A framework of factors to improve ethics in the Malaysian construction industry / Norsiah Mohamad

Norsiah, Mohamad (2012) A framework of factors to improve ethics in the Malaysian construction industry / Norsiah Mohamad. PhD thesis, University of Malaya.

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Abstract

Construction industry is one of the largest and most valuable industries in Malaysia. However, in the face of its size and universality, it is often cited as plagued with graft and unethical practices. Hence, there is a need to address the increasing concern of unethical practices or ethical issues in the industry, which necessitates a research to overcome the problems prevailing in the industry. Therefore, the aim of the research is to develop a framework of factors to improve ethics in the construction industry. The research process started with preliminary interviews with two experts to evaluate the usefulness and attitudes on the research topic, followed by literature review. In addition to literature, in order to gain input from industry on ethical issues and suggested solutions, pilot interviews with eleven key representatives from industry players were then conducted. The combination of these two processes was essential and meaningful towards the formulation of the framework of factors to improve ethics. It also assisted in the design and development of the questionnaire. The questionnaire was initially piloted with 24 respondents. Subsequently, the survey conducted received 329 usable questionnaires, representing a 33% usable response rate. The data collected was empirically evaluated and the framework statistically confirmed. The final phase of the research process was interviews with six experts to validate the framework that has been developed. The research established the ethical background of the industry as an initial inquiry of ethics in the industry. With regards to this, the industry participants have a good understanding of the importance of ethics. In addition, the standard of ethics of the construction professionals and their organisations is good, however; the overall standard of ethics of the industry is low. Next, the research identified ethical issues that occur in the industry, which were grouped accordingly to different stages of a construction project from pre-contract, construction, post-contract issues, and other issues related to a construction project such as environmental issues. The main contribution of the research is a holistic approach to the developed framework of factors to improve ethics in the construction industry. The factors are divided into eight components: i) individual, ii) professional training, iii) organisational, iv) industry v) system and procedure, vi) environmental ethics, viii) legislative enforcement, and viiii) accountability and customer satisfaction. The framework was validated and acknowledged by experts as practical, easy to understand and relevant to the industry. They added that the factors incorporated in the framework are comprehensive, significant and useful towards pioneering the efforts to improve ethics in the industry, and suggested that it should be adopted by educationists, professional bodies, industry players and policy makers in Malaysia.

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