions taken during the construction process that are beneficial to the surrounding ecological environment. Specifically, such behavior includes the implementation of green construction technologies, the use of environmentally friendly construction equipment and materials, and the effective management of construction waste [18]. Mitigating the negative environmental effects of construction activities requires proactive engagement from contractors [19]. Thus, fostering green behavior among contractors is essential for improving environmental governance in construction projects and promoting the industry’s green transformation.

Given the significance of contractors’ green behavior, many studies have been conducted in this field. Existing studies mainly focus on empirical investigations based on questionnaire surveys and game-theoretic analyses of strategic interactions among decision-makers. These studies aim to identify effective strategies for promoting green behavior among contractors. However, research on contractors’ actual green behavior remains relatively fragmented, with unclear research trajectories and a limited systematic understanding of research dynamics and future trends.

A literature review provides a systematic approach to reviewing and synthesizing research findings. It enables the identification of the current state, hotspots, structural patterns, and development trends within a given field [20]. Accordingly, this study adopts bibliometric analysis, social network analysis (SNA), and content analysis to systematically review the literature on contractors’ actual green behavior based on the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) and Scopus databases. The objectives of this study are as follows: (1) to analyze publication trends, journal distributions, and contributing countries, authors, institutions, and their collaborative networks to reveal the status of research in the field; (2) to identify hotspots and emerging trends through keyword network analysis; (3) to examine the theories, methods and investigate factors to uncover the structural foundations; and (4) to identify research gaps and propose future research directions.

To achieve these objectives, the remainder of this study is organized as follows: Section 2 outlines the research methods; Section 3 presents the results; Section 4 discusses the findings and offers future research perspectives; and Section 5 summarizes the conclusion, highlights the study’s contributions, and acknowledges its limitations.

2. Research Methodology

This study reviews the literature on contractors’ green behavior, with the objective of understanding current research dynamics and informing future research efforts. To achieve this, a mixed-review method is employed, integrating quantitative analysis (bibliometric analysis and SNA) and qualitative analysis (content analysis) [21]. Bibliometric analysis, known for its visual capabilities, allows for an intuitive exploration of development trends within the research field. SNA, supported by a well-established system of evaluative indicators, enables the systematic identification of key research areas and emerging hotspots. Content analysis complements these approaches by providing interpretive depth, thereby unveiling the underlying logic and structure of the research content.

The integration of these methods not only mitigates the limitations of any single analytical approach but also enhances the overall comprehensiveness and analytical rigor of the review. Consequently, the study achieves improved systematicity and scientific precision. As illustrated in Figure 1, the mixed-review method consists of three stages: (1) data search, (2) data selection, and (3) data analysis.

2.1. Data Search

The prerequisite for data retrieval is the selection of appropriate literature databases and corresponding search queries. When selecting databases, priority should be given to those that align closely with the research content and objectives to ensure the reliability of the findings [22]. Currently, the WOSCC and Scopus databases are widely recognized as the gold standard for literature review studies [23]. This is largely due to their extensive coverage of core literature across diverse fields and their inclusion of a substantial number of high-quality academic publications [20]. Utilizing these databases enhances the reliability and representativeness of the research [23]. In addition, the structured data they provide are highly compatible with VOSviewer, the visualization tool adopted in this study. Therefore, using WOSCC and Scopus contributes to the reliability and reproducibility of the bibliometric analysis [24]. Based on these considerations, this study selected WOSCC and Scopus as the data sources for literature retrieval.

The search query was developed through a review of relevant literature and consultations with senior researchers in the field. Searches were conducted in the “TS” field of the WOSCC database and in the “TITLE-ABS-KEY” field of the Scopus database using the following search query (retrieval date: 1 June 2025): (contractor*) AND ((green* AND behavio*) OR (environment* AND behavio*) OR (ecological AND behavio*)), where the asterisk (*) denotes any sequence of characters, including none. This search yielded 219 documents from the WOSCC database and 640 from Scopus, resulting in a total of 859 documents.

2.2. Data Selection

A rigorous literature selection process is essential for ensuring the quality and reliability of a literature review. Drawing on previous studies [25,26], this study establishes clear inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify the most relevant literature.

2.2.1. Screening

In the screening stage, the retrieval period was restricted to publications dated from 1 January 1985 to 1 June 2025 (N_WOSCC = 219/N_Scopus = 635). The language was limited to “English” (N_WOSCC = 218/N_Scopus = 617), as English remains the primary language for international academic communication [27]. The document type was restricted to “Article” (N_WOSCC = 204/N_Scopus = 293), as this category consists of peer-reviewed publications that provide reliable research content [15]. After consolidating the records and removing duplicates, 348 documents were retained for further analysis.

2.2.2. Eligibility

In the eligibility stage, documents that did not align with the topic of contractors’ green behavior were excluded through a review of titles, abstracts, and full texts. Studies were included if they met the following criteria: (1) the research was situated within the context of engineering and construction; (2) the primary subjects were contractor organizations; and (3) the research focused on contractors’ green behavior or its specific practices such as waste management or green construction. In contrast, studies were excluded if (1) they did not pertain to the engineering and construction domain; (2) they concentrated exclusively on individual-level green behavior (e.g., that of construction workers); or (3) they mentioned contractors’ green behavior without treating it as a core research focus.

To enhance the reliability of the selection process and reduce the potential for selection bias, two experts were invited to independently assess the inclusion and exclusion decisions. Following this rigorous procedure, a total of 35 highly relevant studies were selected for in-depth analysis.

It is worth noting that although the final number of included publications is relatively limited, literature reviews based on small sample sizes can still yield valuable academic insights. For example, Cerić et al. [25] conducted a systematic review of trust in megaproject contexts using 52 papers, while Mishra et al. [28] performed a bibliometric analysis based on 40 publications and produced conclusions of both theoretical and practical relevance. Furthermore, the literature analyzed in this study was retrieved from WOSCC and Scopus—two highly authoritative and widely recognized databases. Therefore, the 35 selected papers represent the majority of core contributions in the current research domain, ensuring the reliability and representativeness of the findings.

2.3. Data Analysis

2.3.1. Bibliometric Analysis

Bibliometric analysis is a quantitative method based on the characteristics of literature data and knowledge mapping [22]. It enables the identification of structural characteristics and developmental trends of a research field [29] and has been widely applied across disciplines such as medicine [30], engineering [29], environmental science [26], energy [31], and education [32]. This study employs bibliometric analysis to investigate publication trends, journals, countries, authors, institutions, and collaboration networks, thereby capturing the research landscape of this field. Commonly used bibliometric software includes CiteSpace, VOSviewer, HistCite, and Gephi [20,22]. Among these, VOSviewer is preferred due to its flexible, user-friendly interface, compatibility with multiple databases [20,29], and strong capabilities in visualizing collaboration networks [21]. Therefore, this study uses VOSviewer (version 1.6.20) as the primary tool for bibliometric analysis.

