Paul, C A; Aghimien, D O; Ibrahim, A D and Ibrahim, Y M (2021) Measures for curbing unethical practices among construction industry professionals: Quantity surveyors' perspective. Construction Economics and Building, 21(2), pp. 1-17. ISSN 2204-9029
Abstract
Unethical practices have been a reoccurring menace in the construction industry globally, with its negative impact reported in existing studies. While several studies have explored issues touching on ethics, ethics compliance and unethical practices within the construction industry, the problems persist especially in developing countries. It is based on this notion that this study assessed the possible measures that could help curb unethical practices in the construction industry with specific reference to Quantity Surveyors (QS). The study adopted a quantitative approach with structured questionnaires used to garner information from registered QS in Nigeria. Data analysis was done using relevant descriptive and multivariate analysis. The reliability of the instrument used was also tested using Cronbach alpha test. The findings revealed that while QS are no strangers to unethical practices, most cases are not reported to the appropriate authorities. The most prevalent of these practices are payment-related and contract-related. To curb these practices, random inspections and development of ethical compliance, ensuring a good reporting and punishment system, and increase ethical awareness through QS organised programmes are needed. The findings of this study would assist the professional bodies and organisations within the industry to effectively enforce ethical conduct among their members and staff.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction industry; professional ethics; quantity surveyors; questionable practices; unethical practices |
| Index terms: | unethical practices, construction industry, questionnaire, ethical conduct, questionable practices, professional ethics, Nigeria, programme, inspection, ethics, data analysis, multivariate analysis, developing country, quantity surveying, compliance |
| Subjects: | ethical practice, data analysis and analytics, data collection methods, profession, industry analysis, quality assurance, statistical analysis, project controls, ethics and professional conduct, Geography, health safety and environment, development economics |
| Topics: | Roles and Professions, Health and Safety, Geographical Context, Research Practice, Time Control, International Construction, Quality 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