Professional Ethics in Construction and Engineering

2 Application of Ethics in the Context of the Construction Industry

The construction industry is one of the most dynamic and complex environments as it is a project-based industry within which individual projects are usually built to clients’ needs and specifications.

Tabassi et al. (2011)

2.1 Introduction

In considering the above quotation, this chapter of the book will articulate and discuss the importance and significance of the construction industry to global economies including the UK, whilst highlighting the complex nature of the sector. Such complexities around the bespoke nature of building projects will be covered alongside the temporary organisational aspects of the project procurement. Risks associated with the dynamic and fragmented environment that encapsulates the construction industry will be identified.

This chapter will also include the roles and responsibilities of different members of project teams including clients, project managers, architects, quantity surveyors, engineers, main contractors and subcontractors. It will consider these different roles from the perspective of ethical considerations and how they vary depending on the individuals. As a consequence of these differing perspectives, dilemmas around ethical decision making will be discussed. Ethical investigation models will be identified which seek to address such dilemmas in assisting construction practitioners in deciding what is right and wrong. Finally, the notion of building life cycles ...