Challenges of Integrating Corruption Risk Management (CRM) into Corruption Risk Management Plans (CRMPs) for Construction Companies

HRMARS - The Malaysia National Construction Policy 2030 emphasizes good governance, best practices, and strong anti-corruption measures in the construction industry, aligned with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy for Malaysia, which promotes Organisational Anti-Corruption Plans, where Corruption Risk Management Plans (CRMP). Despite these policy initiatives, the implementation of CRMP within the construction industry remains challenging, particularly among large construction companies such as limited empirical understanding of the barriers affecting its effectives. A qualitative case study approach was adopted using guided open-ended interviews with five experts who specialise in corruption risk management and the integration of anti-corruption frameworks aligned with ISO standards. The findings identify nine key clusters of challenges which are lack of CRM understanding, complexity of CRM framework, lack of organisational management commitment, lack of stakeholder competency, ineffective communication, lack of awareness of anti-corruption initiatives, inadequate resource allocation, lack of CRM training, and weak regulatory enforcement. This study advances current knowledge by providing one of the first empirically grounded, multi-level frameworks of corruption risk management implementation challenges in the construction industry. The findings offer robust theoretical and practical insights to support organisations and policymakers in strengthening governance practices, enhancing integrity, and improving overall construction performance.