Assessing the Influence of Ethical Sourcing on Sustainable Development in the Construction Sector
Objectives: Insufficient organized structures for the implementation of social sustainability into organizational strategy results in fragmented, short-term interventions. The primary purpose of this study is to ascertain the relationship between ethical buying and environmentally friendly practices in the construction industry in Imo State. Specifically, study seeks to find out whether community engagement promotes social standard in the construction sector, Imo State. Methodology: The study uses correctional survey design to conduct survey of employees of Craneburg Nigeria Limited, Moores Integrated Services Limited and Autograph Limited in Imo State, Nigeria. The target population consists of project sponsors, site managers, site supervisors, operational workers and quantity surveyors of these organizations. Pearson correlation and descriptive statistics were used to test and analyse the hypothesis. Of the 130 copies of questionnaire distributed, 118 were properly filled and returned, whereas 12 were unreturned and excluded from the final analysis. Findings: The Pearson correlation results show a very strong positive correlation (r = 0.998, n= 118, p < 0.01) between corporate initiative and social sustainability in the construction industry. Conclusion: The findings showed that ethical sourcing positively and significantly improve social sustainability in the construction industry. Novelty: This research contributes to the sustainable development literature by demonstrating how ethical sourcing practices contribute at the same time to the economic, environmental and social pillars of sustainability in the construction industry. Practical Implication of the study: Construction companies will learn how ethical sourcing practices can improve project quality, reduce operational risks, enhance corporate reputation and achieve a sustainable future. Recommendations: Based on the findings the following recommendations were made. Construction firms need to embed social responsibility programs into their organisational strategy to ensure continuous improvement in social sustainability practices. Regulatory bodies and professional associations should require social sustainability standards and reward firms that demonstrate strong corporate initiatives.