The central role of the construction manager to influence professional integrity in the residential sector

Tragic disasters in the residential high-rise apartment buildings globally have resulted in loss of life and loss of home asset value. This chapter analyses the construction manager professional's central role in influencing ethical behaviour in the Australian high-rise residential sector. The methodology used was grounded theory. Ten industry actors, including participants from construction companies, professional/industry associations, and government regulators, were interviewed in comprehensive interviews. Through the constant comparative analysis method, three levels of analysis were conducted involving open, selective, and axial coding. Data was collected through ethical dilemmas, codes of conduct and sources of guidance, risks and ethical decision making, legislative and accountability regimes, and industry transformation. A total of 202 themes were identified and grouped into 12 categories. Four major themes were explored in detail, including professional role and identity, industry price-driven goals dominate behaviours, the role of champions in effecting change, and cross-professional interactions and collaborations. The ecosystem of interdependent interactions with the construction management professional was considered through rigorous analysis of seven major stakeholder groups, whereby positive and negative interactions were identified. As a result, ten enablers and drivers were identified that would affect industry-wide change in ethical behaviours.