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A Review of Unethical Practices Among Construction Professionals and Measures to Curb Them

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Abstract

The construction industry is fraught with unethical practices traceable to construction professionals which have affected the performance of the industry negatively especially the negative image it projects the construction industry. Extant studies on unethical practices focused on the effects and types of unethical practices with some going further to study measures that can be adopted to curb unethical practices. In the Nigerian construction industry, limited studies exist on measures to curb unethical practices. The aim of this study is to identify the most prevalent unethical practices among construction industry professionals and suitable measures adopted to curb them. This study conducted a desktop literature review of literature from 2003 to 2019 on unethical practices, prevalent unethical practices and measures adopted to curb unethical practices within the construction industry. The major findings of this study are: although unethical practices are difficult and challenging to contain, they can be curbed; 23 prevalent unethical practices within the construction industry were found and the most prevalent ones are bribery, collusive tendering, bid cutting, conflict of interest and fraud. The study found that most measures adopted to curb unethical practices are responsibility-based in nature. These responsibilities are expected of all stakeholders – Governments of countries, professional bodies/institutions, construction organizations and construction professionals. The most advocated measures to curb unethical practices are leadership by example, zero-tolerance policy for unethical practices, implementation of code of ethics and training/retraining construction professionals on codes of ethics, promotion of ethical construction culture and appropriate prosecution of professionals involved in unethical practices.
Kaduna State University Environmental Science Journal (KESJ) vol. 1 Issue 1
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A REVIEW OF UNETHICAL PRACTICES AMONG CONSTRUCTION
PROFESSIONALS AND MEASURES TO CURB THEM
Christiana Ada Adah
Department of Quantity Surveying, Kaduna State University, Kafanchan Campus, Kaduna State,
Nigeria
christiana.paul@kasu.edu.ng
ABSTRACT
The construction industry is fraught with unethical practices traceable to construction
professionals which have affected the performance of the industry negatively especially the
negative image it projects the construction industry. Extant studies on unethical practices focused
on the effects and types of unethical practices with some going further to study measures that can
be adopted to curb unethical practices. In the Nigerian construction industry, limited studies exist
on measures to curb unethical practices. The aim of this study is to identify the most prevalent
unethical practices among construction industry professionals and suitable measures adopted to
curb them. This study conducted a desktop literature review of literature from 2003 to 2019 on
unethical practices, prevalent unethical practices and measures adopted to curb unethical
practices within the construction industry. The major findings of this study are: although unethical
practices are difficult and challenging to contain, they can be curbed; 23 prevalent unethical
practices within the construction industry were found and the most prevalent ones are bribery,
collusive tendering, bid cutting, conflict of interest and fraud. The study found that most measures
adopted to curb unethical practices are responsibility-based in nature. These responsibilities are
expected of all stakeholders Governments of countries, professional bodies/institutions,
construction organizations and construction professionals. The most advocated measures to curb
unethical practices are leadership by example, zero-tolerance policy for unethical practices,
implementation of code of ethics and training/retraining construction professionals on codes of
ethics, promotion of ethical construction culture and appropriate prosecution of professionals
involved in unethical practices.
Keywords: Code of ethics, Construction industry, professionals, unethical practices, contract
administration
INTRODUCTION
The construction industry is vast, diverse and
fragmented with several professionals
collaborating to execute projects (Aigbavboa
Oke & Tyali, 2016; Chartered Institute of
Building, 2013). In order to practice their
trade, these professionals need to be morally
responsible to not just individuals but other
professionals (Bayles, 1989 in Abdul-
Rahman, Wang & Yap, 2010) within the
industry, making professional ethics a
requisite. Extant studies have also assessed
the importance of professional ethics not just
to the professionals but majorly, the entire
construction industry. Some of the
importance of ethics to the construction
industry includes: it influences the quality of
construction projects (Abdul-Rahman et al.,
2010), it enhances the construction industry
to attain success worldwide, it enables
optimal performance within the industry, and
generates lasting economic returns. Hence,
there is a growing demand for ethical practice
within the construction industry (Vee &
Skitmore, 2003).
The uniqueness of the construction industry
particularly with regards to several
professionals (with individual interests)
working together to execute projects, makes
the industry susceptible to unethical
Kaduna State University Environmental Science Journal (KESJ) vol. 1 Issue 1
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practices. Extant studies including Lee &
Cullen (2018), Shah & Alotaibi (2017) and
Bowen, Edwards & Cattell (2012), revealed
that the construction industry is enmeshed in
unethical practices and is traceable to
construction professionals (Aigbavboa et al.,
2016). By definition, unethical practice is any
act that has harmful effects on others and is
legally/morally unacceptable to a larger
community (Gino, 2015). The existence of
unethical practices within the construction
industry is not just limited to certain countries
but is rather, a global phenomenon (Lee &
Cullen, 2018; CIOB, 2013) with devastating
outcome on the economy of countries.