2.3.2. Social Network Analysis

Social network analysis (SNA) is a method that constructs matrices and network graphs based on relational data to quantitatively evaluate network nodes and overall structural characteristics [33,34]. The theoretical foundations of SNA were established in the 1930s [34], and the method has since evolved into an analytical approach with diverse and scientifically robust evaluation metrics. In recent years, SNA has been widely applied in fields such as economics, political science, and management [35,36,37]. SNA is frequently used for keyword network analysis in literature reviews [38,39]. Keywords serve as crucial indicators for identifying current research interests and predicting future research directions [40]. This study applies a comprehensive set of SNA metrics to evaluate the keyword co-occurrence network. The objective is to accurately identify emerging research hotspots and potential developmental trajectories. Among available tools—Ucinet, Gephi, and Pajek—this study employs Ucinet (version 6.645) for its advanced capabilities in analyzing structural and attribute characteristics of keyword networks.

2.3.3. Content Analysis

While bibliometric analysis and SNA offer robust quantitative assessments, they rely on structured data and may fail to capture nuanced insights embedded in unstructured content. This limitation can result in a fragmented understanding of the research field. To address this, qualitative analysis is employed as a complementary approach. Combining quantitative and qualitative methods has become common practice in comprehensive literature reviews [21]. In this study, qualitative content analysis focuses on examining the theoretical foundations, research methods, and factors related to contractors’ green behavior, thereby enhancing the depth and completeness of the overall review.

3. Results

3.1. Results of Bibliometric Analysis

3.1.1. Annual Publication Trends

The number of publications serves as a key indicator for assessing the current state and trends in a research field [15]. By statistically analyzing the publication years of the 35 selected papers, this study constructs a trend graph depicting the annual publication distribution. As shown in Figure 2, from 2009 to 2019, the annual publication volume remained low, averaging one paper per year, totaling eight papers. During this period, research in this field remained marginalized. However, a significant increase in publication volume was observed from 2020 to 2023, with 25 papers accounting for 71.43%. This surge indicates that the field attracted substantial academic attention during this phase, experiencing a notable increase in research activity and interest, peaking in 2023, with ten papers. The number of publications in both 2024 and early 2025 (as of 1 June 2025) remains at one paper each. While a sharp decline in publication volume is apparent in 2024 compared to 2023, this trend should be interpreted cautiously given the incomplete data for 2025. This observed decline might be attributed to academic dissemination lag rather than a genuine decrease in research interest. Further observations are required to determine the long-term trajectory of this field.

3.1.2. Distribution of Journals

Journals serve as primary platforms for disseminating academic research, and their analyses offer valuable insights into the quality and impact of research output [15]. As shown in

Table 1. Distribution of journals.

№	Journal	TP (%)	TC	AC	SCIE/SSCI/EI	JCR	IF
1	Journal of Cleaner Production	4 (11.43%)	229	57.25	SCIE/EI	Q1	9
2	Waste Management	3 (8.57%)	230	76.67	SCIE/EI	Q1	7.9
3	Environmental Impact Assessment Review	3 (8.57%)	134	44.67	SSCI/EI	Q1	8.6
4	Mathematical Problems in Engineering	3 (8.57%)	16	5.33	EI	/	/
5	Environmental Science and Pollution Research	2 (5.71%)	94	47	EI	/	/
6	Waste Management and Research	2 (5.71%)	93	46.50	SCIE/EI	Q2	4.2
7	International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health	2 (5.71%)	29	14.50	/	/	/
8	Sustainability (Switzerland)	2 (5.71%)	24	12	SCIE/SSCI	Q2	3.6
9	Resources, Conservation and Recycling	1 (2.86%)	278	278	SCIE/EI	Q1	12.1
10	Sustainable Cities and Society	1 (2.86%)	96	96	SCIE/EI	Q1	10
11	International Journal of Construction Management	1 (2.86%)	87	87	/	/	4
12	International Journal of Project Management	1 (2.86%)	41	41	SSCI/EI	Q1	8.2
13	Project Management Journal	1 (2.86%)	36	36	SSCI	Q1	5.5
14	Journal of Environmental Planning and Management	1 (2.86%)	21	21	SSCI	Q1	3.9
15	Journal of Environmental Management	1 (2.86%)	10	10	SCIE/EI	Q1	7.9
16	Journal of Construction Engineering and Management	1 (2.86%)	5	5	SCIE/EI	Q1	4.8
17	Sustainable Production and Consumption	1 (2.86%)	4	4	SCIE/SSCI/EI	Q1	10.3
18	Engineering Letters	1 (2.86%)	3	3	EI	/	0.4
19	International Journal of Environmental Sustainability	1 (2.86%)	3	3	/	/	/
20	Energy and Environment	1 (2.86%)	2	2	SSCI/EI	Q2	3.4
21	Buildings	1 (2.86%)	1	1	SCIE/EI	Q2	3.2
22	Planning Malaysia	1 (2.86%)	0	0	/	/	/

Notes—TP: Total publications. TC: Total citations in Scopus. AC: Average citations per paper. SCIE: Science citation index expanded. SSCI: Society science citation index. EI: Engineering index. JCR: Journal citation reports partition. IF: Five-year impact factor.

, the 35 selected papers are distributed across 22 journals. Regarding publication volume, the Journal of Cleaner Production ranks first with four papers, accounting for 11.43% of the total. Waste Management, Environmental Impact Assessment Review, and Mathematical Problems in Engineering each contribute three papers. Additionally, four journals—Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Waste Management and Research, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, and Sustainability (Switzerland)—each contain two papers, placing them in third position. The remaining 14 journals contain one paper each. In terms of average citations per paper, Resources, Conservation and Recycling ranks highest, with an average citation count of 278. Sustainable Cities and Society and International Journal of Construction Management follow, with 96 and 87 average citations, respectively. Concerning journal indexing, 81.82% of all journals included in this study are indexed in SCIE, SSCI, or EI. Among the top eight journals by publication volume, this proportion increases to 87.50%. This finding indicates that mainstream research on contractors’ green behavior is predominantly published in high-quality academic journals.

3.1.3. Distribution and Collaboration of Countries/Regions

The spatial-geographical distribution of research activity can be identified by analyzing publication volume and collaboration networks among countries/regions [41]. Such analyses offer insights into the performance of various countries/regions concerning knowledge creation and academic collaboration [31]. According to the collected data, 14 countries have contributed to research on contractors’ green behavior. Figure 3 presents the number of publications, total citations, and average citations per paper for each country. China (27 papers) and Australia (8 papers) rank first and second in terms of publication volume, respectively, highlighting their significant contributions to knowledge production in this field. However, the average citations per paper for research originating from China and Australia are relatively low, at 29.52 and 57.50 per paper, respectively. Therefore, the international impact of research output from these two countries warrants enhancement. As shown in Figure 3, India has the highest average citations per paper (154), followed by Malaysia (139). Belgium, Cyprus, and Palestine each have an average citation count of 71 per paper, ranking third.

To further analyze international collaboration patterns, this study used VOSviewer to construct a visualized network of inter-country collaborations. In this network, node size is proportional to the publication volume of each country’s publications, while the thickness of connecting lines is proportional to the strength of collaboration between countries. Different colors represent distinct clusters of countries/regions. As illustrated in Figure 4, the overall network comprises 14 nodes and 11 lines, with a network density of 0.12, suggesting limited collaboration among countries. From a localized network perspective, China emerges as the most active country in terms of collaboration, with the highest number of cooperative instances with Australia (six times) and the Netherlands (two times). A collaborative relationship is also observed between Belgium, Cyprus, and Palestine. However, India, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and Portugal conduct research independently, without explicit collaboration with other countries.

