Assessment Of Ethical Behavior Among Professionals At Procurement And After Tendering Process With Its Impacts And Drivers In Nepalese Construction Industry

Objective of this study is to assess ethical behavior among professionals at procurement and after tendering process with its impacts and drivers in Nepalese Construction Industry. Different literatures were reviewed to assess ethical practices along with its cause and effect inside Nepalese Construction Industry. Pilot study was conducted for the validity of the questionnaire. One key informant from each selected organization was interviewed. The questionnaire contains shortcomings of ethical behavior at procurement and after tendering phase impact of shortcomings of ethical practices and factors leading to these ethical practices based on the objectives of the research. Five ranking Likert Scale were used. The collected data were analyzed based on relative importance index RII in three different categories as Investigating Offices 3 numbers Professional Associations 4 numbers and Government Departments 4 numbers with total of 11 organizations. All together 240 respondents were targeted out of which 170 response were collected with response rate of 70.83. The research shows that for commitment of professionals The overall level of unethical conduct in construction industry is placed at first rank with agreement level of 72.7. For Professionals shortcomings of ethical behavior at procurement phase Individuals or organizations undertaking work without adequate qualification experience training is placed at first rank with agreement level of 68.00. For Professionals shortcomings of ethical behavior after awarding the Tender Contractors professional dont dispose waste in suitable and safe ways which is friendly with the environment is placed at first rank with agreement level of 67.50. For factors lead to shortcomings of ethical behavior Personal culture or personal behavior is placed at first rank with agreement level of 78.20. From the research it is clear that shortcomings of ethical behaviors have negative impact firstly on cost as it affects the profitability of the organization and causes loss for these organizations every year. Secondly it affects the projects quality as it is noticed that construction projects quality in Nepal ranges from moderate to very low. The dissemination of ethical awareness heavier penalties compulsory training and setting code of ethics are considered the best ways to monitor these shortcomings of ethical behaviors occurred in construction industry. The codes of practice are the most feasible way to attempt change behavior. Characteristic and responsibility that professionals should have is important in order to perform their work. With a good character and full set of responsibilities in hand professional will always know what to do when facing problem and will try their best to avoid any shortcomings of ethical behavior. A self-building training and motivation to comprehend the professional about the responsibility and character as an ethical professional should be conducted from time to time.