An Innovative Protocol for Improving the Ethical Behaviour of the Quantity Surveying Profession in South Africa

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 behaviour of construction professionals, especially quantity surveyors, which has negative impact on the reputation of the industry and its professionals as well as loss of public trust. This paper aims to develop an innovative protocol for improving the ethical behaviour of Professional Quantity Surveyors in the South African Construction Industry. To achieve this aim, the following research methods were adopted to accomplish four objectives. Firstly, literature review is used to investigate the concept of ethics and the construction industry, forms of unethical behaviour, ethics in the quantity surveying profession and the professional Code of Conduct. Secondly, a survey questionnaire is used to examine the perception and application of the professional ethical Code of Conduct. Thirdly, an innovative protocol is developed to improve the ethical behaviour of Professional Quantity Surveyors in South Africa. Finally, this paper summarizes research conclusions and makes recommendations useful to the South African Council of the Quantity Surveying Profession, the South African Quantity Surveying Firms and suggests further research. This topic has received scant attention in construction literature and the developed protocol represents a synthesis that is novel and innovative in thought and adds value to the knowledge in a manner that has not previously occurred.