3.1.4. Distribution and Collaboration of Authors

In academic research, authors, as the primary executors of research activities, play a crucial role in shaping the field. Their contributions not only reflect their research interests but also serve as key indicators of the field’s frontier development [41]. A total of 128 authors were identified across all reviewed papers. To further identify the prolific authors in research on contractors’ green behavior, this study applies Price’s law [42]. Price’s law is a widely used principle in bibliometric analysis that provides an objective, replicable, and quantifiable standard for identifying core contributors within a research field. The formula is as follows:

$$M\approx 0.749\sqrt{N_{\max }}$$

where M represents the minimum publication threshold for prolific authors, and N_max denotes the publication count of the most prolific author. In this study, with N_max = 4, the maximum integer value of M is 2, indicating that authors with at least two papers are considered prolific. As shown in

Table 2. Distribution of prolific authors.

№	Author	Country/Region	TP	TC	AC
1	Wang, Ge	China	4	150	37.50
2	Zuo, Jian	Australia	3	234	78
3	He, Qinghua	China	3	137	45.67
4	Wang, Zilun	China	3	129	45.67
5	Zhang, Huijin	China	2	20	10
6	Fu, Hongwei	China	2	16	8
7	Zhang, Yao	China	2	10	5

Notes: TP: Total publications. TC: Total citations in Scopus. AC: Average citations per paper.

, there are seven prolific authors, six of whom are from China, highlighting the dominant role of Chinese researchers in this field. Among them, Ge Wang, Jian Zuo, Qinghua He, and Zilun Wang exhibit significantly higher average citation counts than the others, underscoring their influence in the field. VOSviewer is used to visualize the author collaboration network. As illustrated in Figure 5, the network consists of 128 nodes and 243 links, with a network density of 0.030, indicating a relatively dispersed and partially isolated structure. From a localized network perspective, multiple collaborative subnetworks have formed around authors such as Ge Wang, Hongwei Fu, and Yao Zhang. Although these subnetworks exhibit varying degrees of internal collaboration, most remain unconnected to others. Notably, three subnetworks centered around Ge Wang (in collaboration with Qinghua He and Zilun Wang), Jian Zuo, and Huijin Zhang have established interconnections, facilitating broader academic collaboration within the field.

3.1.5. Distribution and Collaboration of Institutions

Analyzing the distribution and co-occurrence of research institutions can identify key institutions and their collaborative networks, thereby assessing their research capacity in the field [40]. The authors of the reviewed publications are affiliated with 65 institutions, with higher education institutions playing a dominant role, accounting for 53 (81.54%). In contrast, corporate institutions have limited participation, with only six institutions (9.23%) involved. Notably, 31 higher education institutions in China contribute to 47.69% of the total, positioning China as a central hub in research on contractors’ green behavior. Given the maturity and objectivity of Price’s law, this study continues to use it as the basis for identifying prolific institutions. Institutions with two or more publications are classified as prolific institutions. As shown in

Table 3. Distribution of prolific institutions.

№	Institution	Country/Region	TP	TC	AC
1	Tongji University	China	6	179	28.83
2	Huazhong Agricultural University	China	4	150	37.50
3	Chongqing University	China	4	118	29.50
4	The University of Adelaide	Australia	3	234	78
5	Shanghai Jiao Tong University	China	3	145	48.33
6	Shenzhen University	China	2	75	37.50
7	Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University	Australia	2	62	31
8	Hubei University of Technology	China	2	36	18
9	Dalian University of Technology	China	2	16	8
10	Sichuan University	China	2	3	1.50

Notes: TP: Total publications. TC: Total citations in Scopus. AC: Average citations per paper.

, there are ten prolific institutions, eight of which are affiliated with China. Tongji University stands out in terms of publication volume, establishing itself as a major contributor to this field. Moreover, the University of Adelaide leads in average citations per paper, suggesting a relatively mature research output. The institutional collaboration network, as visualized in Figure 6, comprises 65 nodes and 87 links, with a network density of 0.042. This density indicates that inter-institutional collaboration remains relatively weak, and a tightly knit cooperative network has yet to be established. From a localized network perspective, while many institutions engage in some level of collaboration, their partnerships remain limited in scope, with low frequency and intensity. Notably, four subnetworks centered on Tongji University, Huazhong Agricultural University (in collaboration with Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Chongqing University, and the University of Adelaide demonstrate closer and stronger collaborative ties, forming relatively cohesive localized networks.

3.2. Results of Social Network Analysis

3.2.1. Construction of the Keyword Network

(1)

Keyword processing. Among the 35 reviewed papers, 3 were excluded due to missing keyword information, leaving 32 papers containing a total of 155 keywords, averaging approximately 4 to 5 keywords per paper. To ensure analytical consistency, all keywords were preprocessed in Excel by merging synonyms and semantically similar terms. For example, “Behavior”, “Behaviors”, “Behaviour”, and “Behaviours” were standardized as “Behavior”, while “Construction sector” and “Construction industry” were merged into “Construction industry”. After preprocessing, 103 valid keywords were retained for further analysis.

(2)

Construction and binarization of the keyword co-occurrence matrix. Keyword co-occurrence analysis was performed to quantify the relationships among keywords, using their co-occurrence frequency across the reviewed papers as an indicator of connection strength. An initial 103 × 103 keyword co-occurrence matrix was constructed. Given the relatively narrow range of co-occurrence frequencies and the requirements of subsequent procedures, the matrix was binarized. In the final matrix (see

Table 4. Keywords co-occurrence matrix (fragment).

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
1.Contractors	-	1	1	0	1	1	1	0	0
2.Theory of planned behavior	1	-	1	1	1	1	0	0	0
3.Construction and demolition waste	1	1	-	0	0	0	1	0	1
4.Institutional theory	0	1	0	-	1	0	0	0	0
5.Structural equation modeling	1	1	0	1	-	1	0	0	0
6.Sustainable development	1	1	0	0	1	-	0	0	0
7.Waste management	1	0	1	0	0	0	-	1	1
8.Attitudes	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	-	0
9.Evolutionary game	0	0	1	0	0	0	1	0	-

), both rows and columns are labeled with the same ordered set of keywords. A value of “1” signifies the presence of a co-occurrence relationship between two keywords, while a value of “0” indicates no co-occurrence.

(3)

Visualization of the keyword co-occurrence network. The keyword co-occurrence network is visualized in Ucinet using the “Visualize → NetDraw” function with the binarized keyword co-occurrence matrix, as shown in Figure 7. The figure depicts a complex undirected binary network comprising 103 nodes (keywords) and 289 links (co-occurrence relationships).

3.2.2. Analysis of the Keyword Network

In SNA, the overall network structure and individual network attributes are essential for understanding the characteristics of the research domain. These dimensions are typically evaluated using quantitative indicators. To analyze the macro-level structure of the keyword network, this study employs two commonly used metrics: network density and clustering coefficient. For micro-level analysis, degree centrality and betweenness centrality are used to evaluate the position and influence of individual keywords, thereby identifying key nodes and research hotspots.

(1)

Network density and clustering coefficient. Network density is a key metric for describing the overall connectivity of a network, reflecting the degree of closeness among nodes [34]. Higher density implies stronger inter-node relationships and greater overall integration. The clustering coefficient measures local network cohesion, reflecting the extent to which nodes form localized clusters [33]. A higher clustering coefficient suggests strong localized clustering and greater internal cohesion [34]. The keyword co-occurrence network for contractors’ green behavior exhibits a low density (0.055) and a high clustering coefficient (0.889), indicating a loosely coupled structure. This result suggests that although the field encompasses a wide range of topics, these topics are relatively dispersed with limited interconnection, resulting in the formation of localized knowledge clusters.

