scholarly journals A Study of Unethical Practices in the Construction Industry and Potential Preventive Measures

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 55 ◽  
Author(s):  
R K Shah ◽  
M Alotaibi
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Conflict Of Interest ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Ethical Behaviour ◽  
Ethical Practices ◽  
Unethical Practices ◽  
Key Stakeholders ◽  
College Of Engineering ◽  
Project Life

<p>The conflict of interest amongst the professionals like client and contractor project managers, site engineers, quantity surveyors and designers/architects play crucial roles for the unethical practices and consequently these practices have adverse impact on the product quality, faith of clients and investors’ confidence in the construction industry. Hence, this research is aimed at examining the common forms of unethical practices among professionals in the construction industry as well as uncovering the factors that have encouraged these practices. This study depends on the questionnaire survey amongst professionals of the construction industry. The survey is conducted to recognise the view of key stakeholders from different perspectives of the affected parties on the concept of business ethics in the building and construction industry, which has key contribution on the national economic growth of the developing countries. The survey concludes that untimely legal action including changing project manager’s responsibility and delays in payment processes are key ethical practices from owner/client aspect, while contractor’s unethical practices are under bidding, bid cutting and shopping, bid rigging and over billing. But from the consultant aspect; lack of supervision, poor monitoring and taking bribes under different pretend are found to be the encouraging factors for unethical conducts in the construction industry. It is also found that accepting the bribes, gifts and conflicts of interest are the most common forms of unethical practices. The findings from the study are expected to help as an important eye opener to policy makers and regulatory agencies in detecting and preventing unethical practices. In conclusion, avoiding the conflict of interest and promoting the ethic codes to professionals will help to restore the investor and people confidence, faith of the clients and improve the quality of buildings and infrastructures. The study recommends that promoting awareness regarding the values of ethical behaviour at different forum and ensuring the effective punishment for unethical activities at different stages of project life cycle might reduce the unethical practices in the construction industry.</p><p><strong>Journal of Advanced College of Engineering and Management</strong>, Vol. 3, 2017,  Page: 55-77</p>

scholarly journals Ethics in construction industry : project managers’ case study

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Thobeka Kahlela
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Production Efficiency ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Influential Factors ◽  
Project Manager ◽  
South African Council ◽  
Unethical Conduct ◽  
Unethical Practices

Business ethics and corporate governance have taken centre stage globally in the last decade due to the increasing unethical practices by private and public institutions. These unethical practices adversely affect the image of professionals and organisations with a resultant negative impact on the competitive advantage of the organisation. This study aims to assess factors contributing to unethical behaviours of project managers. The study was conducted in five provinces of South Africa including KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Cape Town, Limpopo and Gauteng. The sample frame consists of construction project managers registered with South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) and Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Random sampling technique was employed in the selection of samples. A total number of thirty six questionnaires were analysed for the study. Descriptive statistics were employed for the analysis of data. Findings include personal value, organisational culture and education are very influential factors on ethical decisions of a project manager. Furthermore, corporate value and individual values are the factors which most influence the ethical judgment of a project manager. Improving ethical practice for the professionals could improve ethical performance in construction projects and production efficiency in the construction industry in SA. Based on the findings of the study, ways to mitigate unethical conduct would be; practicing ethical conduct at all times will improve production, the levels of risk on projects will decrease and also an improvement in communication and transparency will minimize the levels of unethical conduct of the project managers in South Africa.

scholarly journals Trade in Health Service: Unfair Competition of Pharmaceutical Products in Nepal

1970 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 123-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madhusudan Subedi
Keyword(s):  
Conflict Of Interest ◽  
Pharmaceutical Products ◽  
Poor People ◽  
Pharmaceutical Companies ◽  
Ethical Guideline ◽  
Ethical Practices ◽  
Unethical Practices ◽  
Medical Sector ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Cost

About 35 percent of the total demand for medicines in Nepal is covered by Nepali Pharmaceutical companies, and such companies are moving ahead for producing different kinds of medicines. The Government of Nepal, Department of Drug Administration (DDA) has formulated different regulations and guidelines to ensure ethical practices in the medical sector of Nepal. Ethical Promotion of Medicine-2007 was developed and released to encourage the improvement of health care through the rational use of medicine and discourage unethical practices. It is distressing that the guidelines have not been implemented properly due to the conflict of interests among concerned stakeholders. The cost of medicine has been very expensive and poor people have always suffered. Key Words: Bonus; Ethical Guideline; Unethical Practices; Pharmaceutical Regulation; Conflict of Interest DOI: 10.3126/dsaj.v3i0.2783 Dhaulagiri Journal of Sociology and Anthropology Vol.3 2009 123-142

scholarly journals EVALUATING THE LEVEL OF UNETHICAL BEHAVIOR BY QUANTITY SURVEYORS IN THE NIGERIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ebunoluwa Bimbola Akinrata
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Conflict Of Interest ◽  
Item Score ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Unethical Conduct ◽  
Construction Firms ◽  
Moral Conduct ◽  
Unethical Practices ◽  
Principal Factors

