In the bustling cities of Dar es Salaam and Tabora, Tanzania, the hum of construction is a constant reminder of the country’s rapid development. Yet, beneath the surface of these ambitious road projects lies a complex web of ethical dilemmas that can make or break their success. A groundbreaking study, led by Herry A. Mwankusye from Mzumbe University, delves into these ethical quandaries, revealing how consultants’ decisions shape the performance of road construction projects and offering a roadmap for improvement.
Mwankusye’s research, published in the Eastern African Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, which translates to the Eastern African Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, examines the behavioural, socio-economic, institutional, and political factors that influence ethical decision-making in the construction sector. The study, which analyzed responses from 289 road construction professionals, found that institutional factors have the most significant impact on ethical dilemmas, followed by behavioural, socio-economic, and political factors.
“The institutional environment plays a pivotal role in shaping ethical decisions,” Mwankusye explains. “Governance structures, transparency, and professional integrity are key determinants of how ethical dilemmas play out in road construction projects.”
The study’s findings have significant implications for the energy sector, which often relies on robust infrastructure for the successful implementation of projects. Ethical dilemmas in road construction can lead to delays, cost overruns, and even project failures, all of which can have a ripple effect on energy projects that depend on these roads for transportation and logistics.
For instance, consider a road construction project that is plagued by corruption. Delays in completion can lead to increased costs for energy companies that need to transport equipment and materials. Moreover, if the road is not built to the required standards due to unethical practices, it can lead to maintenance issues and further delays, impacting the energy sector’s operations.
Mwankusye’s research calls for policy reforms to strengthen ethical governance in road construction. Regulatory bodies are urged to enforce stricter accountability measures, promote ethical leadership training, and integrate digital transparency tools. Practitioners, on the other hand, are encouraged to adopt ethics audits, stakeholder engagement frameworks, and integrity-driven decision-making to enhance project success.
The study’s findings also highlight the need for a more holistic approach to infrastructure development. “It’s not just about building roads,” Mwankusye notes. “It’s about building them ethically and sustainably, with a view to the long-term benefits for the community and the environment.”
As Tanzania continues to develop its infrastructure, the lessons from this study will be invaluable. By addressing ethical dilemmas head-on, the country can ensure that its road construction projects are not only successful but also sustainable and beneficial for all stakeholders.
The research provides a novel perspective on fostering ethical character and professional integrity in the construction industry. It offers empirical evidence on the structural relationship between ethical dilemmas and project performance, informing policymakers, practitioners, and researchers on improving ethical compliance and infrastructure sustainability.
In an era where ethical considerations are increasingly at the forefront of business and development, this study serves as a timely reminder of their importance. As Mwankusye puts it, “Ethics is not just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have for sustainable development.”