An integrated building information modelling-facilities management (BIM-FM) framework for information quality in facilities management in Malaysia: a socio-technical systems approach

Facility Management (FM) plays a critical role in ensuring the functionality, efficiency, and sustainability of the built environment. In Malaysia, FM organizations face persistent challenges in maintaining high facility maintenance information quality (FMIQ) due to fragmented processes, inconsistent standards, and varying levels of digital maturity. Building Information Modelling (BIM) offers significant potential to address these gaps by enabling integrated, data-driven management across the facility lifecycle. Therefore, this research aims to develop an integrated BIM-FM framework for improving FMIQ by examining socio-technical factors and the moderating role of BIM Attributes in Malaysian FM organisations. Specifically, the objectives are to identifies the effects of social factors (people and organisation) and technical factors (technology and process) on FMIQ, identifies the moderating effects of BIM Attributes on these relationships. Then develops and validates an integrated BIM-FM framework based on the empirical findings. Anchored in Socio-Technical Systems theory, this research employed a quantitative, cross-sectional design using a structured questionnaire distributed to BIM and non-BIM FM organisations at the firm level. A total of 238 valid responses were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to assess the measurement and structural models and test the proposed hypotheses. The results demonstrate that people, organisation, technology, and process have significant positive effects on FMIQ. BIM Attributes significantly moderate the effects of organisation and technology on FMIQ but do not significantly moderate the effects of people and process. These findings indicate that the effectiveness of BIM Attributes depends particularly on organisational readiness and technological capability. The research culminates in the development of an integrated BIM–FM framework, providing a strategic model for enhancing FMIQ through socio-technical alignment and digital integration. Theoretically, it extends STS theory by positioning BIM as a strategic moderator, offering nuanced insights into conditional relationships in FM. Practically, the findings offer actionable guidance for FM practitioners, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, supporting Malaysia’s National Construction Policy 2030 (NCP) and RMK 13th Plan in advancing the nation’s digital transformation agenda in facility management.