This project examines corporate governance frameworks, senior executive incentive schemes and attitudes to risk, with a focus on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and organisational safety in the construction industry.
School: Business
This project examines corporate governance frameworks, senior executive incentive schemes and attitudes to risk, with a focus on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and organisational safety in the construction industry. Incentive schemes align senior executive decision-making with organisational priorities, and a concern with organisational safety performance has been a part of corporate governance for some time. In recent years, CSR has been increasingly emphasized in corporate governance, including in the construction industry. Construction companies have a significant impact on the communities they build, with residential building design and construction influencing residents€™ health, social life, and safety. However, large-scale building failures, such as the 2014 Docklands fire (Melbourne, Australia), the 2018 Opal and 2019 Mascot Towers (Sydney, Australia) have increased public concern about ethical behaviours, occupant safety and the social impact of adverse events. From a CSR perspective, executive accountability for corporate failings with a broader social impact, such as Rio Tinto€™s destruction of sacred Aboriginal sites, has brought senior executive incentive schemes into the spotlight. However, despite research into accident causation and strategies to improve safety, little is known about the interactions between CSR, senior executive incentive schemes, and safety performance.
This research aims to increase the awareness of addressing safety criteria in executive incentive schemes and to consider the impact of these schemes on safety as well as on CSR objectives. Although initially focused on the Australian construction sector, there is scope for comparative work with other industries where safety or public welfare are paramount. Specific details and scope of the project would be developed by the candidate in consultation with Dr McDermott and other collaborators, and depending on the candidate€™s background, interest, and career aspirations.
The ideal candidate would have proficiency in qualitative methods, especially content or document analysis, interview skills and a willingness to learn qualitative analysis (e.g., NVIVO). This project would be suitable for candidates wishing to undertake a Masters by Research or an Honours degree.
School of Business
Public Service Management