(2)

Degree centrality of nodes. Degree centrality is an indicator of node activity and core influence within a network. A higher degree centrality signifies more direct connections with other nodes, positioning the keyword as a central element within the network [34]. As shown in

Table 5. Degree centrality and betweenness centrality of keywords (≥mean).

Keyword	Degree Centrality (≥5.61)	Betweenness Centrality (≥57.50)
Contractors	29.00	1275.59
Construction and demolition waste	25.00	847.45
Evolutionary game	20.00	648.05
Waste management	20.00	627.28
Theory of planned behavior	18.00	513.38
Waste recycling	17.00	563.39
Behavior	16.00	135.63
Greenwashing behavior	15.00	317.51
Construction industry	12.00	135.47
Attitudes	11.00	-
Structural equation modeling	11.00	180.78
Trust	9.00	101.10
Construction projects	8.00	120.56
Institutional theory	8.00	99.42
Sustainable development	8.00	240.00
Behavioral change	6.00	-
Configurational analysis	6.00	-
Reduce	6.00	-
Reuse	6.00	-

, 19 keywords exceed the average degree centrality threshold: “Contractors”, “Construction and demolition waste”, “Evolutionary game”, “Waste management”, “Theory of planned behavior”, “Waste recycling”, “Behavior”, “Greenwashing behavior”, “Construction industry”, “Attitudes”, “Structural equation modeling”, “Trust”, “Construction projects”, “Institutional theory”, “Sustainable development”, “Behavioral change”, “Configurational analysis”, “Reduce”, and “Reuse”. These keywords represent the core themes and high-interest areas in the study of contractors’ green behavior.

(3)

Betweenness centrality of nodes. Betweenness centrality measures the extent to which a node serves as a bridge within the network, enabling connections and information flow between different node pairs [34]. A node with high betweenness centrality plays a critical role in network cohesion and resource transmission [33,37]. As shown in Table 5, 14 keywords exhibit high betweenness centrality: “Contractors”, “Construction and demolition waste”, “Evolutionary game”, “Waste management”, “Waste recycling”, “Theory of planned behavior”, “Greenwashing behavior”, “Sustainable development”, “Structural equation modeling”, “Behavior”, “Construction industry”, “Construction projects”, “Trust”, and “Institutional theory”. These keywords function as key bridging nodes, facilitating the integration of diverse research themes and enhancing the overall connectivity of the network.

3.3. Results of Content Analysis

This study primarily analyzes the theoretical foundations, research methods, and factors related to contractors’ green behavior in existing studies. Figure 8 presents the overall framework of the content analysis.

3.3.1. Theories

In terms of theoretical application, existing studies predominantly draw on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), game theory, institutional theory, and norm activation theory, often integrating multiple theoretical frameworks. Based on a comprehensive review, this study categorizes the application of relevant theories into four major groups:

(1)

TPB + additional variables/other theories. Originating from psychology, TPB seeks to explain and predict behavioral intentions and actions. It posits that behavioral attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control directly influence intention, while intention and perceived behavioral control jointly determine actual behavior [43]. To enhance explanatory power regarding contractors’ green behavior, researchers have expanded the TPB model in two primary ways. One approach involves introducing additional variables. For instance, Li et al. [44] extended the TPB model by incorporating government monitoring, economic benefits, and personal norms in the context of construction waste reduction. Similarly, Jiang et al. [45] integrated personal norms, policy support, and government regulations into the TPB framework.

The other approach involves integrating TPB with other theories, particularly institutional theory and norm activation theory. Institutional theory emphasizes the role of external institutional forces [46], while norm activation theory highlights internal moral norms [47]. For example, Gao et al. [48] combined TPB and institutional theory to explore drivers of contractors’ low-carbon behavior. Similarly, Ding et al. [49] integrated TPB and norm activation theory to analyze determinants of waste recycling intentions. Moreover, Jain et al. [50] combined TPB, institutional theory, and norm activation theory to investigate multi-dimensional factors influencing contractors’ waste recycling behavior.

(2)

Game theory + other theories. Game theory is a mathematical theory that models strategic interactions among interdependent decision-makers seeking to optimize outcomes [51,52]. Some studies use game theory independently. For instance, Zhang et al. [53] employed evolutionary game theory to construct a decision-making model between governments and contractors, incorporating media influence. Du et al. [54] analyzed strategic interactions among governments, contractors, and the public using evolutionary game pathways.

Other research integrates game theory with complementary theories. For example, He et al. [55] combined game theory and institutional theory to examine greenwashing behavior under government environmental regulations. Meng et al. [56] incorporated prospect theory into a game model to evaluate the effects of government incentives and penalties. Moreover, Qian et al. [57] applied both game theory and contract theory to study interactions between developers and contractors.

(3)

Institutional theory + other theories. Institutional theory emphasizes that under coercive, normative, and mimetic pressures, actors tend to comply with institutionalized rules to maintain legitimacy and gain social recognition [46]. In the context of contractors’ green behavior, institutional theory is integrated not only with TPB, norm activation theory, and game theory, as previously discussed, but also with other frameworks. For instance, He et al. [58] combined fraud triangle theory and institutional theory to examine the factors, mechanisms, and configurational pathways associated with contractors’ greenwashing behavior.

(4)

Other theories. Various other theoretical frameworks have been applied in this field. Chen et al. [59] applied the fraud GONE theory, while Wang et al. [60] integrated social exchange theory and transaction cost theory to explore the motivations and formation conditions of contractors’ greenwashing behavior. Moreover, Fu et al. [19], drawing on the contagion effect, combined social information processing, social comparison, and social identity theories to analyze the drivers of contractors’ corporate environmental responsibility intentions in megaprojects. Based on transaction cost theory, Lin and Zhang [61] examined the relationship between contract governance and contractors’ environmental behavior. Yao et al. [62] used cultural theory to investigate how different cultural preference combinations influence contractors’ green construction performance.

3.3.2. Methods

Research on contractors’ green behavior can be broadly categorized into four types: quantitative research, modeling and simulation, qualitative research, and mixed-methods research. Among these, quantitative research is the most dominant, whereas qualitative and mixed-method research remains relatively limited. In quantitative studies, questionnaire surveys serve as the primary method of data collection. Various statistical and modeling techniques are employed for data analysis, including structural equation modeling (SEM) [45,49,63,64], partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) [19,48,50], multiple regression analysis [61], hierarchical regression analysis [60], logistic regression analysis [65,66], and Bayesian network methods [44]. Moreover, some studies employ a combination of statistical techniques, including multiple moderated regression analysis, Pearson’s correlation analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Pearson’s chi-square test [67,68,69].

In modeling and simulation research, scholars utilize techniques such as game theory, mathematical modeling, and simulation tools. For instance, Liu et al. [70] developed an evolutionary game model to examine the interactions between contractors and government. Zhang et al. [17] applied the Susceptible–Infected–Removed (SIR) model alongside simulation methods to explore the diffusion pathways and factors related to contractors’ green behavior. Furthermore, Zhang et al. [53] used system dynamics to simulate an evolutionary game model involving governments and contractors.

