Effects of Building contractors’ Value Systems on Corruption Manifestations in Nigeria’s Construction Sector

Abstract

ABSTRACT Building contractors’ value systems is a powerful force in establishing a construction sector free from corruption. Thus, this study examined the value systems of building contractors and assessed how these systems' psychological impacts affected the construction industry's corruption indicators. Using the theoretical lens of social adaptation theory, this study postulated that a building contractor's tolerance for corruption is psychologically influenced by their value system. Quantitative data were collected from contractors engaged in building and civil engineering projects in Nigeria. Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) was used to test the proposition. The study discovered that the value system of building contractors includes achievement, teamwork, openness, resourcefulness, excellence, precision, efficiency, and self-respect. Results from the MLR showed that none of the values in the value system have very notable effects on corruption indicators. The study's conclusions imply that the building contractors' current value system does not provide the desired level of anti-corruption defense. The conclusions suggest that the building contractors’ value system should be modified and reformed through ethical education and professional growth. The study added to knowledge by showing that a value system may not be corrupt-oriented while still lacking the anticipated anti-corruption defense.