Prevention of Collusion for Innovative Construction

Collusion is an unscrupulous and anticompetitive practices among construction stakeholders which has adverse effect not only on the integrity of the parties or people but also on the overall performance of construction projects. In view of this and in order to ensure healthy competition and alliance among construction stakeholders, this study assessed various measures that can be adopted to minimize or eliminate the practice of collusion in the construction industry. The measures were extracted from existing literature materials and questionnaire was adopted as a means of data collection using a 5-point Likert scale. Using convenience sampling, 49 questionnaires were distributed, 43 were retrieved while 41 were found worthy of further analysis. Among other measures, people involved in construction process including the professionals should be encouraged to report any suspicious acts and transactions including collusion practices, and procurement procedures for construction projects should be open and transparent. There is a need to blacklist and deregister professionals and companies that are caught in the act of collusion as this will enhance project performance and subsequently improve the image of the construction industry. Punishments for the offence should be well documented and there should be strict enforcement of the discipline and regulations when a company or individual is found culpable. This study will help regulatory bodies shouldered with the responsibilities of regulating construction activities - including that of the stakeholders - in their quest to reduce or eliminate the practice of collusion in the construction industry.