1. Concepts of Engineering and Technology
Ethics in the Engineering Workplace
Society and Ethics
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Introduction
In this lesson we will explore “Ethics in the Engineering Workplace”. We understand the Code of Ethics for Engineers.
We will learn about the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) and National Institute for Engineering Ethics (NIEE).
We will conclude our lesson with the Gilbane Gold Engineering Ethics Case Study.
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3. Technical Terms & Definitions
The terms and definitions listed below are discussed in this lesson. Please review before proceeding with this lesson.
Terms
Definitions
Ethics
Standards, rules or guidelines for morally or socially approved conduct such as being honest or trustworthy or acting in the best interest of a society.
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4. Technical Terms & Definitions
The terms and definitions listed below are discussed in this lesson. Please review before proceeding with this lesson.
Terms
Definitions
Obligations
Requirements arising from a person’s situation or circumstances (e.g., relationships, knowledge, position) that specify what must or must not be done for moral, legal, religious, or institutional reasons.
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5. Technical Terms & Definitions
The terms and definitions listed below are discussed in this lesson. Please review before proceeding with this lesson.
Terms
Definitions
Software Piracy
The illegal copying, distribution or use of software. Types of software piracy, for example, include: 1) purchasing a single user license and loading it onto multiple computers or a server.
Whistle Blowing
When a person raises a concern about wrongdoing occurring in an organization or body of people.
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What is Ethics?
Ethics is concerned with standards, rules or guidelines for morally or socially approved conduct, such as being honest or trustworthy or acting in the best interest of a society.
Ethics. It’s not an easy word to define. Almost everyone wants to live an ethical life, but knowing what that means is not as simple as it sounds!
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What’s Ethical?
Not all standards or values are ethical standards.
For example, personal preferences and values, such as individual choices of food or clothing, are not important enough to qualify as ethical values or choices.
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What’s Ethical?
Ethical standards apply only to conduct which has some significant effect on people’s lives.
For example, if an engineer used a substandard grade of steel in the construction of a bridge, he or she would definitely have violated ethical standards because of the potential safety hazards to society.
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9. Everyday Personal Ethics Examples
Copying of Videos or CDs
Plagiarism
Software Piracy
Copying homework or tests
“Borrowing” school supplies from friends and teachers and never returning them
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Ethics Discussion 1
A person’s behavior is always ethical when he or she:
Does what is best for oneself
Has good intentions no matter how things turn out
Does what is best for everyone
Does what is most profitable
Answer C
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Engineers and Ethics
Engineers are expected to have technical expertise and to exhibit professionalism. They are also expected by society and their profession to maintain high standards of ethical conduct in their professional lives.
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12. What is Engineering Ethics?
Code of Ethics for Engineers (excerpt of NSPE*)
I. Fundamental Canons
Engineers, in the fulfillment of their professional duties, shall:
Hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public in the performance of their professional duties
Perform services only in areas of their competence
Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner
Act in professional matters for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees
Avoid deceptive acts in the solicitation of professional employment
(Reference. Martin and Schinzinger,
*National Society of Professional Engineers)
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13. Engineering Ethics Discussion 1
Engineers should follow their professional ethics code because:
It helps them avoid legal problems, such as getting sued
It provides a clear definition of what the public has a right to expect from responsible engineers
It raises the image of the profession and, hence, gets engineers more pay
The public will trust engineers more once they know engineers have an ethics code
Answer B
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14. Engineering Ethics Discussion 2
Engineers should act ethically because:
If they do not, they risk getting demoted or fired
The boss wants them to
It feels good
That is the way responsible engineers behave
Answer D
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15. Engineering Ethics Discussion 3
The first and foremost obligation of registered professional engineers is to:
The public welfare
Their employer
The government
The engineering profession
Answer A
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16. Engineering Ethics Discussion 4
Registered professional engineers should undertake services for clients only when:
They really need the fees
Their own bid is the lowest one
They are fully technically competent to carry out the services
Carrying out the services wouldn’t involve excessive time or effort
Answer C
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17. Ethical Issues are Seldom Black and White
Engineers are obligated to society, employers, clients, and other engineers to design risk-free technologies.
Engineers are faced with conflicting demands: loyalty to company and colleagues, concern for public welfare, personal gain and ambition.
Ethical standards are usually relative and personal, there is seldom an absolute standard.
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18. National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
Is the only engineering society that represents individual engineering professionals and licensed engineers (PEs) across all disciplines.
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19. National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
Founded in 1934, NSPE strengthens the engineering profession by promoting engineering licensure and ethics, enhancing the engineer image, advocating and protecting PEs’ legal rights at national and state levels, publishing news of the profession, providing continuing education opportunities and more.
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20. National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
NSPE serves some 60,000 members and the public through 53 state and territorial societies and more than 500 chapters.
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21. National Institute for Engineering Ethics (NIEE)
Is an official component of the Murdough Center for Engineering Professionalism in the College of Engineering at Texas Tech University.
NIEE was initially created by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE), in 1988, and became an independent organization in 1995.
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Summary
Where you draw the line is your choice.
Engineering ethics begins with each engineer.
Engineers may be held personally and legally responsible for their professional actions.
It is important to understand your company’s attitude toward ethics - it should be a factor in your choice of employer.
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