Study of the implementation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards in the South African Quantity Surveying Industry

Abstract

Over the past few years there is an increase in globalization and construction industry companies are becoming more aware of the environmental and social aspects in construction projects. Companies have to make a profit and carry out an obligation towards the community. The reason for introducing codes of conduct is to ensure that companies and persons within the construction industry become more socially responsible and adopt it into their daily businesses due to community pressures. It is essential to enforce codes of conduct throughout the construction industry professions, including all stakeholders and team members within the construction industry.

This study has sought to determine the main reasons why some quantity surveyors might not always apply the code of conduct in an ethical and professional manner, as well as to identify possible ways how the code of conduct can be improved, be upheld and implemented more successfully in South Africa.

Questionnaires were used to collect data from some quantity surveyors in South Africa. The aim of the questionnaire was to identify how some quantity surveyors implement the code of conduct, where the possible gaps in the code of conduct are and how the current code of conduct can be improved. The data determined that the code of conduct needs to be regularly improved in order to stay up to date with current ethical situations that quantity surveyors face daily in South Africa, as well as that some quantity surveyors have a lack of education and proper understanding of the codes of conduct, lack of keeping up to date with the Code and the guidance in which they serve.