There are extant studies on unethical
practices within the construction industry
conducted in Australia (Vee & Skitmore,
2003), China (Zou, 2006), UK (Stansbury &
Stansbury, 2018), South Africa (Aigbavboa
et al., 2016), Malaysia (Adnan, Hashim,
Yusuwan & Ahmad, 2012), and several
countries. These studies not just outlined the
types and effects of unethical practices within
the construction industry but also proffered
strategies on how to contain unethical
practices among construction industry
professionals. These solutions need to be
explored as Stansbury & Stansbury (2018)
opined that unethical practices could be
prevented whereas Vee & Skitmore (2003)
stressed that curbing it could be difficult. In
Nigeria, there are extant studies like that of
Oyewobi, Ganiyu, Oke, Ola-Awo & Shittu
(2011), Usman, Inuwa & Iro (2012),
Adeyinka, Jagboro, Ojo & Odediran (2014),
Inuwa, Usman & Dantong (2015), Olatunji,
Oke, Aghimien & Ogunwoye (2016),
Adeniyi, Adegbembo & Ojo (2018) and
Akinrata, Ogunsemi & Akinradewo (2019),
on unethical practices within the Nigerian
construction industry. However, most of
these studies focus more on code of ethics
implementation, existence, effects and
outcomes of unethical practices with limited
studies on how to contain unethical practices
within the industry.
The construction industry consists of several
construction professionals who are required
to execute their distinct roles professionally
(Aigbavboa et al., 2016; CIOB, 2013). A
typical construction project team is made up
of Architects, Interior Designers, Surveyors,
Civil / Structural Engineers, Quantity
Surveyors, Mechanical Engineers and
Electrical Engineers. These professionals
deal with time, money, equipment,
technology, people, and materials in the
course of managing construction projects
(Hussin & Omran, 2009). The divergent
interests of these professionals lead to
competitive behaviour among them resulting
to unethical practices considering the fact that
they have direct influence on construction
projects (Aigbavboa et al., 2016). In the
Nigerian construction industry, construction
professionals, according to Olatunji et al.
(2016) and Oyewobi et al. (2011) get
entangled in unethical practices due to the
challenging economic situation of the
country exposing them to the temptation of
being involved in unethical practices to make
ends meet.
This research is aimed at identifying the most
prevalent unethical practices among
construction professionals within the
construction industry and the suitable
measures adopted to curb them based on
existing literature. This is with the view to
identify measures that can be adopted to curb
unethical practices among construction
professionals in the Nigerian construction
industry in subsequent research. The dearth
of research on measures that can curb
unethical practices within the Nigerian
construction industry makes this study
important.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Unethical Practices
Unethical practices in extant studies like Vee
& Skitmore (2003), Zou (2006), CIOB
Kaduna State University Environmental Science Journal (KESJ) vol. 1 Issue 1
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(2013), Stansbury & Stansbury (2018) is
portrayed as corruption within the
construction industry. Their occurrence cut
across all countries and no construction
project is immune to unethical practices
(Stansbury & Stansbury, 2018). Unethical
practices reportedly takes place at all stages
of construction projects planning and
design, pre-qualification and tender, project
execution, operation and maintenance with
lasting and detrimental effects (Stansbury &
Stansbury, 2018; CIOB, 2013; Adnan et al.,
2012; Oyewobi et al., 2011; CIOB, 2008).
However, extant studies like Ameh (2018)
reported that contractor pre-qualification,
tendering procedure and award of contract
are the construction project stages most prone
to unethical practices.
Extant studies revealed that unethical
practices exist in the construction industry for
several reasons. According to Aigbavboa et
al. (2016), the prevalence of unethical
practices within the construction industry is
due to greed, favouritism, political influence,
and monopoly of bigger companies over
smaller and emerging companies and
pressure to meet unrealistic company
objectives and deadlines. While Shah &
Alotaibi (2017) opined that unethical
practices exist in the industry due to conflict
of interest among the various professionals
and stakeholders. CIOB (2013) also reported
cultural practices and the economic climate
as the reason for unethical practices within
the construction industry. Meanwhile, Auoad
(2018) posited that unethical practices exist
in the industry due to nepotism and self-
interests. From a different perspective,
Usman et al. (2012) in a study on unethical
practices in the Nigerian construction
industry opined that the absence of
punishment for corruption is the major cause
of unethical practices.
