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The Impact of Professional Work Ethics

 

on Productivity in Construction Consultancy

 

SECOND EDITION

By Dr Uchechi Vanessa Alintah-Abel i, Charity U. Ekekezie, PhD ii, Nwobu Ifeanyichukwu Chukwunoso i

i Department of Quantity Surveying
Nnamdi Azikiwe University
Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

ii Department of Building
Enugu State University of Science and Technology
Agbani, Enugu State, Nigeria


ABSTRACT

The impact of Professional work ethics on productivity in construction consultancy cannot be underestimated as productivity contributes to the organization’s success. The objectives of the study are to identify professional work ethics and evaluate the impact of these work ethics, with emphasis on construction consultants in Enugu and Anambra States. To achieve these objectives, a total number of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered on targeted respondents. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical (Person Correlation). Percentage and mean score (MIS) of the variables were also obtained and ranked accordingly in the presentation of the results. From the analysis of the investigation carried out, results showed that integrity, responsibility and respect are the most identified work ethics and has the greatest impact on productivity. There is a significant relationship between professional work ethics and productivity. More so, the evaluation of the impacts of professional work ethics on productivity will help to increase client’s satisfaction, improve company’s reputation and minimize potential lawsuits. The research concludes that inculcating professional work ethics in day-to-day work can improve the work performance and productivity of individuals at the workplace and subsequently affect organizational growth.

Keywords:   Work Ethics, Productivity, Construction, Consultancy, Project

1.0     Introduction

In today’s competitive building construction markets, achieving clients’ satisfaction is of utmost importance. Achieving client satisfaction is key in procuring future projects (Durdyev, Ihtiyar, Banaitis & Thurnell, 2018) and it adds value to the organization and has been identified as an effective tool for competitive advantage. The foundation of effective consulting lies in the ability to remain impartial and transparent, even under pressure. As consultants, we are often entrusted with sensitive information and are expected to provide unbiased advice.  Hence, construction consultants have to go a long way to see that the clients who they are working for are satisfied. Professionals are expected to exhibit high level of professionalism by adhering to their professional ethics when discharging their duties (Usman, Inuwa & Iro 2012). While consultants provide critical insights and drive organizational change, maintaining high standards of ethics ensures the integrity of their work and fosters long-term client relationships.

Project Management Consultancies are essential for expediting the completion of construction projects within specified timeframes and budget constraints. Their involvement is imperative for fulfilling the requirements of financial institutions, meeting project deadlines, ensuring construction quality, and effectively executing all project activities from initiation to completion. Employing Project Management Consultancies not only enables the fulfilment of client needs but also plays a crucial role in achieving client satisfaction (Niraj, Eniya & Renu, 2024).

Though the consulting industry is evolving, the importance of ethics and professionalism remains constant. Organisational growth depends on the contribution of every employee at all levels. The performance of any company is affected by the work ethics that exist in its employees…

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Editor’s note: Second Editions are previously published papers that have continued relevance in today’s project management world, or which were originally published in conference proceedings or in a language other than English.  Original publication acknowledged; authors retain copyright.  This paper was originally presented at the 1st International Conference, The Quantity Surveyor’s Edge, Department of Quantity Surveying, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria, 25-26 June 2025.  It is republished here with permission of the authors and conference organizers.

How to cite this paper: Alintah-Abel, U. V., Ekkekezie, C. U., Nwobu, Chukwunoso, N. I. (2026). The Impact of Professional Work Ethics on Productivity in Construction Consultancy; Originally presented at the 1st International Conference, The Quantity Surveyor’s Edge, Department of Quantity Surveying, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria, 25-26 June 2025; republished in the PM World Journal, Vol. XV, Issue VIII, August. Available online at https://pmworldjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/pmwj167-Aug2026-Alintah-Abel-et-al-Impact-of-Professional-Work-Ethics-2.pdf 


About the Authors


Dr Uchechi Vanessa Alintah-Abel, PhD

Enugu, Nigeria

 

Dr Uchechi Vanessa Alintah-Abel, is a distinguished Quantity Surveyor, academic, and researcher that, holds both MSc. and Ph.D  in Construction Management. She is a fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors and a registered Quantity Surveyor.  She is a Lecturer in Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and currently the head of the Department. With many years of experience in higher education, she has built her career across institutions like Enugu state University of Science and Technology, Enugu and Institute of Management and technology, Enugu. She has been involved in execution of high-profile jobs with consistently exceptional results. Email: uv.alintah-abel@unizik.edu.ng


Charity Ekekezie, PhD

Enugu, Nigeria

 

Charity Ekekezie, PhD holds a Doctorate in Construction management from Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.  Dr. Ekekezie is a registered builder and a fellow and currently the heads the Department of Building, Enugu State University of Science and Technology Enugu Nigeria.


Nwobu Ifeanyichukwu Chukwunoso

Anamabra State, Nigeria

 

Nwobu Ifeanyichukwu Chukwunoso holds an MSc in Construction Economics, Construction Management. He is a lecturer in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anamabra State. He is a Member, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors and a Member Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria. He is equally consultant in various projects.