Coordinator(s):

Prof George Ofori, London South Bank University, UK
Prof Charles Egbu, London South Bank University, UK

Objectives and Scopes:

The Building and Construction Industry has a poor reputation with regard to probity, professionalism and good governance. It is necessary to study underlying factors and determine ways and means of realising change. Against this background the aim of the Task Group is to raise awareness among construction practitioners and researchers of the extent of the incidence of corruption and malpractice and its impact on the quality of life of the citizens; and to explore ways and means of addressing the situation.

The objectives of the Task Group are:

  • to gather comprehensive and accurate information on the full situation regarding the incidence of corruption and malpractice in the construction industry; and explore the factors lying at its roots
  • to gather comprehensive and accurate information on the full situation regarding the incidence of corruption and malpractice in the construction industry; and explore the factors lying at its roots
  • to determine the impact of such incidences on the quality of service delivery from constructed items and quality of life of citizens in all countries
  • to compile a comprehensive review of the works undertaken, and the actions being taken around the world, at the international, national and industry levels to deal with the problem of corruption and malpractice in construction and to enhance the levels of professionalism in the industry, and highlight best practices
  • to contribute to the body of knowledge on the root causes of, and effective remedies to, corruption and malpractice in construction, and to develop sustainable and effective solutions to the problem in all aspects of construction around the world.

The Task Group’s scope covers the areas of: professionalism, ethics, transparency and anti-corruption initiatives.

Current Work Programme:

The Task Group will have an annual international conference and commission meeting that will take place where possible in conjunction with either the CIB World Building Congress or a general conference on a topic such as ethics, transparency and anti-corruption.

The Work programme aims to produce deliverables of special value to the international research community, the community of practitioners and to educators.

Planned Output:

The Task Group will produce the following:

  • 2019: Scoping report on the global situation regarding the incidence of corruption and malpractice and its impact on the quality of service delivery and quality of life of the citizens
  • 2019: Special issue of a CIB-encouraged or recognised journal
  • 3 international conferences
  • 2020: Syllabus and teaching materials for a module on corruption and malpractice in Construction
  • 2020: Report on actions being taken to deal with the problem, and highlighting best practices
  • 2020: Research Roadmap
  • 2020: Final report on the work of the Task Group

External Relations:

The Task Group has a close relationship with CoST, the Infrastructure Transparency Initiative that helps participating countries to deliver better value from public infrastructure projects and assets.

Membership:

Members of the Task Group are CIB Individual Members or appointed representatives of CIB Full or Associate Members.

Status:

The Task Group was established in March 2018 and has a mandate until March 2021