Assessing plumbing standards compliance, challenges and training effectiveness in the Ghanaian construction industry: an institutional and compliance theory perspective

Purpose The construction industry in Ghana is integral to national development. However, the industry faces significant challenges regarding compliance with plumbing standards. This noncompliance undermines safety, sustainability and operational efficiency, resulting in public health and environmental risks. The study applies institutional and compliance theories to investigate factors influencing adherence to plumbing standards within Ghana’s construction sector, aiming to enhance safety, sustainability and operational efficiency in the industry. Design/methodology/approach Employing a quantitative research design, the study surveyed 302 participants, comprising project managers, site supervisors, plumbers, contractors, compliance officers and technical assistants. It also employed descriptive statistics, regression analysis and correlation techniques to assess compliance rates, institutional alignments and the effectiveness of the training programme. Findings The results revealed substantial adherence to plumbing standards related to safety and water efficiency. Notably, substantive compliance significantly enhances operational efficiency compared to formal compliance. The results identify three key institutional pressures influencing compliance: coercive pressure, which encompasses regulatory influence; mimetic pressure, characterised by adopting best practices from leading construction firms and normative pressure, influenced by professional ethics and training. While local training initiatives demonstrate effectiveness, they require regular updates to keep pace with innovations in the plumbing sector and sustainability objectives. Research limitations/implications A key limitation of this study is its exclusive focus on formally registered professionals in Ghana’s construction sector. By excluding unlicensed or informal practitioners, who constitute a significant portion of plumbing service providers, the finding may not fully capture the broader landscape of compliance behaviour. This limits the generalizability of the results, particularly in rural areas or low-regulation contexts where informal practices prevail. Future research should incorporate the informal sector to provide a more comprehensive understanding of compliance dynamics and to inform the development of inclusive policy and regulatory interventions. Practical implications The study advocates increased funding for enforcement, streamlined administrative procedures and enhanced access to high-quality resources. Enhancing training programmes that focus on experiential learning and collaborating with regulatory agencies present viable strategies for improving compliance. Social implications This study offers practical insights for improving compliance with plumbing standards in Ghana’s construction industry. Enhancing training effectiveness, enforcing predictable regulatory sanctions and supporting domestic production of certified materials are essential. The study advocates performance-based training, regular inspections and targeted enforcement in underserved areas. Beyond technical reforms, stronger compliance improves public health, environmental safety and access to clean water, especially in public institutions. These outcomes align with Sustainable Development Goal 6 and reinforce public trust in infrastructure. Ultimately, plumbing compliance is a social responsibility with implications for equity, urban sustainability and national development. Originality/value This study presents a unique application of compliance and institutional theories in the Ghanaian construction sector, offering valuable insights both theoretical and practical. It underscores the importance of integrating industry norms, training programmes and regulatory frameworks to achieve improved outcomes in public safety, health and a sustainable environment. These insights are relevant not only for Ghana but also for similar developing contexts.