Ethical Issues on Construction Projects: Learning from Students

Abstract

This paper is a case study of selected practices of the 1999 Texas A&M Bonfire, a student-run project, as compared to ethical practices of professional constructors. This paper identifies seven ethical practices of professional constructors which were not followed during the construction of the 1999 Texas A&M Bonfire. The seven ethical practices not followed during the 1999 Bonfire construction are: 1. Establish clear lines of responsibility and authority; 2. Manage risks; 3. Use a facility design prepared by professional engineers; 4. Comply with safety regulations 5. Supervise construction operations with trained and experienced persons; 6. Construction by persons trained to perform the tasks undertaken; and, 7. Obey the law.

Keywords: bonfire, construction, ethics