Effect of Unethical Practices
It is noteworthy that no extant study on
unethical practices within the construction
industry reported any merit associated with
unethical practices rather; they all reported its
negative impact on the industry. Generally,
unethical practices have lasting impact
detrimental to the construction industry
(Akpomiemie, Adedokun & Aje, 2018). For
instance, Maseko (2017) reported that
unethical practices give the industry a bad
reputation; while Aigbavboa et al. (2016) and
Olatunji et al. (2016) further opined that
unethical practices affects the economic
development of countries and their human
resources. Olatunji et al. (2016) also reported
that unethical practices distorts the entire
construction process, hinder free play of
market forces, and even discourages
investors from investing in the construction
industry. Other effects of unethical practices
reported by Akinrata et al. (2019) and
Aigbavboa et al. (2016) includes poor quality
infrastructure, reduction in building lifespan,
low productivity/efficiency by project team,
clients’ dissatisfaction, conflicts between
stakeholders and loss of public trust.
Meanwhile, Akpomiemie et al. (2018) also
reported wasted tender expenses, tendering
uncertainty, increased project costs,
economic damage, blackmail, criminal
prosecutions, fines, blacklisting and
reputational risks as effects of unethical
practices. Unethical practices also leads to
loss of income by clients and governments,
continuous insecure practices that risks lives
and properties, needless and baseless
expenditures raising poverty levels and
reducing quality of life (Shah & Alotaibi,
2017). According to Stansbury & Stansbury
(2018), unethical practices could also costs
ethical organizations and professionals their
jobs to those willing to indulge in unethical
practices. Furthermore, unethical practices
makes completed construction projects
vulnerable to frequent maintenance work
Kaduna State University Environmental Science Journal (KESJ) vol. 1 Issue 1
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due; whilst causing delays and cost overruns
as well (Inuwa et al., 2015).
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research papers on ethics, unethical practices
and measures to curb unethical practices were
searched using GOOGLE SCHOLAR search
engine, with outputs restricted to English and
construction-related articles. Google Scholar
was used as it provided the option to assess
free published articles online. The articles
retrieved were critically reviewed, and most
prevalent unethical practices within the
construction industry and measures to curb
unethical practices were identified. The
figure below depicts the research design for
the study.
Figure 1: Research Design
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Prevalent Unethical Practices within the
Construction Industry
The desktop review of articles reveals that
there are several unethical practices within
the construction industry. However,
prevalent unethical practices vary within the
industry from country to country. From the
articles reviewed, 23 prevalent unethical
practices within the construction industry
were reported and the numbers of occurrence
were recorded for each prevalent unethical
practice. As depicted in the table below, the
five most prevalent unethical practices were
bribery, collusive tendering, bid cutting,
conflict of interest and fraud.
Table 1 Prevalent Unethical Practice within the Construction Industry
S/N
Prevalent Unethical
Practices
Freq.
Source
1
Cover pricing
2
Adnan et al. (2012), Bowen et al. (2012)
2
Bid cutting
5
Lee & Cullen (2018), Shah & Alotaibi (2017),
Kang et al. (2017), Adnan et al. (2012), Abdul-
Rahman et al. (2010)
3
Poor documentation
1
Adnan et al. (2012)
Google Scholar Search:
“Ethics in construction industry”
“Unethical practices in construction
industry”
“Measures to curb unethical practices
in the construction industry”
Confine articles to English Language and
construction related
Critical reviews of the articles
Measures to curb unethical practices
Kaduna State University Environmental Science Journal (KESJ) vol. 1 Issue 1
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4
Late and poor payment
1
Adnan et al. (2012)
5
Subcontractors' lack of
safety ethics
1
Adnan et al. (2012)
6
unfair treatment of
contractors in tender/final
account negotiations
1
Adnan et al. (2012)
7
Illegal award of tenders
1
Aigbavboa et al. (2016)
8
falsification of experience
and qualifications
2
Aigbavboa et al. (2016), Adnan et al. (2012)
9
Capital flight
1
Oyewobi et al. (2011)
10
Government policy
1
Adnan et al. (2012)
11
Conflict of interest
5
Shah & Alotaibi (2017), Ameyaw et al. (2017),
Adnan et al. (2012), Bowen et al. (2012), Vee
& Skitmore (2003)
12
Collusive tendering
8
Ibrahim et al. (2019), Lee & Cullen (2018),
Ameyaw et al. (2017), Aigbavboa et al. (2016),
Adnan et al. (2012), Bowen et al. (2012),
Stansbury & Stansbury (2005), Vee & Skitmore
(2003)
13
Bribery
9
Lee &Cullen (2018), Shah &Alotaibi (2017),
Kang et al. (2017), Ameyaw et al. (2017),
Aigbavboa et al. (2016), Oyewobi et al. (2011),
Abdul-Rahman et al. (2010), Stansbury &
Stansbury (2005), Vee & Skitmore (2003)
14
Corruption
2
Ibrahim et al. (2019), Abdul-Rahman et al.
