A Scientometric Review of Quality Management, Employee Satisfaction, and Organizational Effectiveness in the Construction Industry: A Visualization with CiteSpace

Abstract

This study employs a scientometric approach to delineate the knowledge structure, evolutionary trajectory, and research frontiers at the intersection of quality management, employee satisfaction, and organizational effectiveness within the construction industry. Leveraging the CiteSpace software, a comprehensive analysis was conducted on 344 core documents retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection for the period 2010-2025. The analysis reveals a distinct paradigm shift in the research landscape, evolving from an initial focus on process-centric themes such as "lean construction" and "performance" towards a more human-centric paradigm. Recent research frontiers are increasingly centered on "transformational leadership," "safety climate," and most notably, "job satisfaction." Findings indicate that while the relationship between quality management and organizational effectiveness is well-established, the mediating role of employee satisfaction is an emerging and underexplored frontier. The research landscape is globally led by the USA and China, yet institutional collaboration networks appear fragmented. The study concludes that the field is undergoing a profound human-centric transformation, positing that investing in employee well-being is no longer a soft management option but a core strategic engine for driving quality improvement and maximizing organizational effectiveness.