Construction management students' perceptions of ethics in tendering

This paper presents the results of an empirical investigation into the attitudes of final year construction management students to moral issues in tendering. A survey elicited the students' attitudes towards participating in various forms of collusive tendering and cartel arrangements. Their responses are summarised and presented alongside the decision making factors that influence their choices. The results indicate a tendency towards, or, at best, a high tolerance of morally deviant behaviour. The paper concludes that the students' understanding of, and respect for, the law, the professional codes of practice and their aims appear to be insufficient.