The Effects of Unethical Professional Practice on Construction Projects Performance in Nigeria

Abstract

Despite its role in accomplishing social and economic development goals, the construction industry is challenged by the unethical conduct of construction professionals which impacts quality, time, and costs. The major goal of this study was to examine the effects of unethical professional practice on construction projects performance in Niger State, by investigating the root causes and effects of unethical professional practices on construction projects performance in the study area. A literature review on the subject of unethical conduct among construction industry experts carried out. A quantitative research design approach based on the use of structured questionnaires with Likert-type scales was adopted. Data was collected through purposive sampling of 51 construction project professionals within the study area, and Mean Item Score (MIS) were employed in the analysis of the data. The findings of the study included that attempt by Contractors to maximize profits are the only project-related immediate cause of unethical professional practices that was ranked as ‘highly important’. A total of 16 unethical practices were found to have ‘highly significant’ effects on six aspects of construction project performance (quality, time, cost, safety, risk and image). The study has concluded that although a wide diversity of unethical practices is evident in the construction industry, it is however possible to curb the effects of these unethical practices, since the critical practices have been identified in this study. It was recommended that the ways and means by which contractors attempt to achieve profit maximization should be the subject of further research study with the view of designing strategies to discourage and prevent such attempts. Stakeholders in the construction industry need to look beyond the traditional ‘iron triangle’ of performance measures – cost, time and quality – especially when the effects of unethical practices are being considered.