Navigating the ethical discourse in construction: A state-of-the-art review of relevant literature

Ethics in the construction industry has emerged as a critical topic of concern due to the industry's complex and multifaceted nature and susceptibility to corruption and unethical practices. However, there is more to ethics than corruption, and the existing literature lacks a state-of-the-art review of ethical discourse in construction. Due to this limitation, it could be challenging for construction management scholars to understand the advances made in the realm of construction ethics, grasp a holistic understanding, and chart future research. Therefore, our study aims to examine ethical discourse in construction comprehensively. This study uses a mixed-method literature review (MMLR), combining bibliometric analysis and a systematic literature review. We analyzed 328 articles published between 1990 and 2023. First, through a bibliometric analysis conducted on the data sets obtained from Scopus and Web of Science, we identified publication trends, influential authors, prolific journals, impactful institutions, and countries in the field of construction ethics. Second, through a systematic literature review of 125 journal articles, we mapped the qualitative aspects of ethical discourse in construction. The meticulous review process elucidated the critical theoretical paradigms (economics, institutional, strategic stakeholder management, psychology, sociology, and ethics), emerging research themes (culture, corruption, professional development, welfare, leadership, technology, compliance, environment, social and governance (ESG), practices, project procurement, and stakeholder), and prominent analytical approaches used to study ethics-related issues in construction. The present study also mapped the ethical discourse on a multilevel (macro, meso, and micro) ethical governance framework and explored the geographical contexts and spread of ethics and ethical discourse. Finally, we presented potential future research trajectories by employing the theory-characteristics-context-methods (TCCM) framework that could encourage scholarly investigation in this domain. Practical Applications This review study provides several implications for research scholars and practitioners in the construction sector. This study provides fertile grounds for construction management scholars to begin by exploring the theoretical paradigms that are the foundation for research. Researchers should carefully select research methodologies to explore the ethical issues. This research highlights the most influential articles, authors, countries, institutions, and journals, helping the researchers explore the opportunities to collaborate with these entities. The paper has significant implications for various stakeholders, including construction companies, regulatory bodies, workers, clients, and broader society. It has highlighted the key thematic areas that help shed light on the multidimensional nature of ethics in the construction sector and encourage construction companies to adopt responsible practices. This can enhance the industry's reputation and credibility, making it more attractive to investors and clients. We also discussed the ethical governance framework at the macro, meso, and micro levels that will help the stakeholders understand various aspects of ethical compliance across these levels within the construction industry. Further to chart the future research directions, we employed the TCCM (theory, context, characteristics, methods) framework with which the construction management practitioners and researchers may broaden their understanding of construction ethics.