Construction industry is one of the main drivers of financial development in numerous countries not leaving out Nigeria. The industry faces a long rundown of ethics/moral difficulties identified with practices from its professionals. So therefore, the supposition study of this report demonstrated that there are basic conduct of concern with respect to unethical practices among Quantity Surveyors in Nigerian construction industry. The motivation behind this paper is to evaluate the level of unethical conduct among Quantity Surveyors by featuring most normal unethical conduct by Quantity Surveyors in their administrations conveyance in the Nigerian construction industry. Questionnaires enumerating 21 unethical practices by Quantity Surveyors which were sent to professionals in construction firms within the Nigerian construction industry to assess. Altogether, 114 legitimate reactions were investigated by mean item score and exploratory factor analysis. In view of the mean score, “Supplanting”, “Concealing of professional errors” and “Conflict of interest” are the most widely recognized unethical behaviour and conduct of Quantity Surveyors in their administrations conveyance in the investigation territory. From the aftereffects of factor analysis, six main practices were extracted, these are: Dishonesty, Insincerity, Financial mismanagement, Information leaking, Negligence, and Conflict of interest. While this study fills in as significant wellspring of reference for general learning on ethical behavior and moral conduct of Quantity surveyors in construction industry. The methodology utilized in this study can be replicated by different professionals in the construction industry like Architect, Contractors, Builders and the Engineers. This can likewise be duplicated in different areas for further studies.  Moreover, further studies may utilize more techniques in gathered the information. . For this study, only questionnaire survey is utilized. Using several techniques will make the outcomes more adaptable and precise. Method such as interview, comparing data and many more can be adopted, this may explore the connections between the principal factors and their related factors. This study has given valuable data with respect to unethical conduct by Quantity Surveyors. However, the restriction is characteristic in the number of respondents in the investigation which is constrained just to the exploration zone. This study will be important wellspring of reference for general learning on ethical conduct of Quantity surveyors in Nigerian construction industry for researchers and various stakeholders in the industry. This study will be advantageous to all relevant parties that associated with the construction industry extending from those engaged with scholastic research, understudy and experts in the construction industry. The result introduced in this study give adequate confirmation and valuable pointers to illuminate a few confusions about unethical conduct in the construction industry.

scholarly journals The Economist in Tort Litigation

1999 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Thornton ◽  
John Ward
Keyword(s):  
Conflict Of Interest ◽  
Ethical Behavior ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Expert Witnesses ◽  
Limited Evidence ◽  
Forensic Economics ◽  
Unethical Practices ◽  
Forensic Practice ◽  
Tort Litigation ◽  
Unethical Practice

In recent decades, the involvement of economists as consultants and expert witnesses in civil tort actions has grown rapidly. In this article, the authors discuss the reasons for this phenomenon and the extent to conflicts of interest to arise in the practice of what is frequently called ‘forensic economics.’ They argue that, although conflict-of-interest pressures exist, the limited evidence does not indicate that unethical practices are rampant within the profession. Moreover, market correctives, judicial screening, codes of ethical behavior, and the dissemination of knowledge concerning proper forensic practice help to serve as (arguably imperfect) safeguards against unethical practice.

scholarly journals Conflicts of interest in the reporting of biomedical research in mainstream newspapers in Canada

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Steven Douglas Buist
Keyword(s):  
Medical Research ◽  
Biomedical Research ◽  
Conflict Of Interest ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Research Articles ◽  
Ethical Behaviour ◽  
Scientific Journals ◽  
Potential Conflict ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Mainstream Press

