To maintain a fair, productive, and safe environment, construction managers need to stick to a system of ethics. You are responsible for following ethical standards, setting an example for individual constructors that report to you, and collaborating with clients in a healthy manner that maintains the ethical ecosystem.
Following a handful of critical rules creates a more balanced construction environment where everyone can perform their duties and projects can be completed without creating problems for stakeholders.
But how can construction managers apply professional ethics in construction industry environments when faced with real challenges in the office or at a construction site?
The answer is clear: follow the guidelines laid out in the AIC Code of Ethics. Our code is not just a list of essential statements; it’s a comprehensive guide for how to think through ethical situations in the real world. Let’s take a closer look.
Follow the Code at All Times Managing Construction Projects
Using the Code of Ethics framework, we will highlight seven keys to implementing ethics on and off the job site. You will learn the difference between ethical conduct and unethical conduct so that you can make ethical decisions.
1. Support the Public Interest
A Constructor shall have full regard to the public interest in fulfilling his or her responsibilities to the employer or client.
Completing tasks assigned by your employer or laid out by a client is important to keep your job and maintain a good reputation. However, it is always your duty to speak up when asked to do something counter to the public interest.
If a customer or higher-up asks you to do something that you find unethical, it’s your responsibility to communicate with them and find a better solution. Knowing when to voice your opinion is just as important as following the chain of command.
2. Avoid Deceptive Practices
A Constructor shall not engage in any deceptive practice, or in any practice which creates an unfair advantage for the Constructor or another.
Unethical practices such as bid rigging or collusion hurt everyone. The perpetrators may profit at the beginning, but being shady with your practice results in a negative view of all constructors, which further detracts from the livelihoods of everyone involved in the industry.
Being above board and forthright before, during, and after the bidding process will ensure that the best company gets the job so that the project can be completed to the fullest. If you’re honest and direct with clients, they’ll be more inclined to work with you next time.
3. Uphold Reputations
A Constructor shall not maliciously or recklessly injure or attempt to injure, whether directly or indirectly, the professional reputation of others.
We’re all in this together. The unhealthy practices of libel and slander in the construction industry help no one. Remember that spreading rumors or false information about a company or individual affects more than one person.
A lost bid because of something untrue will hurt an entire team of workers that depend on a regular income through the industry. This practice can also result in severe backlash if it were to become public, further sullying the industry’s reputation.
4. Give Sound Advice
A Constructor shall ensure that when providing a service which includes advice, such advice shall be fair and unbiased.
If a client or employee comes to you for professional advice, it is paramount that what you tell them is not deceptive, biased, or self-serving.
Individuals look up to you as an authority on specific subjects and want to learn from you so that they can make better decisions. Giving them unfair advice can result in unethical actions and will only serve to bring down the industry.
5. Establish Trust
A Constructor shall not divulge to any person, firm, or company, information of a confidential nature acquired during the course of professional activities.
To complete a project to the fullest, a constructor may often be privy to confidential information such as finances, permits, and other critical project information.
For example, if your client is a global company known worldwide, it is your duty as a professional to keep information private about a new project, not tell your friends that you are supporting the company’s new initiative. Even a small leak could have significant ramifications, hurting your reputation and keeping others from trusting you in the future.
6. Follow Professional Guidelines
A Constructor shall carry out responsibilities in accordance with current professional practice, so far as it lies within his or her power.
Rules for professional practice are not arbitrary. They are set out by experienced constructors and managerial teams to maintain safety, fairness, and ethical practices.
Sometimes a job might not fit entirely within the applicable project timeline. In that case, you’ll need to use your experience and unbiased judgment to make sure that you can responsibly complete the task. Never cut corners to meet a timeline, as it could result in safety issues and other consequences.
7. Stay Informed
A Constructor shall keep informed of new thought and development in the construction process appropriate to the type and level of his or her responsibilities and shall support research and the educational processes associated with the construction profession.
New construction technologies and best practices are constantly released and refined. There is a lot of information to keep up with, but it’s your duty as a construction manager to stay informed about changes, new ideas, and the latest information central to your day-to-day role.
Following this practice will give you an edge in the industry. It will also help you transfer critical knowledge to the individuals you manage so they can advance in their careers.
Learn More About Professional Ethics in Construction Industry Activity
Want to learn more about key ethical topics that can directly impact your profession? Follow AIC on LinkedIn to stay in the know. We cover topics such as professional ethics in construction industry activities and other ethical topics that affect construction professionals.
Seasoned professionals and new construction managers alike can benefit from learning about the latest real-world ethical issues in the industry. We look forward to supporting you as we work together to accelerate construction excellence.
