Building Failures/Collapses and their Reputational Effect on Building Industry in Nigeria

Anthony Nwafor U.

Abstract: Building failures and collapses in recent times have become front burner issue in the built environment. When the incidence becomes incessant, both the industry and stakeholders- reputation is at stake. For this reason, this article sought to determine the reputational effect of building failure/collapse on the values, integrity of industry-s professionals. Findings show that incessant building failure and collapses de-market the values and integrity of industry professionals, portrays Nigerian building industry as corrupt due to sharp practices of some of its unscrupulous elements. Incessant building failure/collapse also devalues the marketability of industry professionals to foreign firms/clients. The study concludes that the totality of what goes on in the entire building industry, its operations, and the attitude or behavior of stakeholders cum industry professionals towards laid down procedures, codes, achievements and problems shape its image and reputation ratings. Thus, reputation is seen as a collective representation of a firm-s past actions and results that discern its ability to deliver valued outcomes to multiple stakeholders.

Keywords: Building industry, Building failures/ collapses, Corporate Reputation, Image, Stakeholders