Wang, Z; Liu, J and Guan, X (2022) Investigating the causal complexity of corruption in project-based organizations: A scenario analysis of bidding activity in the Chinese construction sector. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 29(10), pp. 3893-3916. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose: Although the global construction industry has made great contributions to economic development, industry corruption is a challenge for governments all over the world. This paper aims to investigate the causal complexity of organizational corruption by exploring the configuration effect of multiple induced conditions of corruption in the construction sector. Design/methodology/approach: This study is focused on bribery, a specific form of corrupt behavior through a scenario-based survey role-playing game in which participants encounter bribery. A total of 400 Chinese construction sector participants were randomly recruited to complete this survey. Findings: Compared with studies that have identified a number of factors associated with corruption in the construction sector, this study found asymmetry and complexity in the causality of organizational corruption. That is, when a variable causing corruption changes from one condition to its opposite – for example, from fierce to mild competition – the degree of corruption is not necessarily reduced as one may expect. Practical implications: Anti-corruption measures should not rely solely on the net effects of discrete conditions and the interactions between multiple factors should not be ignored. In other words, anti-corruption strategies should not be implemented in isolation of their context, and pairing control measures with configurations is critical in controlling corruption. Finally, multiple configuration paths should be reconsidered when considering the degree of corruption reduction. Originality/value: This study proposes a comprehensive analysis framework for addressing organizational corruption in the construction sector by investigating configuration effects of multiple induced conditions and offers a useful method for addressing corruption.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | configuration effect; construction sector; organizational corruption; scenario survey |
| Index terms: | scenario analysis, global construction, interaction, economic development, project-based organization, survey, strategy, corruption, competition, configuration, methodology, complexity, bidding, construction sector |
| Subjects: | industry analysis, professional ethics, systems engineering, behavioral psychology, market analysis, management, economic development, research methods, bidding, strategic management, data collection methods, organization, policy studies |
| Topics: | Governance, Sustainability, Procurement, Engineering Principles, Research Practice, Business Strategy, Organizational Design, International Construction, Legal Issues |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here