Unethical conduct among professionals in construction industry

Abstract

In spite of its contribution towards achieving social and economic development objectives, the construction industry is plagued with a number of problems. One of these pressing problems is the unethical behavior of professionals in construction industry, which affects long-term business dealings, and influence quality, time and costs. The main aim of this research is to identify the most unethical behavior prevailing in construction industry in Gaza Strip, study the impact of these behaviors on life cycle of project and mention the serious phase affected by them and investigate factors affect professionals to behave unethically. This research has been conducted through literature reviews on the topic related to the unethical behavior among professionals in construction industry followed by a field survey. 220 questionnaires were distributed to ministries, municipalities, NGO’s, UN, INGO’s agencies and consultant firms, 162 questionnaires were received from respondents with respondent rate of 73.6%. The results show that scarifying the national interest for any person gain, bid shopping, reducing a subcontractor’s quote to meet the budget fair and equitable are the most unethical behaviors observed. Then construction phase is found to be the serious phase affected by those behaviors. Also unethical behaviors seem to have negative impact on cost and quality. The absence of strict contractual laws, lack of high executive control, excessive love for money (greed) and personal culture or personal behavior are the critical factors lead to these behaviors. The results of the research recommended to the necessity of existing an ethical code. A program to make sure the professionals are always equipped wills the required characteristics, responsibilities, traits and behavior as ethical professionals should be done. Finally control and lead the constructing process in Gaza Strip to establish a standard set of rules and professional conduct to promote the construction industry in the Gaza Strip and to achieve a better level of compromise between all involved parties.