The Ethical Decision-Making Practices among Malaysian Consultant Quantity Surveyor

Nor Atikah Hashim,Ismi Arif Ismail,Zohara Omar,Khairuddin Idris

doi:10.6007/ijarems/v10-i3/10427

Abstract

Ethical decision-making refers to the process of evaluating and choosing among alternatives in a manner consistent with ethical principles. Ethical decision-making (EDM) expertise is required for consultant quantity surveyors (CQSs) to perform their duties effectively and to protect the client's interests in the construction project. Therefore, as professionals in the construction industry, the CQSs must develop strategies to prevent corrupt practices when dealing with EDM. Thus, this study aimed to investigate ethical decision-making among Malaysian consultant quantity surveyors. Therefore, a qualitative research methodology was selected to gain more detailed and valid descriptions of the EDM phenomenon, through in-depth interviews. Results showed that several issues and parties are responsible for unethical experiences. Findings indicate that CQSs learn through experiential learning and become experts with EDM in professional practice when they intuitively make ethical decisions.

Highlights

The issue of professional ethics in the construction industry has gotten a lot of attention recently
Experience and Intuition When asked how consultant quantity surveyors make ethical decisions in professional practice, all participants agreed that skills maneuvering through Ethical decision-making (EDM) are based on prior experience
The 'know-how' concept is crucial for decision-making by experts, because it shows the conduct of the expert and whether or not they can make an ethical decision based on the experience they have gained in professional practice

Summary

Introduction

The issue of professional ethics in the construction industry has gotten a lot of attention recently. A lack of quality in construction work, harmful safety standards, payment problems, corruption (Monteiro et al, 2020; Yap et al, 2020), and, most importantly, a lack of public accountability for money spent on public buildings and infrastructure are common barriers to its resolution It is critical for all construction teams, including those in professional firms such as architectural, engineering, and quantity surveying firms, as well as contractors and suppliers, to stay in business and obtain work contracts. According to the findings of a survey conducted by Abdul-Rahman et al (2010), 74.2 percent of construction industry participants agree that unethical behavior is prevalent in the Malaysian construction industry It is especially common in public projects, where the lowest-bidder contractors and suppliers are frequently awarded the tender.

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