Managers in any industry need a set of ethical guidelines to govern their behaviors and set a positive example for those they lead. These ethical concepts need not be complex or exhaustive but rather should be simple and to the point. Ethics in construction management are no different except with one major difference – work safety procedures. College AOS Construction Management Programs are great ways to learn about ethical conduct.
A company adopts a code of ethics that is usually in written form that can be accessed by all workers. It must be adhered to by its employees and typically consists of:
- Guidelines
- Standards
- Principles
- Core Values
- Compliance
A code of ethics outlines what is not only expected of workers but also what employees are expected to shun. These behaviors guide employees in their daily work activities as well as guiding the operations of an organization.
Clients and Ethics in Construction Management
Although construction managers work for their companies, they also represent the best interests of their clients. They must be honest and ethical in all their practices to create projects their clients want and expect. Some of the significant things managers must do for all their clients include:
- Ensuring all work meets building codes and standards
- Clients must be treated with respect and courtesy
- Shortcuts in construction methods are eliminated
- Lower-grade materials must not be substituted for planned materials
- Workers are kept safe to avoid injury, death, or lawsuits
- Building plans must be followed and any changes must be approved by clients
Construction managers take pride in their work when these essential practices are followed.
Practicing Basic Ethics Concepts in Construction Management
Construction managers should be grounded in ethical practices to create strong relationships with all related project stakeholders. These managers are expected to:
- Conduct themselves honorably, ethically, responsibly, and lawfully
- Use the highest standards of integrity and respect
- Honor the reputation and value of the profession
- Sustain a zero-tolerance policy for any form of harassment
- Admit mistakes that he or she makes on projects.
| “Managers in any industry need a set of ethical guidelines to govern their behaviors and set a positive example for those they lead. These ethical concepts need not be complex or exhaustive but rather should be simple and to the point.” |
Ethics in Construction Management Includes the Public
Practicing ethics is not limited to a construction manager’s personal values and behaviors. The public is a large area of concern and managers should consider putting these into place:
- Avoid practices or conduct that deceive the public
- Refrain from representing a real or perceived conflict of interest
- Respect the rights of other people from any stakeholder group or work crew
- Do not discriminate on the standard bases and create a diverse workforce
- Refrain from violating any law, statute, building code, or regulation
- Practice the highest standards of workplace safety for all people entering job sites
Managers should promote the health and welfare of the workplace and the public that may be affected by projects. They should also meet company goals for sustaining the environment. There may be other ethical matters for compliance depending on the company and industry where college graduates are employed.
Ethics in Construction Management Builds Character and Worker Support
As managers follow their code of ethics in construction management, they strengthen their character and learn to perform as expected. They build a reputation for their employer’s company and themselves. With a high degree of competition in this industry, exhibiting ethical behavior is a must for maintaining the ‘bottom line.’
Workers appreciate and respect managers who are firm, fair, and consistent in applying the company’s code of ethics. They tend to support managers who create projects with professionalism and seek to keep them safe on job sites.
Other Considerations for Ethics in Construction Management
Construction managers should not take undue chances by staying within their areas of qualifications and competence. They should work on these additional competencies:
- Study and use industry best practices
- Continue their professional education
- Contribute to the development of future workforces
- Support the construction management profession
These practices will enhance the industry, the manager’s employer, and this profession to a higher level. TIP: Enroll in a college program with excellent professional recognitions to better understand construction management ethics.
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