(2010)
15
Fraud
4
Ameyaw et al. (2017), Aigbavboa et al. (2016),
Stansbury & Stansbury (2005), Vee & Skitmore
(2003)
16
Deception
1
Stansbury & Stansbury (2005)
17
Unfair conduct
2
Ibrahim et al. (2019), Vee & Skitmore (2003)
18
Negligence
3
Ibrahim et al. (2019), Abdul-Rahman et al.
(2010), Vee & Skitmore (2003)
19
Favouritism
1
Ibrahim et al. (2019)
20
Confidentiality and
propriety breach
1
Vee & Skitmore (2003)
21
Kickbacks (Extortion)
2
Ameyaw et al. (2017), Bowen et al. (2012)
22
Violation of environmental
ethics
3
Ibrahim et al. (2019), Oyewobi et al. (2011),
Vee & Skitmore (2003)
23
Gifts
1
Shah & Alotaibi (2017)
Source: Author’s Compilation
Kaduna State University Environmental Science Journal (KESJ) vol. 1 Issue 1
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Curbing Unethical Practices
Although a difficult venture fraught with
challenges, unethical practices according to
Stansbury & Stansbury (2018) can be
prevented within the construction industry.
One of such challenge is the lack of
information on unethical practices across
several construction industries making it
difficult to assess and address its prevalence
(CIOB, 2013).
Literature reviewed on ethics and unethical
practices within the construction industry
revealed that some studies proffered
numerous measures on how to curb unethical
practices within the industry. These measures
are responsibility-based in nature;
responsibilities on the part of construction
industry stakeholders and regulatory bodies.
In curbing unethical practices among
construction professionals, all hands
(including that of leaders of government,
professional institutions, contractors,
consultants and all organizations) must be on
deck (Stansbury & Stansbury, 2018).
Governments’ role in curbing unethical
practices: the role of leaders of government
according to Stansbury & Stansbury (2018) is
to lead by example, have zero-tolerance
policy on unethical practices, refuse to
participate in any unethical practice, have
transparency policy regarding public sector
projects, and implementation of preventive
measures against unethical practices.
According to CIOB (2008), Government of
nations need to be dogged in curbing
unethical practices considering the huge
amount spent annually on government
procurement worldwide. Although CIOB
(2013) reported that governments are not
doing enough to curb unethical practices.
Professionals’ role in curbing unethical
practices: curbing unethical practices
amongst construction professionals is a
difficult task (Vee & Skitmore, 2003). Aouad
(2018) and Akinrata & Ogungbile (2018)
both opined that professionals (especially the
leaders) need to lead by example in order to
achieve high ethics and standards within the
construction industry. While Inuwa et al.
(2015) suggested adherence to professional
ethics, and transparency and professional
accountability among professionals in order
to curb unethical practices. However,
Aigbavboa et al. (2016) and Chilipunde &
Kaima (2015) reported that most construction
professionals hardly adhere to their code of
ethics. In Nigeria, Akpomiemie et al. (2018)
recommended the development of an ethical
compliance culture by professional bodies
among professionals to enhance ethical
conduct.
Professional institutions’ role in curbing
unethical practices: Professional
bodies/institutions have a great role in
curbing unethical practices. They are saddled
with the responsibility of dictating how
members behave ethically through their code
of ethics (Adnan et al., 2012). Professional
bodies play the role of enhancing
construction professionals’ integrity and
respectability as they practice their trade
(Blythe, 2018; Vee & Skitmore, 2003). In
curbing unethical practices, Stansbury &
Stansbury (2018), Ameh & Odusami (2010)
and Vee & Skitmore (2003) suggested the
implementation of ethical guidelines and
policies by professional bodies via technical
sessions and public lectures about the costs
and risks of unethical practices. While
Olatunji (2007) recommended consistent
training and retraining of professionals on
current trends in ethical issues, and record
keeping of members’ ethical issues by
professional bodies for future reference.
