Definitional, Systemic, and Cultural Barriers to Understanding ‘Dark Side’ Practices in the AEC Industry

This conceptual study investigates why “dark side” phenomena in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry – such as corruption, fraud, and regulatory evasion – remain underexamined. It addresses two key questions: What makes these phenomena difficult to analyse? and How do industry structures and cultural narratives sustain them? Using a qualitative meta-synthesis of peer-reviewed literature, industry reports, and policy documents, the analysis draws on insights from a ten-year Norwegian research programme as a key illustrative case. Three interlinked barriers are identified: definitional ambiguities, systemic weaknesses, and cultural narratives typified by the “cowboy builder” archetype. These factors interact to obscure misconduct and hinder reform. The paper proposes an integrated framework for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to address these barriers in unison, advancing both scholarly understanding and industry integrity.