1. World problems
  2. Unethical construction practices

Unethical construction practices

  • Irresponsible building
  • Malpractice by building companies
  • Criminal involvement in the construction industry
  • Illegal building
  • Corruption in the construction industry
  • Building project scandals
  • Negligent building construction
  • Bribery by construction firms

Nature

Unethical construction practices refer to actions within the construction industry that violate legal, moral, or professional standards, compromising safety, quality, and environmental integrity. These practices include using substandard materials, exploiting labor, bypassing safety regulations, and engaging in fraudulent activities such as misrepresentation of project costs. Such behaviors not only endanger workers and the public but also lead to structural failures, increased costs, and long-term environmental damage. Addressing unethical practices is crucial for ensuring sustainable development, protecting stakeholders, and maintaining the integrity of the construction industry.This information has been generated by artificial intelligence.

Incidence

In the UK there has been continuing concern at the growing number of tax fraud cases involving building sub-contractors. In 1986 it was reported that the construction industry in New York, in a boom worth $2 billion a year, was riddled with extortion, vandalism, bribery, bid-rigging and inefficiency. This was causing at least half of excessive construction costs, which were 25% to 35% higher than those of any other big city in the USA. There was widespread "featherbedding" (e.g. benefits, perks, tips, pay whilst on holiday) of constructors income in return for no stoppages or vandalism on the construction site. At one construction site stolen materials and goods totalled $500,000.

The massive corruption investigation in many Italian cities had by 1993 revealed a deep-rooted system of kickbacks and illicit donations paid by businessmen to politicians of all major political parties in return for public works contracts. Hundreds of those involved had been arrested or placed under investigation. Few of the largest construction companies had escaped direct involvement, and even those tended to have shareholding links to those involved. Businessmen and mangers in the industry claimed that they were victims of procedures where paying bribes was the only way to win a contract.

In 1993 in Japan evidence indicated that many major government construction contracts were awarded under suspicious circumstances involving screening of potential bidders and bribery of politicians. Construction companies were believed to be the principal source of the US$50 million in funds located in the offices of the principal power broker of the Liberal Party. The awarding of public works contracts was acknowledged to be non-transparent and characterized by a hotbed of bid-rigging and cozy relations among, politicians, bureaucrats and members of the construction industry which was a strong barrier to external competitors. In 1994 a former cabinet minister in Japan was jailed on charges of taking a bribe from a major construction company in exchange of bid-rigging.

In 1992 there were allegations in France that millions of pounds in "phantom" construction contracts were used as overt payments to right-wing political parties. One group had allegedly formed a ring to deal in false invoices for non-existent construction work or for contracts already paid for.

Claim

Unethical construction practices pose a grave threat to public safety, environmental integrity, and community trust. When profit is prioritized over ethical standards, we witness shoddy workmanship, exploitation of labor, and environmental degradation. These practices not only endanger lives but also undermine the very foundations of our society. It is imperative that we confront and eradicate these unethical behaviors to ensure safe, sustainable, and equitable construction for future generations. The stakes are simply too high to ignore.This information has been generated by artificial intelligence.

Counter-claim

Unethical construction practices are often exaggerated and misrepresented. The industry is driven by profit, and while some may cut corners, the vast majority adhere to regulations and prioritize safety. Focusing on isolated incidents distracts from the countless successful projects that benefit communities. Instead of sensationalizing this issue, we should celebrate the advancements in construction technology and sustainability. The narrative of unethical practices undermines the hard work of dedicated professionals committed to building a better future.This information has been generated by artificial intelligence.

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Strategy

Constructing
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Value

Irresponsibility
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Unethical
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Bribery
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Malpractice
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Negligence
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Scandal
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Crime
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Corruption
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Illegality
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SDG

Sustainable Development Goal #9: Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureSustainable Development Goal #12: Responsible Consumption and ProductionSustainable Development Goal #16: Peace and Justice Strong Institutions

Metadata

Database
World problems
Type
(D) Detailed problems
Biological classification
N/A
Subject
  • Industry » Construction
  • Industry » Industry
  • Innovative change » Change
  • Law » Legality
  • Societal problems » Corruption
  • Societal problems » Crime
  • Societal problems » Irresponsibility
  • Content quality
    Presentable
     Presentable
    Language
    English
    1A4N
    J3605
    DOCID
    12036050
    D7NID
    142681
    Last update
    May 20, 2022