An examination of the perceptions of occupational work ethics among construction professionals working in the public and private sectors: A factor analysis (fa) and hypothesis testing approach

Yıldırım, A; Genç, O and Aydınlı, S (2026) An examination of the perceptions of occupational work ethics among construction professionals working in the public and private sectors: A factor analysis (fa) and hypothesis testing approach. International Journal of Construction Management, 26(4), pp. 604-620. ISSN 1562-3599

Abstract

Occupational work ethics play a vital role in shaping professional behavior and decision-making in the construction industry. The industry faces some ethical challenges, such as safety violations and corruption. Understanding ethics significantly influences how construction professionals address ethical issues in their workplaces. Individual characteristics, workplace environment, and occupational role may shape ethical perceptions. This study aims to examine the perceptions of occupational work ethics among civil engineers and architects in Türkiye, considering professional roles, sectors, and demographic factors. In this way, the impacts of the identified factors on ethical perceptions will be clarified. A structured questionnaire was administered to 1,543 professionals, and data analysis involved Factor Analysis and Hypothesis Testing. Key ethical factors identified include initiative, interpersonal skills, and reliability. While ethical perceptions remain generally consistent across roles and sectors, significant variations exist based on age and experience, with older and more experienced professionals exhibiting stronger adherence to ethical standards. The findings contribute to ethical training development and workplace policies, helping organizations foster a more ethical work environment. This research provides insights for enhancing ethical awareness, ultimately improving project outcomes in the construction sector.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: architects; civil engineers; construction industry; ethic; factor analysis; occupational work ethic
Index terms: corruption, questionnaire, variation, decision-making, workplace environment, interpersonal skill, violation, construction sector, data analysis, civil engineer, face, architect, factor analysis, work environment, construction professional, demographic factor, testing, construction industry, project outcome, private sector, ethics
Subjects: sociology, decision analysis, statistical analysis, regulatory law, industry analysis, management, professional development, contractual condition, data analysis and analytics, data collection methods, profession, demography, professional ethics, psychology, professional practice, ethical practice, project completion, human factors and perception
Topics: Urban Studies, Organizational Design, Contract Administration, Business Strategy, Information Management, Research Practice, Roles and Professions, Legal Issues, Engineering Principles, Project Management, Risk Management
Descriptive scope: 4 PCTA

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