The Effects of Unethical Professional Practice on Construction Projects Performance In Nigeria

Abstract

Professionals are expected to exhibit high level of professionalism by adhering to their professional ethics when discharging their duties. Nonetheless, consequences of unethical professional practices are evident in the Nigerian construction industry (NCI). Thus affecting the performance of construction projects and the role of the industry in enhancing the economic growth of the country. Hence, the study sought to identify the effects of unethical professional practices on construction projects performance in Nigeria and to identify remedies for curbing it. Explorative and questionnaire survey methods were used to obtained data from literatures, interviews and construction professionals. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics and SPSS was used for: reliability, correlation tests and significance test. Result revealed vulnerability to frequent maintenance work, delays and cost overruns as the extremely severe effects of unethical practices on projects performance and adherence to professional ethics, transparency and accountability in contract administration, the use of approved construction designs from certified professionals as highly effective remedies for curbing unethical professional practices. The research recommend construction professional and regulatory bodies, and the government to adopt the research finding on the remedies and these organizations should be synergize in implementing the remedies for curbing unethical professional practices in Nigeria.  The research result will assist in curbing unethical practices and improves projects performance thus, facilitates professionalism in the NCI to meet international best practice.

Keywords: Construction industry, Nigeria, Professional ethics, Project performance.