Construction business sustainability remains a persistent challenge in the industry, yet limited research has focused on its business dimensions and pathways to long-term viability. This study investigates the relationship between ethics, trust, and the development of the construction business in Ghana, employing a quantitative methodology. Data were collected by way of questionnaires and analysed using SPSS and AMOS, with a focus on constructs such as regulatory compliance, transparency, fair dealing, and financial soundness. Reliability, validity, and structural models were tested to assess the strength of the relationships. Findings reveal a strong positive correlation between ethics, trust, and business development in the construction sector. Elements such as open communication and fair treatment of employees emerged as significant contributors to this relationship. The results confirm that ethics and trust are foundational drivers of innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable business growth in construction. This research is the first to apply the ethics, trust, and construction business development model, offering new insights into its impact on performance. While the sample size and industry-specific focus may limit broader applicability, the findings provide a valuable foundation for further research across different contexts.
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Research Article|
April 01 2026
Exploring ethics and trust for sustainable construction business development Available to Purchase
Francis K. Bondinuba;
Francis K. Bondinuba
Department of Construction Technology and Quantity Surveying, Faculty of Built and Natural Environment,
Kumasi Technical University
, Ghana
; Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa; Institute for Sustainable Built Environment, School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK
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George H. Coffie;
George H. Coffie
Department of Building Technology,
Ho Technical University
, Accra, Ghana
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Clinton O. Aigbavboa;
Clinton O. Aigbavboa
Sustainable Human Settlement and Construction Research Centre,
University of Johannesburg
, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Isaac Aidoo;
Isaac Aidoo
Department of Building Technology,
Accra Technical University
, Accra, Ghana
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Samuel Adeniyi Adekunle
Sustainable Human Settlement and Construction Research Centre,
University of Johannesburg
, Johannesburg, South Africa
: Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering and Technology; William V.S. Tubman University, Monrovia, Republic of LiberiaCorresponding author Samuel Adeniyi Adekunle (sadekunle135@gmail.com)
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Corresponding author Samuel Adeniyi Adekunle (sadekunle135@gmail.com)
Publisher: Emerald Publishing
Received:
December 13 2024
Accepted:
February 19 2026
Online ISSN: 1751-4312
Print ISSN: 1751-4304
© 2026 Emerald Publishing Limited
2026
Emerald Publishing Limited
Licensed re-use rights only
Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Management, Procurement and Law 1–11.
Article history
Received:
December 13 2024
Accepted:
February 19 2026
Citation
Bondinuba FK, Coffie GH, Aigbavboa CO, Aidoo I, Adekunle SA (2026;), "Exploring ethics and trust for sustainable construction business development". Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Management, Procurement and Law, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1680/jmapl.24.00093
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