Rodrick Lengama Chilipunde1, Agnes Kadyampakeni Kaima2

(1. University of Malawi, The Polytechnic, Blantyre 3, Malawi;

2. Ministry of Works, Buildings Department, Lilongwe, Malawi)

 

 

Abstract: The need for proper professional conduct to be adhered to is well documented and cannot be overemphasized. Adherence to the code of conduct ensures that project period, cost and quality standard are achieved within determined budget. This ensures that stakeholders achieve value for money through projects that are constructed at a minimum cost. However, there is limited adherence to the code of conduct among professionals. The aim of this study was to investigate ethical issues and professional conduct. The methodology used included an extensive literature review and field survey conducted among 58 construction professionals. Empirical study used the questionnaires instrument and random sampling. The critical findings from the literature were that the code of ethics is not adhered to. The field survey confirmed the issues that were raised in the literature reviewed and established that some of the causes of failure to uphold the code of conduct are selfish desires, meagre salaries and stiff competition for fewer jobs. Further to that, the study highlighted some of the effects of non compliance to the code of conduct as poor quality of infrastructure, clients’ dissatisfaction, late completion of projects, clients’ loose trust for construction professionals this leads to the poor image of the industry. The findings make an invaluable contribution to the research for solutions to ethical challenges in the Malawian construction industry and provide insight for further research in investigating ways of addressing unprofessional conduct. The implications of the findings are that unless the limitations named above are resolved, non-compliance to the code of conduct will remain a problem. The study recommends that the professionals who conduct themselves unethically should be given stern punishment and in some cases be banned from practicing. It is suggested that unethical conducts can be minimized through conducting workshops regarding ethics; and introducing ethics as a subject in universities. By establishing the core values with regard to ethics and professional conduct, the study has therefore contributed to the enhancement of the understanding of this illusive

subject.

 

 

Key words: unethical; Malawian; construction; code of conduct; professionals

 

JEL code: Y