Critical Enablers for Codes of Ethics Implementation in Construction Organizations

Abstract

One important aspect of ethics management is a clear design of responsibility and authorities structured in a way that allows full control of ethical standards. The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze factors that enable the implementation of codes of ethics (CoE) and to categorize the factors under various organizational enablers using the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) excellence model. Questionnaires detailing 30 variables identified as potentially important to the implementation of codes of ethics were sent to construction practitioners in Hong Kong. A hypothetical model developed based on research literature was statistically tested using exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM). Based on a factor analysis, five factors, hereinafter referred to as enablers in line with the EFQM model were identified. Prioritization of the enablers by their factor scores’ ranking reveals that the leadership enabler is the most important, followed by the processes enabler whereas the partnership and resources enabler ranked lowest. Testing the effect of each enabler on the implementation of codes of ethics based on their significant relationships reveals that all the enablers are significant. However, policy and strategy represents the most critical enabler having a perfect correlation. The findings provide useful information for researchers and practitioners to understand CoE implementation, and the modified model can be used by construction organizations to assess the status of their codes of ethics and develop actions plans when necessary.

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