Investigating the Causal Relationships between Causes of and Vulnerabilities to Corruption in the Chinese Public Construction Sector
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 140, Issue 9
Abstract
Understanding relationships between causes of and vulnerabilities to corruption are essential in corruption research in construction because it addresses the fundamental issues of the widespread corruption in the public construction sector. Through an empirical survey, this study aims to investigate effects of the two causes of corruption, the flawed regulation systems and lack of a positive industrial climate, on five various kinds of corrupt vulnerabilities in China. The data were collected from officials, practitioners, and academics involved in the Chinese public construction sector, and then analyzed by factor analysis and partial least-squares structural equation modeling. The analysis results suggest that the flawed regulation systems have a higher influence on corruption vulnerabilities than the lack of a positive industrial climate. The results also indicate that the most influential item on the flawed regulation systems is negative leader roles, followed by inadequate sanctions, lack of rigorous supervision, and multifarious licenses and permits. The most influential item on the lack of a positive industrial climate is interpersonal connections, followed by overclose relationships among contracting parties, great project complexity, and poor professional ethical standards. Based on these research findings, this study contributes to knowledge by validating the theoretical hypothesis in China. Finally, recommendations for future practice and research are provided in this study.
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Acknowledgments
This study has been funded by the joint Ph.D. scheme between Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Tongji University, and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 71172107 and 71390523). The authors gratefully acknowledge the Department of Building and Real Estate at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, as well as the Research Institute of Complex Engineering & Management at Tongji University for providing support to conduct this research study. Special thanks go to Dr. K. N. Jha and Dr. S.Z.S. Tabish at Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, India, for permitting the use of their questionnaire instrument. The authors would also like to appreciate the contributions of all professionals involved in the survey.
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Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 140 • Issue 9 • September 2014
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© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Received: Jan 24, 2014
Accepted: Apr 17, 2014
Published online: May 21, 2014
Published in print: Sep 1, 2014
Discussion open until: Oct 21, 2014
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