The contribution of professional regulatory bodies towards professionals' growth in the built environment

Abstract

Majority of people practising in built environment have not taken initiative to work closely and continue growing under Professional regulatory bodies yet management of construction projects require particular standards of service in terms of quality, time, cost, professional conduct and management of the limited available resources. The main objective of the study was to establish the contribution of Professional Regulatory Bodies towards Professionals’ Growth in the Built environment. It further determined organisation, responsibilities, the challenges and measures the bodies need to put in place to improve on their efficiency to professionals. The study population comprised of 778 registered professionals under 3 bodies. The study was a survey design and primary data was obtained through questionnaires from a sample of 102, interviews and secondary data from previous researchers. Analysis and summary of data done using SPSS software and MS Excel. The findings obtained showed that professional regulatory bodies have played a great role and responsibility in establishing the acceptable ethics and standards required of engineers, architects and surveyor in service delivery through different platforms, and setting policies. Also, professionals have derived at moderate level, from working under regulatory bodies. However, like any other organisation these bodies have faced both external and internal challenges which have created challenges for members subscribed to and those subscribing to these bodies. Therefore, different strategies to eradicate the challenges namely competition, enforcement of policies, creating CDP program for constant training and platform for constant communication with members and non-members have been put across in the research study. In conclusion, it is very vital for professional bodies to put their members first and regularly consult with them for their feedback on their experience in the bodies and understand the motivation of their members in joining the bodies and therefore work to delivering that. It was notable that with a stronger charter body enjoy relative stability and much less challenge. And professional bodies to take into consideration several factors such as their competition, their members’ needs and the business environment they are operating it and focus on achieving the main objectives of the bodies and in improving the effectiveness of professional bodies.