By contrast, qualitative and mixed-method research remains relatively limited. Commonly used research methods in qualitative studies include the Delphi method and semi-structured interviews [71,72]. Regarding mixed-method research, Chen et al. [59] combined multiple SEM approaches with the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method. Similarly, He et al. [58] employed a combination of PLS-SEM and fsQCA. Yao et al. [62] combined semi-structured interviews with QCA.

3.3.3. Factors

The factors influencing contractors’ green behavior can be broadly categorized into external and internal factors. External factors include the following: (1) coercive pressures, such as government regulations, laws, and reward-punishment mechanisms; (2) normative pressures, including public expectations and supervision, media scrutiny, and owner constraints; and (3) mimetic pressures, such as competitive dynamics within the construction market. Gao et al. [48] demonstrated that coercive, normative, and mimetic pressures all positively promote contractors’ low-carbon behaviors. Lin and Zhang [61] reported that contract governance positively influenced contractors’ environmental behaviors and that strong contractor–owner relationships foster mutual trust, thereby indirectly encouraging environmental initiatives. Wang et al. [60] highlighted that contractual completeness reduces greenwashing behavior and observed a U-shaped relationship between cognition-based trust and greenwashing tendencies. Zhang et al. [53] emphasized the role of government supervision and penalties, along with media exposure in driving contractors’ green construction behaviors. Other studies also emphasize the influence of external stakeholders—such as government, owners, and the public on contractors’ adoption of green behaviors [16,45,54,55,56,63,67,68,70,73,74]. Additionally, Fu et al. [19] emphasized mimetic competition among contractors, which contributes to the spread of corporate environmental responsibility in megaproject contexts, driven by peer behavior.

The internal factors are diverse and complex. This study categorizes them into four groups: (1) psychological and cognitive factors (e.g., behavioral attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, behavioral intention, environmental awareness, moral norms, awareness of consequences, and ascription of responsibility), (2) economic factors (e.g., perceived benefits and perceived costs), (3) organizational and environmental factors (e.g., organizational culture, organizational pride, social capital perception, and project identification), and (4) other factors (e.g., green knowledge).

Regarding psychological and cognitive factors, Jain et al. [50] confirmed that behavioral intention positively influences final behavior, and intention is shaped by factors including attitude, perceived behavioral control, and environmental awareness. Gao et al. [48] also emphasized the role of these variables in driving low-carbon behavior. Chen et al. [59] and He et al. [58] highlighted the significance of moral norms. Furthermore, many scholars have explored the influence of personal norms, awareness of consequences, and ascription of responsibility on contractors’ green behavior [44,45,49].

Among economic factors, Li et al. [44] found that when contractors perceive direct economic benefits from waste reduction behavior, the probability of adopting such behavior increases by 29.90%. Conversely, Chen et al. [59] and He et al. [58] observed that economic pressure from environmental protection can lead to greenwashing behavior. Other scholars have also identified economic incentives as key motivators for engaging in green practices [17,70,71].

Regarding organizational and environmental factors, Fu et al. [19] identified the influence of organizational pride, social capital perception, and megaproject identification on corporate environmental responsibility intentions among megaproject contractors. Wong et al. [67] explored the effect of organizational culture on contractors’ green behavior. In terms of other factors, Zhang et al. [75] highlighted the role of contractors’ green knowledge in influencing their environmental behavior.

4. Discussion

4.1. Discussion of Findings

4.1.1. Analysis of Annual Publication Trends

The first academic contribution to research on contractors’ green behavior was published by Begum et al. [65] in the journal Resources, Conservation and Recycling. That study surveyed contractors in Malaysia and used logistic regression analysis to identify factors influencing contractors’ attitudes and behaviors regarding waste management. From 2009 to 2019, research output remained relatively limited, reflecting low academic interest and suggesting that the field was in its early developmental stage.

A considerable increase in publications occurred between 2020 and 2023, signaling a period of rapid growth in scholarly attention. Several factors may have contributed to this trend: (1) escalating environmental challenges associated with construction activities; (2) the disruption to sustainable development caused by COVID-19, which renewed focus on sustainability goals; (3) the intensification of global climate change, leading to the promotion of carbon neutrality policies worldwide, such as the European Green Deal [76] and China’s “Dual Carbon” targets [77], thereby accelerating the transition of the construction industry toward green low-carbon practices; and (4) the growing prominence of ESG research, which has heightened research interest in contractors’ green behavior.

The decline in research output observed in 2024 and 2025 can be considered a normal academic fluctuation, representing temporary periods of regression. Academic research typically follows a life cycle effect, wherein a field often transitions into a phase of stable development after a period of rapid growth, rather than entering a decline. Moreover, as research in this area deepens, the quality and depth of studies might become more critical, potentially leading to a lag in academic dissemination. Therefore, the current data are insufficient to conclude that research interest in this field is waning, and long-term trends require further observation.

4.1.2. Analysis of Journals

In research on contractors’ green behavior, the top three journals across eight subject categories have published a total of 21 papers, accounting for 60% of the total publications. This concentration suggests that core journals in this field are relatively centralized. Most of these journals focus on areas such as environmental science, sustainability, mathematics, and engineering, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of the field.

A noteworthy observation concerns journal impact: the top three journals in terms of publication volume do not appear among the top three journals in terms of average citations per paper. This finding indicates that a high number of publications does not necessarily correspond to high academic influence. Specifically, while Resources, Conservation and Recycling, Sustainable Cities and Society, and the International Journal of Construction Management exhibit the lowest publication volumes, they rank among the top three in average citation count. This suggests that these journals exert greater academic influence, with their publications demonstrating higher scholarly value and industry recognition. Notably, Resources, Conservation and Recycling stands out significantly in terms of average citations and published the first article in the field [65], further underscoring its foundational role and impact.

Moreover, journals such as Waste Management, Journal of Cleaner Production, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Waste Management and Research, and Environmental Impact Assessment Review not only have a high publication volume but also exhibit relatively high average citation counts. Therefore, these journals hold a significant position in the research field of contractors’ green behavior and should be considered critical platforms for future scholarly contributions.

4.1.3. Analysis of Countries/Regions

Owing to their high publication output and close collaborative ties, China and Australia are key contributors to research on contractors’ green behavior. The following factors help explain this phenomenon: (1) Policy support and research demand—China’s large-scale construction activities face serious environmental challenges, prompting the government to promote environmental governance in construction projects. By contrast, although Australia has a smaller market, its strict environmental laws ensure the sustainable development of the construction industry. (2) International collaboration and talent mobility—Australian universities have a high degree of internationalization, attracting a substantial number of Chinese researchers for academic visits, study, or employment. Such exchange has fostered a stable network of academic collaboration between the two countries.

However, despite their high publication volume, both China and Australia exhibit relatively low average citations per paper, particularly China. This phenomenon can be explained by China’s research largely focuses on domestic contractors’ green behavior, with policies, institutions, and market environments that are specific to China. Therefore, such research might be less directly applicable to the construction industries of other countries, leading to lower international citation rates. Conversely, although India and Malaysia have lower publication volumes, their average citations per paper are significantly higher, indicating that their research is widely recognized. However, these countries have not yet engaged in collaborative research with other countries.

