YOUR EMPLOYEES WANT IT
A recent study of revealed that a majority of construction industry participants (63%) feel that the industry is tainted by prevalent acts that are considered unethical. In the same survey, 84% said they had "experienced, encountered, or observed industry-related acts or transactions that they would consider unethical in the last year." Furthermore, over 90% of the respondents said they thought that the industry should get more training on ethics.
WALK THE TALK
Do you know how many construction firms have the value "integrity" in their mission statement or list of company values? How many tout ethics and integrity as hallmarks of the organization? The answer to both questions, of course, is "most."
Do you know how many construction industry firms actually have a Code of Conduct, a Code of Ethics, or any sort of ethics training? The answer, "very few."
Most construction industry executives know that if you don't talk about profits, "you likely won't have any." Well, the same is true for ethics and integrity. If sound decision making on ethical dilemmas is taken for granted or glossed over, the organization will espouse cultural habits using "rules" presented and justified as "that's just the way it's done in this industry."
But, the true test of commitment to sound ethical policy and the fostering of an integrity-based culture is the benefit derived from the marketplace. Ask your clients, "All other factors being equal, if we showed a commitment to sound ethics and integrity, enterprise-wide, would we be viewed favorably (in the project or program selection process) over a competitor that did not (have a formal commitment)?"
TRAINING IS INSURANCE
Have you heard recent stories about harassment suits and the size of the awards/penalties? Need we say more?
SMALL INVESTMENT
For about the cost of a few inkjet cartridges an employee can be provided valuable, industry-specific guidance on making sound ethical decisions. The training is not just about teaching what is right and what is wrong (and what is, potentially, against company policy) - ethical dilemmas are much tougher than that. It's also about providing tools to help recognize a dilemma, explore the possible ramifications of a bad decision (to both personal reputation and to company brand image).
If you have trouble justifying Integribuild training, just think about how much has gone into creating the brand you currently enjoy and how quickly that asset could evaporate if, even somewhere far down the line, a bad, yet highly publicized ethical decision is made in relationship to one of your best clients or one of your most valuable subcontractors or delivery partners.
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