As an entrepreneur and CEO of LVI-Aitan, Ville Hälinen recognizes the role of management to set an example for others, what kind of action is desirable. As a member of RT's board, Ville, on the other hand, stands steadfastly behind the common policies and is involved in putting them into practice.
Ville Hälinen is the CEO of the Kainuu-based LVI-Aitta company and chairman of the board of RT's industry association LVI-Technical contractors. He took over the management of the company founded by his father more than ten years ago, at the age of 31.
For a few years, Ville has also served as a member of RT's board of directors and has thus been outlining, among other things, the ethical principles of the construction industry.
Why did the Construction Industry end up drawing up its own ethical principles?
Compliance with the common rules of the game is particularly important in ensuring the quality of the construction industry and combating the gray economy. In the construction industry, we operate in a project business, where partners and operators, both large and small, both domestic and foreign, change frequently. As actors, we are not homogeneous. When moving towards common goals, common principles are really important.
The public debate also increases the pressure for an ethical review of operating methods, so the drafting of principles is in line with the spirit of the times. With ethical principles, we want to create a clear background for everyone's operations and contribute to restoring the reputation of the construction industry.
What is the meaning of the common principles in general and, on the other hand, from the point of view of the RT board member?
The board members of the construction industry outline decisions and are behind the decisions made. As board members, they are also at the forefront of following the decisions made. The board of the construction industry has a wide range of representatives from different industries, each of whom, in their own part, further advances the rules of the game. By following the rules of the game, they are further implemented in different industries and are also taken to our own associations.
In the operating culture studies of organizations (for example, Kaptein) it has been found that in addition to ethical guidelines, an ethical operating culture and a structure that supports the activities according to the guidelines are needed. The key importance is in management and supervisory work, intervening in matters and the example set by management and supervisors. Being an example is the key to development.
How do you see the importance of ethical principles from the point of view of special contracting and SMEs?
Ethical game rules too often remain abstract. They should be implemented in a very practical and concrete way by discussing how to act honestly with competitors, customers, customers and employees.
It is good that the Construction Industry has drawn up the ethical game rules together with companies. Kicking starts from above. The role of the construction industry is in communicating the rules of the game.
Refreshing the rules of the game for internal contracting is a good thing for small contractors. In the tenders, the customers have tried to work perhaps too easily, in which case the projects have remained large entities. Small contractors have felt that they have been left at the feet of the big ones in tenders.
What would be important to happen next? What should be paid attention to instilling ethical principles right now?
Adherence to common principles must be nurtured in both good and bad times. When labor peace has now been achieved in the construction industry thanks to the new collective agreements, we can focus on doing things, on the mood of doing things together.
Overheating of the construction industry increases the risk of correcting things. Right now, when we build a lot, we build a lot for future generations. Now it's good to remember that the reputation of buildings being built now will be better in twenty to thirty years, than the reputation of buildings built two to forty years ago.
Construction should be thought of from the point of view of the whole of Finland, everyone's interest. In practice, overheating of the construction industry means building growth centers and infrastructure. The whole of Finland and building infrastructure connections is in everyone's interest. Although the headquarters are in southern Finland, there are growth and regional centers elsewhere. The problems are the same all over Finland, the lack of skilled personnel affects the whole of Finland. All actors must have the same understanding of the development of the whole of Finland, regarding both the provinces and plant centers.
See also
- Ethical principles in practice: 6. Follow common principles
- 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.