Ethical behaviour by investigators is the cornerstone of scientific research. Recognizing, declaring and avoiding a conflict of interest are key responsibilities for biomedical researchers, particularly since commercial enterprises, such as pharmaceutical companies, have become major funding sources of research. Proactive disclosure of researchers' financial relationships is now a requirement for publication in most scientific journals. The question that arises is whether this same increased scrutiny of financial disclosure and potential for conflict of interest has extended to the mainstream press in Canada. A content analysis of biomedical research articles that appeared in Canadian daily newspapers from 2001 to 2008 showed that 82 per cent of the articles failed to identify the financial connection that existed between the researcher(s) and the commercial funder, and nearly half of the articles did not even identify the commercial funding source of the research. A text analysis showed that 94 per cent of the articles were positive about the drug/device cited by the research, and positive, optimistic words such as “breakthrough”, “significant”, “hope” and “promising” were often used in the news articles. Reporters frequently frame biomedical research articles using a battle-like template that describes a fight between good and evil. Another common approach was to frame the article as a message of hope for the future. A genre analysis showed that the genre of medical research news articles published in newspapers is highly dissimilar to the genre of medical research articles published in scientific journals. It is likely these two genres have been constructed to appeal to very different target audiences. The study results show overwhelmingly that readers are not provided with key information about potential financial conflicts of interest involving the researchers and the commercial sources of funding for the research. Such lack of transparency thwarts the reader’s ability to reach informed conclusions about whether or not the research has been either explicitly or implicitly influenced by the researcher’s potential conflict.

General Particulars Regarding the Conflict of Interest

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-149
Author(s):  
Aurelia Teodora Drăghici
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Conflict Of Interest ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
National Level ◽  
The State ◽  
Role Of The State ◽  
Legal Implications ◽  
Determining Factors ◽  
Changing Role

SummaryTheme conflicts of interest is one of the major reasons for concern local government, regional and central administrative and criminal legal implications aiming to uphold the integrity and decisions objectively. Also, most obviously, conflicts of interest occur at the national level where political stakes are usually highest, one of the determining factors of this segment being the changing role of the state itself, which creates opportunities for individual gain through its transformations.

Preventing and Managing Conflict of Interest in Nutrition Policy: Lessons for Alcohol Control Comment on "Towards Preventing and Managing Conflict of Interest in Nutrition Policy? An Analysis of Submissions to a Consultation on a Draft WHO Tool"

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine Severi
Keyword(s):  
Conflict Of Interest ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Nutrition Policy ◽  
Alcohol Policy ◽  
World Health ◽  
Alcohol Control ◽  
Policy Debates ◽  
Food And Nutrition ◽  
Industry Engagement ◽  
Health Organization

Ralston et al present an analysis of policy actor responses to a draft World Health Organization (WHO) tool to prevent and manage conflicts of interest (COI) in nutrition policy. While the Ralston et al study is focussed explicitly on food and nutrition, the issues and concepts addressed are relevant also to alcohol policy debates and present an important opportunity for shared learning across unhealthy commodity industries in order to protect and improve population health. This commentary addresses the importance of understanding how alcohol policy actors – especially decision-makers – perceive COI in relation to alcohol industry engagement in policy. A better understanding of such perceptions may help to inform the development of guidelines to identify, manage and protect against risks associated with COI in alcohol policy.

scholarly journals Addressing Conflicts of Interest in Health and Medicine: Current Evidence and Implications for Patient Decision Aid Development

2021 ◽  
pp. 0272989X2110088
Author(s):  
Rachel Thompson ◽  
Zoe Paskins ◽  
Barry G. Main ◽  
Thaddeus Mason Pope ◽  
Evelyn C. Y. Chan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conflict Of Interest ◽  
Decision Aid ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Guideline Development ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Quality Standards ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Unintended Effects ◽  
Patient Decision Aid ◽  
Patient Decision

Background More stringent policies for addressing conflicts of interest have been implemented around the world in recent years. Considering the value of revisiting conflict of interest quality standards set by the International Patient Decision Aid Standards (IPDAS) Collaboration, we sought to review evidence relevant to 2 questions: 1) What are the effects of different strategies for managing conflicts of interest? and 2) What are patients’ perspectives on conflicts of interest? Methods We conducted a narrative review of English-language articles and abstracts from 2010 to 2019 that reported relevant quantitative or qualitative research. Results Of 1743 articles and 118 abstracts identified, 41 articles and 2 abstracts were included. Most evidence on the effects of conflict of interest management strategies pertained only to subsequent compliance with the management strategy. This evidence highlighted substantial noncompliance with prevailing requirements. Evidence on patient perspectives on conflicts of interest offered several insights, including the existence of diverse views on the acceptability of conflicts of interest, the salience of conflict of interest type and monetary value to patients, and the possibility that conflict of interest disclosure could have unintended effects. We identified no published research on the effects of IPDAS Collaboration conflict of interest quality standards on patient decision making or outcomes. Limitations Because we did not conduct a systematic review, we may have missed some evidence relevant to our review questions. In addition, our team did not include patient partners. Conclusions The findings of this review have implications for the management of conflicts of interest not only in patient decision aid development but also in clinical practice guideline development, health and medical research reporting, and health care delivery.

