Unethical and Criminal – Predicting “Dark Side” Phenomena in the AEC Industry

Abstract

This paper outlines prediction of “dark side” (illegal or unethical) phenomena in the AEC industry. “Dark side” phenomena pose a substantial yet unexplored threat to Lean Construction practices. Insights from criminology are used as a starting point for the analysis. A meta-study of the findings from a small research program carried out within the Norwegian AEC industry was conducted. It was enriched by an assessment of literature on crime prediction in criminology and on “dark side” phenomena in the AEC industry. Results show that predicting “dark side” phenomena in the AEC industry ought to take in temporality (when in the process challenges occur), value chain (who in projects are likely to act) and typology (what kind of actions are susceptible to occur). In addition, contextual factors (physical surroundings, geography, belief systems etc.) need consideration. Unlike criminology, predictions within the AEC industry cannot be based on AI approaches fuelled by historical data but need to be based on insights from construction process research. The preoccupation with “best practices” in the contemporary literature ought to be complemented with assessments of “worst practices” within all parts of the built environment. This is work largely left undone.