https://doi.org/10.24928/2018/0282

Studying the Mindset of Corruption in the Construction Industry - A Lean Perspective

Ruba Rizk¹, Dana Sobh², Abd Allah Abou Yassin³ & Farook Hamzeh⁴

¹Masters Student, Civil and Environmental Engineering Dept., American University of Beirut, Lebanon, +961 71 283 626, [email protected]
²Masters Student, Industrial Engineering. Dept., American University of Beirut, Lebanon, +961 71 537 981, [email protected]
³Masters Student, Civil and Environmental Engineering Dept., American University of Beirut, Lebanon, +961 3 043 626, [email protected]
⁴Assistant Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering Dept., American University of Beirut, Lebanon,+961 70 680 523, [email protected]

Abstract

Studies have shown that the construction industry practice involves corruption. Several factors such as the complexity of the project and organizations involved coupled with scarce sanctions on corrupt activities are basic hurdles for reducing corruption. Lebanon’s construction industry is no exception since it is one of the developing countries that lack anti-corruption processes. The aim of this study is to (1) investigate the mindset behind unethical behavior in construction that has detrimental effects on the community and (2) suggest lean-based frameworks that can impact processes and behavior to reduce corruption. Surveys were conducted to better assess the level of awareness of the Lebanese community with regards to corruption, identify existing mitigation methods, and evaluate the importance and feasibility of integrating lean culture into the construction industry. Respondents do not consider some basic corrupt actions to be a serious problem indicating that there is a need for more efforts to raise the community’s awareness to the significance of fighting corruption. An anti-corruption framework was designed using lean principles and tools was suggested to better mitigate and control corrupt acts in the Lebanese construction industry. Results show that the construction industry seems ready to accommodate this change. Nevertheless, it must happen at a low pace.

Keywords

Corruption, Lean, Lebanon, Bribery, Anti-Corruption Tools, Integrity

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Reference

Rizk, R. , Sobh, D. , Yassin, A. A. A. & Hamzeh, F. 2018. Studying the Mindset of Corruption in the Construction Industry - A Lean Perspective, 26th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction , 316-325. doi.org/10.24928/2018/0282

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