Overall, existing studies in this field are concentrated in a limited number of countries, with relatively restricted academic collaboration in terms of breadth and depth. The lack of cross-cultural and cross-regional collaborative studies makes it difficult to systematically uncover and compare differences in contractors’ green behavior across cultural contexts. This not only limits the universality of theoretical frameworks but also reduces the practical applicability and scope of research findings. Therefore, strengthening international research collaboration and encouraging comparative studies across different cultural and institutional contexts are of great significance for enhancing the global applicability of research findings.

4.1.4. Analysis of Authors and Institutions

There are relatively few highly prolific authors in the field of contractors’ green behavior, and research collaboration remains fragmented, indicating that the field is still in its developmental stage. Scholars such as Ge Wang, Jian Zuo, Qinghua He, and Zilun Wang have demonstrated both high publication output and notable academic influence, often engaging in active collaborative efforts. These individuals are key contributors to the advancement of the field, underscoring the importance of monitoring their research themes and future publications. Their work has largely focused on contractors’ greenwashing behavior [55,58,59,60] and waste management practices [49,71].

Moreover, research in this field is predominantly conducted by higher education institutions, with limited involvement from corporate entities. This suggests that the field remains largely theoretical, with limited integration into practical engineering and construction. To increase the real-world applicability of findings, it is crucial to strengthen partnerships with industry stakeholders and promote collaboration among academia, industry, and research institutions.

Both author and institutional collaboration network densities are currently low. This indicates a lack of academic interaction across research groups and the absence of an integrated collaborative network. Two primary factors may contribute to this fragmentation. First, contractors’ green behavior is a complex and multidimensional concept encompassing a wide range of content and diverse analytical perspectives, which often results in dispersed research themes. Second, differences in policy environments, economic development levels, and institutional contexts across countries and regions result in differing research settings and focal points. This fragmented structure may impede the development of a coherent and systematic research framework, thereby limiting the depth and advancement of the field. Therefore, fostering cross-national, cross-regional, and cross-institutional collaboration will be essential for promoting innovation and advancing research on contractors’ green behavior.

4.1.5. Analysis of Research Hotspots and Trends

The network characteristics of keywords indicate that the research field of contractors’ green behavior has yet to establish a tightly interconnected and comprehensive knowledge structure. However, identifiable research foci are emerging, highlighting the need for stronger integration among different research pathways in the future. The degree centrality and betweenness centrality results reveal the keywords representing core themes and emerging hotspots in the field (see Table 5).

Keywords such as “Contractors”, “Construction industry”, “Construction projects”, and “Sustainable development” define the research subjects and background. Keywords including “Behavior” and “Behavioral change” define the primary research agenda, emphasizing the examination of contractors’ behavioral patterns, driving factors, and transformation processes. In terms of methods, “Structural equation modeling” remains the dominant approach. Notably, the growing presence of “Configurational analysis” suggests an increasing preference for more complex multidimensional approaches to understanding the drivers of contractors’ green behavior.

From a theoretical perspective, “Evolutionary game” is the most widely referenced framework, followed by “Theory of planned behavior” and “Institutional theory”. In terms of factors, “Attitudes” and “Trust” have gained considerable attention. “Attitudes”, derived from the TPB, highlight how contractors’ perceptions and evaluations of green behavior shape their intention to adopt such practices. “Trust” functions as a behavioral mechanism characterized by positive incentives, ongoing interaction, and feedback—distinct from traditional governance tools such as one-directional rewards, penalties, or supervision. Lin and Zhang [61] identified the mediating role of trust, and Wang et al. [60] further explored its moderating effects.

These findings suggest that enhancing contractors’ understanding of green behavior and fostering mutual trust with project owners are critical for the effective implementation of green practices. On the one hand, government agencies should support contractors in understanding the value of green behavior through environmental education, training programs, and incentives for sustainable practices. On the other hand, project owners should enhance communication, cooperation, and information sharing to build trust and promote collaborative engagement with contractors.

Moreover, several keywords such as “Construction and demolition waste”, “Waste management”, “Waste recycling”, “Reduce”, and “Reuse” indicate that waste management is a crucial area of practice in contractors’ green behavior. This reflects the construction industry’s substantial contribution to waste generation and resource consumption. Additionally, the emergence of the keyword “Greenwashing behavior” signals a growing concern over the authenticity of contractors’ environmental claims. “Greenwashing behavior” refers to actions that are marketed as green but, in reality, are not environmentally friendly [78]. This concept introduces a critical lens for analyzing the complexity and multidimensional nature of contractors’ green behavior.

Studies indicate that contractors’ “Greenwashing behavior” is driven by factors such as inadequate regulation, ethical deficiencies, information asymmetry, excessive trust, contractual deficiencies, and short-term profit motives [55,58,59,60]. To address these issues, governments should strengthen regulatory frameworks and institutionalize transparent environmental information disclosure. Project owners need to enhance dynamic oversight during the project implementation and improve contract enforcement. Contractors themselves should cultivate a strong sense of moral responsibility and adopt a long-term, sustainability-oriented perspective on interests. These coordinated efforts can reduce greenwashing behavior and promote the genuine adoption of environmentally responsible practices.

Furthermore, keywords such as “Megaprojects”, “Green building construction”, “Organizational culture”, “Cultural preferences”, “Cooperation mechanism”, “Dynamic reward and penalty”, “Carbon reduction regulations”, “Awareness and behaviors”, “Behavior diffusion”, “Green supply chain”, “Green construction performance”, “Fraud triangle theory”, “Prospect theory”, “SIR (Susceptible–Infected–Removed) model”, “Bayesian network model”, and “Qualitative comparative analysis” exhibit relatively low degree centrality and betweenness centrality. Therefore, these research topics, theories, and methodologies have not yet received sufficient academic attention and may represent promising directions for future research in the field.

4.1.6. Analysis of Theories, Methods, and Factors

In terms of theoretical analysis, most studies on contractors’ green behavior rely on specific theoretical frameworks, exhibiting trends of integration and interdisciplinary crossover. This suggests that no single theory adequately captures the complex mechanisms underlying contractors’ green behavior. Yet, the field remains reliant on a relatively narrow set of theoretical foundations, indicating limited diversity in theoretical application. This lack of variety reflects a weak theoretical foundation, marked by insufficient depth of theoretical discussion and a notable absence of theoretical innovation.

In terms of research methods, quantitative research dominates the field. However, these studies mainly rely on cross-sectional data, which makes it difficult to capture the dynamic evolution of contractors’ green behavior. Furthermore, qualitative and mixed-method approaches remain underutilized, revealing opportunities for broader methodological integration and more innovative research exploration.

Regarding factors, dimensions of both internal and external factors have received scholarly attention. Nevertheless, existing studies often lack comprehensive analyses of the complex interactions among multidimensional factors. In particular, there is a notable gap in identifying and validating the key determinants of contractors’ green behavior.

4.2. Future Research Directions

4.2.1. Enhancing Research Collaboration and Thematic Integration

Collaboration serves as a critical driver of research advancement [79]. Future studies should prioritize strengthening collaborations among researchers, countries, and institutions to promote knowledge exchange and optimize resource sharing. Establishing a fully interconnected research network is essential, particularly through deeper engagement with high-impact countries, prolific scholars, and corporate institutions. Such collaborations can leverage academic influence, provide access to real-world data, and facilitate innovation in research on contractors’ green behavior.

Moreover, future studies should work toward improving interaction and complementarity among diverse research themes. Comparative analysis across distinct research trajectories can deepen understanding and generate more cohesive knowledge frameworks. At present, much of the literature focuses primarily on waste management practices. Research that combines holistic and context-specific perspectives will better capture the complexity of contractors’ green behavior.