Oyewobi et al. (2011) further opined that
laws be enacted to strengthen professional
institutions to punish erring construction
professionals. However, Olatunji (2007)
further reported that these recommendations
are only feasible where professional bodies
Kaduna State University Environmental Science Journal (KESJ) vol. 1 Issue 1
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do not deliberately cover up unethical
practices to increase membership as is
obtainable in most developing countries.
Construction organizations’ role in curbing
unethical practices: Stansbury & Stansbury
(2018) opined that stakeholders like
companies, governments, project owners and
funders need to develop a zero-tolerance
policy on unethical practices, refuse to
participate in any unethical practice, and set
up organizational controls to prevent
unethical practices. Furthermore, Ameh &
Odusami (2010) recommended prompt and
adequate remuneration for services rendered
by construction professionals to eliminate the
temptation to participate in unethical
practices. Zou (2006) recommended three
strategies to organizations to prevent
unethical practices - develop honest and
ethical construction cultures, institute
random and regular checks of officials
involved in construction projects, and
supervise processes and work over project
life cycle.
The general measures for curbing unethical
measure according to Adeniyi et al. (2018),
Shah & Alotaibi (2017), Aigbavboa et al.
(2016), Chilipunde &Kaima (2015) and
Oyewobi et al. (2011) are:
Transparency
Whistleblower protection
Reducing incentives for corruption
Taking action on ethical violation
Legislative laws spelling out
punishments for unethical practices
Reviewing, monitoring and reporting
unethical behaviour
Development of honest and ethical
construction culture
Establishment of annual ethics
training for employees and employers
Punish offenders / rigorous
prosecution
Initiation of constant and random
ethics checks
Constant supervision of ethics
Verbally promote ethical
environment
Good whistle-blowing mechanism
Avoid conflicts of interest by
managing projects under a single
authority
Increase employees benefits
Banning erring professionals
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the aim of this study is to
identify the most prevalent unethical
practices among construction within the
construction industry and the suitable
measures adopted to curb them. The study
found that unethical practices are not limited
to certain countries but cuts across several
countries globally. Findings of the study also
revealed that the most prevalent unethical
practices are bribery, collusive tendering, bid
cutting, conflict of interest and fraud. The
study found that even though unethical
practices are difficult to contain, they can be
prevented when the right measures are put in
place. The role of construction industry
stakeholders in preventing unethical
practices within the construction industry
according to the findings of this study is very
crucial. Some of the outstanding measures
found to curb unethical practices include
Governments, construction professionals and
construction organizations leading by
examples, a zero-tolerance policy for
unethical practices among stakeholders, and
ethics implementation and training/retraining
of professionals about ethics by professional
bodies. Finally, the study found that there is
a dearth of research on measures to curb
unethical practices in the construction
industry of some developing countries like
Nigeria.
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... Day by day, unethical behaviour and practices have been used so often it has become a norm in the sector. Adah (2020) revealed that the construction industry has been engaged in unethical activities which can be traced to professionals involved in the industry for a very long period of time. The construction industry is, without doubt, a high-risk industry subjected to the highest level of corruption according to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). ...
... New Straits Times 832 revealed that the pandemic has caused a lasting impact on the construction industry, which have been said to suffer a loss of RM18.5 billion during the first Movement Control Order (MCO) from March 18 until April 28, 2020 (Harun & Razak, 2020). Unethical behaviours in the construction sector are one of the factors that causes unreliable and unsafe projects in terms of building and design failure and poor product quality (Adah, 2020). Moreover, Maseko (2017) revealed that unethical behaviour corrupts the image of the company, industry and nation, hence developing trust issues against parties involved. ...
... A delay in the project will take up extra time which ranges from weeks, months and some even years. A delayed project will be succumbed to a rushed project which will then result in poor workmanship and poor quality that will require frequent maintenance work therefore causing further project delays and cost overrun (Adah 2020). Hence, clients would be satisfied with the project because not only the deadline could be met, the completed work possess quality in comparison to the budget allocated. ...
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Professionals are integral to the project. However, conflicts of interest among professional such as clients and contractors, project managers, architects play an important role in unethical practices that have an adverse effect in the construction industry. Therefore, this study aims to identify the effects of unethical issues that occur among the professionals in Klang Valley construction industry. The data collection has been conducted via questionnaire survey and has been analyzed using SPSS. Most respondents agree that “Delay of construction project” is the main effect of unethical behavior with a mean of 4.36 and SD= 0.848. When a project is delayed, it would cause major problems such as project abandonment, cost overrun, conflicts against parties and poor-quality works. This is because a project depends on the cost and time in order to be completed. Furthermore, a delayed project leads to a rushed project that will cause defective works. Frequent maintenance will be needed for repairing works, thus increasing the cost to bear in the project itself. Lastly, it is recommended that the timeframe for future studies should be increased to allow researchers to have sufficient time to collect more data in order to improve the accuracy and reliability of data collected.