Analysing project risks in Ghana’s real estate industry

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 413-428
Author(s):  
Charles Amoatey ◽  
Doreen Danquah
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Real Estate ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Environmental Risks ◽  
Real Estate Industry ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Market Risks ◽  
Project Risks ◽  
Technical Risks

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse project risks in Ghana’s real estate construction industry in terms of likelihood of occurrence, severity of impact and controllability. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative research approach was used in this study to address the research objective. The study population consisted project managers, architects, surveyors and contractors from 17 members of the Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA) in Ghana. Random stratified sampling technique was used to select 97 participants from these firms. A structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data, whereas descriptive statistics were used to present findings. Findings All risks identified have some level of likelihood of occurrence, extent of severity of impact and controllability. Market risks, technical risks and environmental risks are more likely to occur. Market risks, technical risks and environmental risks had the highest severity of impact. Financial risks, market risks, managerial risks and technical risks are the most controllable. Among all risks, environmental risks are the direst because they have high likelihood of occurrence and severity of impact but very low controllability. Real estate construction firms (developers) are therefore expected to prioritize remedy of environmental risks. Research limitations/implications The study is based on self-reported perception of project parties on the likelihood, severity of impact and controllability of real estate project risk factors. Firms outside of GREDA were not included in the survey. Therefore, generalisation of these risk factors for the entire construction industry should be done with caution. Practical implications The research results show that Ghanaian real estate developers are aware of the existence of the risks which impact on the performance of the industry. To effectively and efficiently manage these risk factors, project parties must understand the likelihood of occurrence, severity of impact and controllability of the risk factors, as well as individual firm’s responsibilities and capabilities to manage them. Such knowledge helps project managers to prioritise risks in managing them in the face of scarce resources. From an academic research perspective, the paper contributes to a conceptual risk assessment framework for the real estate industry. Originality/value The paper’s main contributions relate to the introduction of real estate construction sector-specific factors to project risk management modelling.

scholarly journals A cross-sectional study of all clinicians’ conflict of interest disclosures to NHS hospital employers in England 2015-2016

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. e019952 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harriet Ruth Feldman ◽  
Nicholas J DeVito ◽  
Jonathan Mendel ◽  
David E Carroll ◽  
Ben Goldacre
Keyword(s):  
Conflict Of Interest ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Current System ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Freedom Of Information ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Gift ◽  
The Uk

ObjectiveWe set out to document how NHS trusts in the UK record and share disclosures of conflict of interest by their employees.DesignCross-sectional study of responses to a Freedom of Information Act request for Gifts and Hospitality Registers.SettingNHS Trusts (secondary/tertiary care organisations) in England.Participants236 Trusts were contacted, of which 217 responded.Main outcome measuresWe assessed all disclosures for completeness and openness, scoring them for achieving each of five measures of transparency.Results185 Trusts (78%) provided a register. 71 Trusts did not respond within the 28 day time limit required by the FoIA. Most COI registers were incomplete by design, and did not contain the information necessary to assess conflicts of interest. 126/185 (68%) did not record the names of recipients. 47/185 (25%) did not record the cash value of the gift or hospitality. Only 31/185 registers (16%) contained the names of recipients, the names of donors, and the cash amounts received. 18/185 (10%) contained none of: recipient name, donor name, and cash amount. Only 15 Trusts had their disclosure register publicly available online (6%). We generated a transparency index assessing whether each Trust met the following criteria: responded on time; provided a register; had a register with fields identifying donor, recipient, and cash amount; provided a register in a format that allowed further analysis; and had their register publicly available online. Mean attainment was 1.9/5; no NHS trust met all five criteria.ConclusionOverall, recording of employees’ conflicts of interest by NHS trusts is poor. None of the NHS Trusts in England met all transparency criteria. 19 did not respond to our FoIA requests, 51 did not provide a Gifts and Hospitality Register and only 31 of the registers provided contained enough information to assess employees’ conflicts of interest. Despite obligations on healthcare professionals to disclose conflicts of interest, and on organisations to record these, the current system for logging and tracking such disclosures is not functioning adequately. We propose a simple national template for reporting conflicts of interest, modelled on the US ‘Sunshine Act’.

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