Importantly, the field has begun to address both positive and negative behavioral manifestations—namely, green behavior and greenwashing behavior. Comparative studies exploring the motivations, manifestations, and consequences of both behaviors could offer valuable insights for promoting genuine sustainability practices while mitigating superficial or misleading claims. Therefore, advancing collaborative networks and fostering thematic integration will be essential for driving future progress in this research domain.

4.2.2. Expanding and Integrating Multidimensional Theoretical Frameworks

The integration of multiple theoretical perspectives is a prevailing trend in research on contractors’ green behavior. However, comparative studies of different theoretical frameworks remain limited. Future studies should explore the differential effects and applicability of various models in explaining contractors’ green behavior. For instance, comparing TPB and norm activation theory may reveal insights into their respective effectiveness in predicting environmentally responsible actions among contractors. Similarly, evaluating whether the extended TPB framework offers greater explanatory and predictive power than the original TPB model could yield valuable findings. These theoretical investigations may produce varying results depending on cultural context, geographical region, and sample characteristics. A deeper exploration of these aspects will contribute not only to a more nuanced understanding of theoretical contributions but also to the development of context-specific policy recommendations.

Despite the value of existing theoretical applications, the field remains heavily dependent on a limited set of foundational models, which may be insufficient to fully capture the complex dynamic mechanisms driving contractors’ green behavior. Accordingly, future research should incorporate alternative theoretical perspectives to enrich the discourse. For example, according to the value–belief–norm theory [80], contractors’ green behavior is driven by intrinsic motivational logic. This theoretical framework posits that contractors’ value orientations—namely, egoistic, altruistic, and biospheric values—first influence their environmental beliefs. These beliefs subsequently shape personal norms, leading to the adoption of green behavior. The push–pull theory [81] emphasizes the synergistic effect of push and pull forces in promoting contractors’ green behavior. According to resource dependence theory [82], the extent to which contractors rely on external resources influences their implementation of green behavior. Based on transformational leadership theory [83], green transformational leadership [84,85] offers a critical behavioral leadership perspective for examining contractors’ green behavior. Given the multidimensional and complex nature of contractors’ green behavior, it often requires strategic guidance and proactive promotion from top management. Green transformational leaders establish a vision and strategic direction for green development by leveraging environmental ideals, environmental inspirational motivation, environmental intellectual stimulation, and environmental individualized consideration. These leadership behaviors inspire organizational members to identify with and commit to environmental goals, thereby facilitating the implementation of green practices among contractors. Moreover, according to upper echelons theory [86], the characteristics of senior executives (e.g., values, gender, age, and professional experience) can influence their green behavior decision-making.

Future research should advance the integration of different theoretical frameworks. For instance, compared with the TPB, which is grounded in the rational economic agent assumption, the value–belief–norm theory places greater emphasis on intrinsic values, beliefs, and moral norms. Therefore, TPB and value–belief–norm theory can offer complementary explanations for contractors’ green behavior. The push–pull theory can be integrated with the TPB, value–belief–norm theory, and institutional theory. Within this integrated framework, the internal factors emphasized in TPB and value–belief–norm theory can be regarded as pushing forces. In contrast, the external institutional factors from institutional theory can serve as pulling forces. Together, these internal and external forces jointly influence contractors’ behavioral choices. Furthermore, combining transformational leadership theory with value–belief–norm theory can help elucidate how green transformational leadership influences contractors’ green behavior. This influence shapes organizational values, beliefs, and moral norms. Institutional theory and upper echelons theory can also be integrated. This integration allows for the examination of how specific institutional pressures interact with top executives’ characteristics to influence contractors’ decisions regarding green behavior. These efforts will enhance the explanatory and predictive power of theoretical frameworks. This improvement will provide a more solid scientific foundation for policy formulation and managerial practice.

4.2.3. Innovating and Deepening Diverse Research Methods

Compared with cross-sectional studies, longitudinal research offers a valuable approach for capturing the dynamic evolution of contractors’ green behavior in response to changing environmental conditions. It also enables the identification of causal relationships between variables over time [87]. Therefore, future studies should adopt longitudinal research designs, using time-series data to track the evolution and long-term effects of contractors’ green behavior.

Existing studies mainly rely on statistical techniques such as SEM, PLS-SEM, and regression analysis. However, these methods do not fully leverage the advantages of modern data analytics. Future research should consider incorporating advanced methods, including machine learning, deep learning, big data analytics, text mining, and natural language processing [88,89,90,91,92,93]. These methods are particularly well-suited for managing the complexity and heterogeneity of real-world data, offering deeper insights into the mechanisms underlying contractors’ green behavior. For instance, deep learning can be used to detect behavioral evolution patterns from large-scale datasets, enhancing the temporal understanding of behavioral shifts [92,93].

In the domain of game theory, most current studies focus on two or three-player evolutionary game models. However, contractors’ green behavior involves multiple stakeholders. Future research could explore multi-party (e.g., four-party) game models to more accurately reflect the real-world dynamics and stakeholder interactions. Furthermore, greater emphasis should be placed on qualitative and mixed-methods research. Employing qualitative techniques such as case studies, content analysis, and focus group discussions can yield richer and more context-sensitive insights into complex behavioral phenomena. Integrating quantitative and qualitative research methods not only mitigates the limitations of individual approaches but also enhances the reliability and validity of research findings.

4.2.4. Constructing a Multidimensional Framework of Factors

Although existing studies have explored various internal and external factors influencing contractors’ green behavior, several critical variables remain underexplored. For instance, elements such as leadership style, environmental commitment, ecological passion, environmental leadership, organizational climate, green self-efficacy, organizational culture, organizational structure, and project complexity may significantly affect contractors’ green behavior. Future research should investigate whether—and how—these factors exert influence, thereby contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of behavioral drivers.

Analyzing the driving mechanisms of contractors’ green behavior solely from either an internal or external perspective might lead to incomplete or biased conclusions. Therefore, future research should aim to explore the interactive effects between external pressures and internal motivations. Developing a multidimensional analytical framework that incorporates both perspectives will support a more systematic and integrated understanding of the behavioral mechanisms involved. After establishing the framework, the next step is to identify the key determinants. Isolating these key factors will enable more targeted management strategies and enhance the effectiveness of environmental governance. To achieve this, future research may adopt a range of methodological approaches, including expert interviews, decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), and network analysis [37,94,95,96].

4.2.5. Expanding Research Boundaries and Contexts

Existing studies of contractors’ green behavior primarily focus on specific countries and general construction projects. However, green behavior might vary considerably depending on project types, scales, and cultural contexts. The construction industry comprises diverse sectors—including building, transportation, and water conservancy—each with distinct environmental practices and regulatory requirements [6,7]. As a result, contractors’ green behaviors might differ across these domains.

From an investment perspective, construction projects are commonly categorized into megaprojects and general projects. Megaprojects are characterized by larger scale, broader impact, and more complex stakeholder dynamics [97]. Therefore, the green behavior of contractors in megaprojects receives more attention and is also influenced by more complex factors. In addition, national contexts including regulatory systems, institutional structures, and social values can also affect the adoption and implementation of contractors’ green behavior. Future research should expand their analytical scope by conducting comparative analyses in these dimensions to identify behavioral patterns, driving mechanisms, and management strategies in different contexts.