... Previously, it was believed that the responsibility of building contractors in the battle against corruption was to uphold their commitments and professional ethics. This presumption prompted researchers to investigate unethical practices of construction professionals (Adah, 2020;Aigbavboa et al., 2016;Kuoribo et al., 2021;Ameh and Odusami, 2010;Adeyinka et al., 2019;Bowen et al., 2007;Bowen et al., 2012;Bowen et al., 2015); pervasive moral issues in the construction industry (Dindi et al., 2019); and ethical decision-making by contractors (Maqsoom et al., 2020;Kukoyi et al., 2021;Marovi et al., 2021;Marovi et al., 2021;Fan and Law, 2012;Kang et al., 2014). According to Ameh and Odusami (2010), building contractors are under the most pressure to act unethically among the professionals in the construction sector. ...
... The above examinations have revealed that professional ethics are unquestionably less important than the role that building contractors play in society, notably in the battle against corruption (Adah, 2020). However, the value system should be expanded upon and examined within the context of professional ethics, which is a subset of the value system (Kang et al., 2014). ...
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Building contractors’ value systems is a powerful force in establishing a construction sector free from corruption. Thus, this study examined the value systems of building contractors and assessed how these systems' psychological impacts affected the construction industry's corruption indicators. Using the theoretical lens of social adaptation theory, this study postulated that a building contractor's tolerance for corruption is psychologically influenced by their value system. Quantitative data were collected from contractors engaged in building and civil engineering projects in Nigeria. Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) was used to test the proposition. The study discovered that the value system of building contractors includes achievement, teamwork, openness, resourcefulness, excellence, precision, efficiency, and self-respect. Results from the MLR showed that none of the values in the value system have very notable effects on corruption indicators. The study's conclusions imply that the building contractors' current value system does not provide the desired level of anti-corruption defense. The conclusions suggest that the building contractors’ value system should be modified and reformed through ethical education and professional growth. The study added to knowledge by showing that a value system may not be corrupt-oriented while still lacking the anticipated anti-corruption defense.
... The interpretivist philosophical approach posits that reviewing existing studies and interpreting the trends will help in bringing to light the usefulness of different issues in the construction industry (Aghimien et al., 2020). The adoption of the literature review is an established approach that has been widely used in construction management studies Adah, 2020;Schwatka et al., 2012). The study adopted a bibliometric review of studies on WLB to determine the trends in WLB research within the construction space. ...
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Purpose The nature of construction works has a negative impact on physical, mental and emotional well-being and makes it difficult for the construction industry to attract and retain its workforce. The current study seeks to integrate the current knowledge focused on work–life balance (WLB) in the industry into an understandable whole. Design/methodology/approach An interpretivist philosophical approach was adopted using a bibliometric review and a narrative review of existing studies from both Scopus and Google databases. The Visualisation of Similarities viewer (VOSviewer) was used to prepare co-occurrence maps from the bibliographic data garnered. Findings The study reveals that the prominent factors influencing the WLB of the construction workforce are organizational culture, salary earned, heavy workload, long working hours and inflexible working time. The recent WLB discourse is on organisational commitment, job satisfaction and workplace dynamics. While WLB areas for further exploration are job stress, safety performance, employee attrition and an ageing workforce. Meanwhile, Africa and South America are still lagging in WLB research. Practical implications The findings reported here will assist stakeholders in identifying appropriate WLB initiatives that can be used to improve the well-being of the construction workforce. Also, the gaps in knowledge for further research were highlighted. Originality/value The findings reveal current trends and a road map for future studies on WLB in construction. It also reveals prominent factors influencing the WLB of workers in the construction industry.
... Reviews aiming at mapping unethical practices within the built environment in general-be they broad in approach e.g., [13,14], focusing particularly on corruption e.g., [15,16] or particularly exposed individuals [17]-have remarked the small interest in questions related to ethics. As Walker [18] notices, there is no reference to ethics in the index of PMI's Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge [19] and generally "a dearth of papers related to ethics". ...
