Bello, A O; Abdulraheem, A A; Afolabi, O P; Aka, A and Gbenga, P O (2024) Assessing the underlying factors affecting trust and transparency in the construction industry: A mixed method approach. Construction Economics and Building, 24(1-2), pp. 3-28. ISSN 2204-9029
Abstract
Trust and transparency are pivotal factors for the successful functioning of the construction industry, and their absence can lead to many challenges. This study delves into the context of the Nigerian construction industry to explore the impediments to trust and transparency and develop strategies for improvements. The study adopts a mixed-methods research to comprehensively examine the factors affecting trust and transparency using semi-structured interviews and structured questionnaires. These factors were categorised into four clusters: "Communication and Information Sharing", "Ethical and Integrity Issues", "Technological and Operational Challenges", and "Project-specific and Security Concerns" and validated by experts before administration of the surveys. The interview data was thematically analysed, while the questionnaire was analysed using partial least square structural equation modelling. The findings underscore the detrimental effects of inadequate communication protocols, ethical lapses, technological advancement resistance, and project data security vulnerabilities. Consequently, the study proposes comprehensive strategies, including establishing clear communication protocols, reinforcing ethical frameworks, embracing technological innovations, and implementing robust security measures. These strategies aim to enhance information sharing, foster ethical compliance, improve operational efficiency, and safeguard critical project data, fostering a culture of trust and transparency within the Nigerian construction industry.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction performance; developing countries; project delivery; stakeholder relationships; transparency; trust |
| Index terms: | construction industry, partial least square, transparency, project delivery, questionnaire, technological innovation, vulnerability, information sharing, project data, integrity, strategy, construction performance, structural equation modelling, survey, interview, developing country, compliance, efficiency, mixed method |
| Subjects: | data collection methods, project delivery, performance assessment, innovation and technology management, professional development, development economics, health safety and environment, performance management, data exchange, management, statistical analysis, environmental hazards, industry analysis |
| Topics: | Site Management, Digital Applications, International Construction, Quality Management, Sustainability, Procurement, Health and Safety, Business Strategy, Information Management, Engineering Principles, Research Practice |
| 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