Jussi Tukiainen from JT Upkeep Oy tells how the ethical principles of the construction industry and respect for different parties can be seen in your everyday life.
The construction industry RT has created cooperation opportunities and structures for dialogue between different actors. In recent years, there has been a need for communication between, for example, main contractors and subcontractors. A joint discussion, in which issues are examined from the point of view of different actors, increases the building of trust and the success of cooperation.
Last year, RT's infrastructure branch, or INFRA ry, organized a discussion event with Destia and small contractors. The discussion event, which was thought to be a one-off event, started a discussion tour that has been going on in different parts of Finland since the beginning of 2018.
JT Upkeep Oy, with a force of seven people, does maintenance and construction work, machine contracting and landscaping in Southeastern Finland. The company's owner and CEO Jussi Tukiainen participated in a discussion organized by INFRA ry in Lappeenranta and tells about his experiences below:
Do the rules of the game matter and are all parties really respected? What does the situation look like from a small contractor's point of view?
In my opinion, the discussion event was very good and important for a small contractor. I felt that the situation was clearly thought from the point of view of the different parties. I would hope that more small contractors would participate in the events and actively discuss there. It is important that we present our own views.
Are ethical game rules needed in everyday life?
Ethical principles are needed. Money easily overrides principles. Ethical principles work if the criteria for the payment criteria can be discussed between the subscribers and the producers even before the bidding process starts. The client-producer meetings organized by the authorities offer small contractors a good opportunity for discussion between small and large contractors.
In the everyday life of a small entrepreneur, payment rules are important. Long payment terms prevent profitable business because of tight invoice payment schedules. The 30-day payment terms included in the tender offer the small entrepreneur the opportunity to operate financially profitably and to be treated fairly and fairly in the tender.
How does the "Respect all parties" principle come true in your own company?
As an entrepreneur, I focus on building networks and public relations. Employees focus on doing work. The work of both parties is needed so that we can work together and also go on familiarization visits abroad.
As the owner, I don't have to participate in all events. Employees are also happy to participate in them. The goal is to make a profitable business, not to consciously grow the company and not to make money. Let's do what we promise and in good spirit.
Using subcontractors also makes the work of a small entrepreneur easier. Skilled employees can be found both in our own company and in partners. It has not yet been necessary to tell the customer that something will not work out. A good attitude and willingness to cooperate is a mutual thing.
I am motivated by continuous study and activity. However, I made sure that there was also time for hobbies. Flexibility, good cooperation skills and trust guarantee that there is enough work and there will be no problems with the bigger ones.
We play with fair game rules. I'm active, I deal with situations right away, and I don't argue. Feeling good is also the most important thing at work.
See also
- Ethical principles in practice: 1. Respect all parties
- Other parts of the Ethical Principles in Practice writing series
More information
- Merja Vuoripuro, Construction Industry RT ry
tel. 040 587 2642, merja.vuoripuro@rakennusteollisuus.fi - Sari Puurtinen, Juuriharja Consulting Group Oy
tel. 040 676 3772, sari.puurtinen@juuriharja.fi
Root brush is a coaching company specializing in ethical management.