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This article analyses adaptation to climate induced challenges in form of torrential rains hitting urban landscapes in Norway with increased frequency. Specifically, it investigates the influence of the industry structure on ethical challenges when the climate changes. A meta-analysis of the scientific output from a major multi-disciplinary research program is carried out. In addition, the methods include use of expert opinions, literature review and document studies. Climate change adaptation challenges disciplines within civil engineering and natural sciences. Following this, established practices need alteration as specialists face new ethical challenges. Practical climate change adaptation requires the ability to overcome silo mentality among the involved disciplines. Challenges involve acknowledging responsibility, transparency, and information quality. Engineering takes place in an environment of incomplete knowledge. In addition, there is a high degree of decentralised decision-making and directives, and laws and regulations are often lagging after the experienced challenges. Consequently, individual experts experience increased ethical challenges. Systemic circumstances apprehension is necessary for reducing societal risks within climate change adaptation. Both education of engineers and cooperation between specialists from different disciplines is needed to master the altered framework conditions.
... Everybody likes money, but excess of it among construction professionals in study area create the most contributing factor to unethical practices among the QS. This agreed with Ehsan et al. (2009) (2003) and Adah (2020). It was noted in the analysis that the respondents agreed that' Salaries of workers are delayed' be ranked second which is in connection with Alutu and Udhawuve (2009), this also concurred FMI/CMAA (2004) who found that delay of workers' salaries ranked from the first five important factors cause unethical practices. ...
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Ethics have a verifiable effect on the validity and economic supportability of quantity studying practices and additionally influencing the individual security of the profession. There is a developing consent inside and outside the construction industry that unscrupulous practices are endemic in the construction industry especially quantity surveying practice in Nigeria. This paper thusly, x-rayed the outcomes of unethical practices by Quantity Surveyors in the construction industry in Nigeria, and likewise displays more scholarly and practical approach in dealing with moral appraisal of Quantity Surveyors in the construction industry and ways to improve moral standard among them. Very much organized polls (questionnaire) were self-administered to stakeholders and professionals in construction organizations. Literature review also revealed that unethical practices result to dissatisfied clients, late compensation due to delays, low productivity/efficiency of project team, deterioration in professionalism, poor workmanship, high maintenance, upward review of contract cost, poor project coordination, poor quality infrastructure development, stunted growth of the industry, reduction in the life span of building, loss of public trust, conflicts between client and construction team, poor quality of infrastructural development and loss of public trust. Data were collected and analyzed using Mean Item Score (MIS) and Standard Deviation (SD). The results shows that dissatisfaction of clients, High maintenance cost and Poor workmanship were perceived to be the major ethical misconduct by Quantity Surveyors in the construction industry. The study recommended that Quantity Surveyors should not always make financial benefits, other advantages as their real concern and gain cash unethically by all means. Others professionals in the industry ought to dependably be caution and endeavor not to keep any untrustworthy conduct among themselves. Major client in Nigeria construction industry, which is the government need to be fair to the Quantity Surveyors and other professionals in the construction industry.
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p>The conflict of interest amongst the professionals like client and contractor project managers, site engineers, quantity surveyors and designers/architects play crucial roles for the unethical practices and consequently these practices have adverse impact on the product quality, faith of clients and investors’ confidence in the construction industry. Hence, this research is aimed at examining the common forms of unethical practices among professionals in the construction industry as well as uncovering the factors that have encouraged these practices. This study depends on the questionnaire survey amongst professionals of the construction industry. The survey is conducted to recognise the view of key stakeholders from different perspectives of the affected parties on the concept of business ethics in the building and construction industry, which has key contribution on the national economic growth of the developing countries. The survey concludes that untimely legal action including changing project manager’s responsibility and delays in payment processes are key ethical practices from owner/client aspect, while contractor’s unethical practices are under bidding, bid cutting and shopping, bid rigging and over billing. But from the consultant aspect; lack of supervision, poor monitoring and taking bribes under different pretend are found to be the encouraging factors for unethical conducts in the construction industry. It is also found that accepting the bribes, gifts and conflicts of interest are the most common forms of unethical practices. The findings from the study are expected to help as an important eye opener to policy makers and regulatory agencies in detecting and preventing unethical practices. In conclusion, avoiding the conflict of interest and promoting the ethic codes to professionals will help to restore the investor and people confidence, faith of the clients and improve the quality of buildings and infrastructures. The study recommends that promoting awareness regarding the values of ethical behaviour at different forum and ensuring the effective punishment for unethical activities at different stages of project life cycle might reduce the unethical practices in the construction industry. Journal of Advanced College of Engineering and Management , Vol. 3, 2017, Page: 55-77</p
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With the challenging economy in a developing country like Nigeria, it is not uncommon to see construction professionals acting in manners that goes against the ethics of their profession during the course of carrying out their professional duties just to make ends meet. This study therefore assessed the implementation of code of ethics among quantity surveying firms in Nigeria. Using a survey design, 68 Quantity surveying firms were identified and sampled using a well-structured questionnaire. Data gathered were analyzed using percentage, frequency and mean item score. The study reveals that there is high level of awareness of the code of ethics among quantity surveyors in the study area but not all have fully implemented it in their day to day activities. This non-implementation is as a result of inadequate remuneration for services rendered, present economic condition within the country and pressure from project team members. The study also reveals that the most occurring unethical practice among Quantity surveyors is insincerity to clients and other professionals, and this and all other unethical practices such as bribery, colluding with contractors during the course of construction and revealing of official details such as tender figures can be curbed with the strict enforcement of the code of ethics. The study therefore recommend that the professional bodies should be more proactive in enforcing the professions code of ethics among its members and ensure strict penalty for defaulters. Also Quantity surveying profession's code of ethics should be taught extensively in higher institutions. Seminars and workshops to sensitize and remind Quantity surveyors of the benefits of implementing the code and its effect on the image of the profession should also be organized by its professional bodies.
