Ethical behaviour in the South African construction industry

Paul Bowen, Akintola Akintoye, Robert Pearl and Peter J. Edwards

Construction Management and Economics, 2007, vol. 25, issue 6, 631-648

Abstract: An opinion survey of South African architects, quantity surveyors, engineers and contractors regarding ethical behaviour within the construction industry reveals that South African contractors seem to possess a reputation for unethical conduct. The range of problems encountered includes collusion, bribery, negligence, fraud, dishonesty and unfair practices. While bribery in the form of payments and gifts is prevalent, fraud does not appear to be as serious a problem. Most construction professionals believe that the industry suffers from unfair tendering practices, as well as over-claiming and/or withholding payment for service delivery. Negligence arises mainly from poor documentation and poor workmanship. Incidents of collusive tendering encompass cover pricing and bid cutting by contractors, while the primary form of fraudulent behaviour is deceit and misinformation. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's bribery codes conditions could be used to counter unethical behaviour in the construction industry.

Keywords: Corruption; codes of conduct; professional ethics; business ethics; South Africa (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2007
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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DOI: 10.1080/01446190701225707

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