Coping with ethical dilemmas in a socially responsible manner - quantity surveyors’ perspective

Abstract

Ethics is a vital constituent for any profession. Therefore, professions are governed via codes of practice published by respective professional bodies as a measure of ensuring compliance of members with professional ethics. These codes necessarily reflect social interests. Recognized professional organizations with regards to Quantity Surveying profession (RICS, AIQS, IQSSL, etc.) have introduced Codes of Professional Conduct which define the standard of professional conduct to which the members must adhere as socially responsible individuals. In a context these codes have not been successfully ableto achieve comprehensive social responsibility within the practice of respective members, this study attempts to understand the grounds for ethical/unethical behaviour, ethical dilemmas and action taken by QSs in the face of an ethical dilemma within professional practice. Frequent ethical dilemmas as well as contemporary developments, such as the predicament brought in by sustainability concept, have been identified by the study to be elements that need addressing. Findings of the literature review exhibit conclusive evidence about a strong relationship among QSs' practical execution; and knowledge and experience. The study concludes with an emphasis on the need for improving education and discussion of ethics as well as social responsibility necessitated by the broader society.