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Development of infrastructure to meet the needs of South Africans is a major concern for the construction industry, however failure of the industry to keep up with the expectation has drawn some criticism from the citizens. Lack of adherence to ethical practices that help ensure transparency and accountability within the industry is a major impediment towards being a consistent and an effective contributor to the growth of the South African economy. This study therefore examine unethical practices in South African Construction Industry and measures to address the menace for better project performance. Well-structured questionnaires were administered on registered and experienced construction professionals within the industry and Mean Item Score (MIS) was used to analyse the returned data. Non-adherence to ethical practices in the industry are as a result of greed, favouritism, political influence, monopoly of bigger companies over smaller and emerging companies and pressure to meet unrealistic company objective and deadlines. The unethical practices prevalent in the industry include bribery and fraud, falsification of experience, illegal award of tenders and collusive tendering. These unethical practices results to dissatisfied clients, poor workmanship, poor quality of infrastructural development and loss of public trust. Professionals, especially construction and project managers should shoulder the responsibility of stamping out unethical practices in the industry by developing viable measures to achieve the goal. More so, whistle-blower protection mechanisms need to be revised and improved to encourage effective monitoring and sanctioning of individuals involved in unethical practices in the industry.
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Professionals are expected to exhibit high level of professionalism by adhering to their professional ethics when discharging their duties. Nonetheless, consequences of unethical professional practices are evident in the Nigerian construction industry (NCI). Thus affecting the performance of construction projects and the role of the industry in enhancing the economic growth of the country. Hence, the study sought to identify the effects of unethical professional practices on construction projects performance in Nigeria and to identify remedies for curbing it. Explorative and questionnaire survey methods were used to obtained data from literatures, interviews and construction professionals. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics and SPSS was used for: reliability, correlation tests and significance test. Result revealed vulnerability to frequent maintenance work, delays and cost overruns as the extremely severe effects of unethical practices on projects performance and adherence to professional ethics, transparency and accountability in contract administration, the use of approved construction designs from certified professionals as highly effective remedies for curbing unethical professional practices. The research recommend construction professional and regulatory bodies, and the government to adopt the research finding on the remedies and these organizations should be synergize in implementing the remedies for curbing unethical professional practices in Nigeria. The research result will assist in curbing unethical practices and improves projects performance thus, facilitates professionalism in the NCI to meet international best practice.
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Quantity Surveyors are one of the main professionals in the construction industry; they render service to construction clients which incorporate Architects, building proprietors, Investors, government organizations, Engineers, and contractual workers. They engage in evaluating, cost administration, obtainment administration, cost planning, contract organization, plausibility studies, resource monetary administration, all exercises identified by making money in the construction industry. Recently, Quantity surveying profession in Nigeria has one way or the other influenced by unethical practices display by its members. Due to the development, this paper aims to evaluate the measures in improving professionalism and ethical behaviours among Quantity Surveyors in Nigerian construction industry with a viable way to deal with a moral appraisal of Quantity Surveyors in the Nigerian construction industry in an approach to upgrading moral standard among them. It was uncovered in the findings that that transparency & accountability in contract administration, leaders serving as role models and constant supervision of ethics are the most notable measures to enhance ethical conducts among Quantity Surveyors. The study recommends that powerful disciplines like punishments, withdrawal of authentication or even cancellation of the permit on dull infringement might be presented by Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) to minimized unethical practices among its members.
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