4.2.6. Exploring Outcome Variables of Green Behavior

Existing studies predominantly focus on the antecedents of contractors’ green behavior, while comparatively less attention has been given to its actual outcome. To advance the field, future research should place greater emphasis on exploring the outcome variables of contractors’ green behavior. Specifically, in terms of green performance, future research could examine how green behavior contributes to improvements in green innovation capability, green supply chain management, green construction performance, and energy conservation and emissions reduction. In terms of economic performance, future research may investigate how contractors’ green behavior enhances market competitiveness, improves corporate reputation, strengthens market positioning, optimizes cost control, and attracts green investments, ultimately contributing to long-term profitability and sustainable market development. In terms of social performance, research could assess the impact of contractors’ green behavior on fulfilling corporate social responsibility obligations, enhancing employee well-being, increasing stakeholder satisfaction, and promoting community sustainability. By constructing a “behavior–performance” correlation model, scholars can systematically quantify the value of green behavior, thereby providing theoretical support for policy formulation and optimizing incentive mechanisms.

5. Conclusions

5.1. Summary of Findings

Using the WOSCC and Scopus databases, this study examines 35 papers on contractors’ green behavior published between 1985 and 2025. By integrating bibliometric analysis, SNA, and content analysis, this study reveals the current state, research hotspots, theoretical foundations, research methods, factors, and future development trends in this field.

This study yields the following key findings:

(1)

The development of this research field was slow from 2009 to 2019 but saw rapid growth starting in 2020, reaching a peak in publication output in 2023. Overall, this research field has received significant attention, but there remains room for further development.

(2)

Most research outputs in this field are published in reputable journals, with Journal of Cleaner Production having the highest number of publications, while Resources, Conservation and Recycling has the highest average citations per paper.

(3)

China and Australia are the main contributing countries, with relatively strong research collaboration. However, both countries have relatively low average citations per paper. Notably, although India has a lower publication volume, its average citations per paper are the highest. Future research should focus on strengthening international collaborations to broaden the global perspective of research and enhance its overall quality and international visibility.

(4)

The overall author collaboration network is relatively loose. Among the seven most prolific authors, Ge Wang, Qinghua He, Zilun Wang, Jian Zuo, and Huijin Zhang exhibit significant academic influence, and their respective subnetworks maintain close connections. Enhancing collaboration across different research groups can facilitate comprehensive interconnectivity, thereby promoting the development and innovation of this research field.

(5)

Higher education institutions, particularly those in China, serve as the primary research hubs in the field, whereas corporate institutions demonstrate relatively low participation. The institutional collaboration network has low overall density. Among the ten most prolific institutions, Tongji University, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Chongqing University, and the University of Adelaide exert considerable influence, with strong collaboration within their subnetworks. Strengthening collaboration with these highly productive and influential institutions can help enhance the overall connectivity of the institutional collaboration network.

(6)

The keyword network exhibits low overall density but relatively high local cohesion. This indicates that cross-collaboration between different research themes and directions is limited. In other words, although research foundations have begun to take shape, a systematic knowledge framework has yet to be established. SNA identifies 19 key themes and hotspots in the current research field (Table 5). Future research should focus on strengthening the interconnections among different research themes to build a more systematic and coherent knowledge structure.

(7)

Existing studies are largely grounded in established theoretical frameworks, with game theory, TPB, institutional theory, and norm activation theory being the most dominant. Quantitative methods are the most commonly employed research approaches. In such studies, questionnaire surveys are commonly used for data collection, while SEM, PLS-SEM, and regression analysis are frequently used for data analysis. In terms of external factors affecting contractors’ green behavior, studies mainly focus on coercive, normative, and mimetic pressures. In terms of internal factors, the main influences are psychological and cognitive, economic, organizational environment, and other factors. Future research should expand upon multidimensional theories and methodologies, as well as the influencing factors of contractors’ green behavior.

5.2. Implications, Limitations, and Future Research

This study analyzes the current knowledge system in research on contractors’ green behavior and identifies research gaps that remain underexplored. By doing so, it provides a foundation for future investigations in this field. By integrating quantitative and qualitative methods—specifically bibliometric analysis, SNA, and content analysis—this study mitigates the limitations of single-method approaches and leverages the complementary strengths of each technique. As such, it offers a valuable methodological reference for future literature reviews. Moreover, the systematic nature of this review supports the development of the field by promoting the integration of theory and practice. This study also provides important insights into how to motivate and support contractors’ green behavior and contributes to the development of more precise and effective environmental management strategies.

For example, contractors’ behavioral attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and the level of trust established with project owners are key factors influencing the implementation of green practices. Institutional pressures also play a critical role in shaping contractors’ behaviors. Therefore, the government should consider developing a comprehensive policy framework that integrates incentives, regulatory constraints, and capacity-building initiatives. Regarding incentives, differentiated economic policies can be introduced, such as tiered tax reductions, interest subsidies for green loans, and credit guarantee schemes. For regulatory constraints, enhanced compliance mechanisms such as dynamic environmental supervision at construction sites and a green credit record system for contractors can improve enforcement. For capacity building, governments may provide financial support for green technology training programs and demonstration projects, thereby strengthening the industry’s overall capacity for green construction.

Project owners should also take a more proactive role in environmental governance by incorporating green provisions into contract management. Clear contractual terms can define contractors’ responsibilities in environmental protection. Additionally, owners may establish green performance incentive mechanisms to reward contractors who demonstrate strong environmental practices. Moreover, regular communication and joint problem-solving initiatives can be employed to strengthen mutual trust between owners and contractors. However, it is important to note that excessive trust may weaken oversight awareness and inadvertently create opportunities for greenwashing behavior. Therefore, it is essential to simultaneously strengthen process monitoring to achieve a balanced approach that emphasizes both trust and supervision. Industry associations should continue to advance the development of a standardized green construction framework and promote the unification and improvement of industry norms. Regular exchanges of best practices in environmental management can be organized to facilitate knowledge sharing across the industry. Contractors should also strengthen their awareness of green behavior. To achieve this, they can establish green management systems, cultivate a green organizational culture, increase investment in green technology, and recruit talent specializing in green management.

Despite its contributions, this study has several limitations. First, the literature review is based primarily on the WOSCC and Scopus databases, which may exclude relevant studies not indexed in these databases. Future research should expand the search scope to include additional sources such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and CNKI, to ensure a more comprehensive dataset. Second, the literature selection process inevitably involves subjective judgment, which might introduce bias and affect analytical accuracy. Future studies should refine inclusion criteria and screening procedures to minimize human bias. Third, although this study provides valuable insights, the relatively small sample size (35 articles) may limit the generalizability of the findings. The continuous monitoring of the field and analysis based on larger and more diverse datasets will be essential to improve the robustness of future research. Fourth, different bibliometric tools vary in functionality and compatibility with specific databases. Future research could explore alternative bibliometric tools to analyze this field from multiple perspectives. Fifth, content analysis is primarily grounded in academic perspectives, with limited engagement from industry perspectives. Incorporating practitioner insights through industry case studies or expert interviews will enhance the practical relevance of future research. In conclusion, future studies should continue to advance research on contractors’ green behavior while striving to address the current limitations. Through such efforts, the active and sustained adoption of green practices by contractors can be promoted, contributing meaningfully to the achievement of global green development goals.