chapter 2-codes of ethics

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Professional Ethics for Engineers

CHE400 2nd semester 2011/2012

Dr. Majdi Al-Mahasneh

Faculty of Engineering

Jordan University of Science and Technology

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Most of the material used in this presentation were obtained from Ethics in engineering (2004),by Martin and Schinzinger


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Chapter 2

Codes of Ethics

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Codes of Ethics

1-NSPE codes of ethics: Preamble

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Engineering is an important and learned profession.

As members of this profession, engineers are expected to

exhibit the highest standards of honesty and integrity.

Engineering has a direct and vital impact on the quality oflife for all people. Accordingly, the services provided by

engineers require honesty, fairness, and equity, and must

be dedicated to the protection of the public health,

safety, and welfare.

Engineers must perform under a standard of professional

behaviour that requires adherence to the highest

principles of ethical conduct.


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Codes of Ethics

2-: NSPE codes of ethics: Fundamental Canons

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1. Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public.

2. Perform services only in areas of their competence.

3. Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner.

4. Act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees.

5. Avoid deceptive acts.

6. Conduct themselves honourably, responsibly, ethically, and lawfullyso as to enhance the honour, reputation, and usefulness of theprofession.


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Codes of Ethics3-: Saudi council of engineers codes of ethics: Fundamental

Rules

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Codes of Ethics

4-: 8 Major roles of codes of ethics

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1. Serving and protecting the public

2. Guidance (supervision)

3. Inspiration (motivation)

4. Shared standards

5. Support for responsible professionals

6. Education and mutual understanding

7. Deterrence (prevention) and discipline

8. Contributing to the profession image


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Protect the status quo (to keep the things the way they

presently are) considered ethical conventionalism(conventional ethics)):

Codes (like laws) tend to lag behind innovation

Professional groups can create a set of standards for themselves

that are not open to criticism.

Restrict and/or stifle dissent (Oppress opposition)

Internal contradictions between tenets of a code:

A common problem with professional codes

Generality or vagueness of wording:

Cannot be drafted with a particular situation in mind

Limitations of codes of ethics


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Limitations of Codes

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Most codes are restricted to general wording

They are not universal codes !!!!


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Conflict of Interest

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Simply it is a situation in which there are (personal, family,private, etc) interests that diverge or in conflict with yourprofessional obligations that are based on yourexperience and expertise.

Some of the conflict of interest bad consequences1:

It increases the temptation for unethical conduct

It increases the unintentional bias

Some guidelines to manage conflict of interest1: Avoid and minimize conflicts

Disclose (reveal) your interests (rules of practice 4a)

1University f Alberta, Ethics training course.


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Conflict of InterestSome situations that may lead to conflict of interests:

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Bribes: Substantial amount of money or goods offered (usually in

secret) to have an unfair and unethical advantage

Gifts Are not bribes as long as they are:

Small

Offered in normal conduct

Made in public and according to the company policies

As a rule of thumb, Never ever accept/offer a gift that will

affect your professional ethical conduct.


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K. Conflict of InterestSome situations that may lead to conflict of interests:

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Interests in other companies You are looking for a position in a competitor company

You have financial interest in certain company (other than the

company you work for)

Working at night for a second company!!!!!

Insider information

Use inside information to set up a personal (yourself, family,

friend, etc) busniness.


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L. Ethical Dilemmas

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Ethical dilemmas happen when:

Moral reasons come to conflict

Application of moral values are unclear

Conflict of interest exist

etc.

Useful steps to solve dilemmas

Moral clarity (Remember codes of ethics)

Conceptual clarity

Informed about the facts

Informed about the options

Well-reasoned


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Moral Dilemmas

KickbacksAn Engineer demanded a 25% kickback (bribe, payment) in secret payments

for highway work contracts he issued. He made such an offer toEngineer x, a 32 year old civil engineer who was vice president of ayoung and struggling consulting firm greatly in need of the work.Engineer x discussed the offer with others in the firm, who told him itwas his decision to make. Finally Engineer x agreed to the deal, citing asa main reason his concern for getting sufficient work to retain hiscurrent employees. (Martin and Schinzinger, pg 14)

Does this violate the codes of ethics? How?


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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZT4bvafIaE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-ncBM11bqs&feature=fvwrel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3P2Rrz4OO4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZT4bvafIaE&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-ncBM11bqs&feature=fvwrelhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-ncBM11bqs&feature=fvwrelhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-ncBM11bqs&feature=fvwrelhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-ncBM11bqs&feature=fvwrelhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-ncBM11bqs&feature=fvwrelhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-ncBM11bqs&feature=fvwrelhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZT4bvafIaE&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZT4bvafIaE&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZT4bvafIaE&feature=related


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More Moral Dilemmas

Waste dumpingOn a midnight shift, a botched (inferior) solution of sodium cyanide, a

reactant in an organic synthesis, is temporarily stored in drums forreprocessing. Two weeks later, the day shift foreman cannot find the drums.Roy, the plant manager, finds out that the batch had been illegally dumpedinto the sanitary sewer. Upon making discrete inquiries, he finds out that

no apparent harm has resulted from the dumping. (Martin and Schinzinger,pg 32)

Should Roy inform government authorities, as is required by law in this kind ofsituation?


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More Moral Dilemmas

I have a wife and kids...Older engineers, in particular, find job security in competition with ethical

instinct. With considerable sympathy, I recall the dilemma of an older PE, inthe shadow of a comfortable retirement, who was confronted by a newgeneral manager of the plant in which he was employed as a facilityengineer. In consideration of plans for a plant expansion, the general

manager insisted that the PE reduce footings and structural steelspecifications below standards of good practice. The PE was told to choosebetween his job and his seal on the plans. Did he really have a choice?

(ref Martin and Schinzinger, pg 212)


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Summary

Where you draw the line is your choice

Corporate ethics begins with each person

You can be held personally and legally responsiblefor your professional actions

It is important to understand your companysattitude toward ethics - it should be a factor in

your choice of employer


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The Engineering Process

Concept

Engineering:

Design

Produce

Install Operate

Intended outcomes: User satisfaction

Company profits

Unintended outcomes

Corporate

context:

Time pressure

Cost pressureSecrecy

External context:

Uncertainty

Legal framework

Social impacts

Environmental impacts

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