Engineering Ethics

Engineering EthicsCEE100Engineering ethicsEngineering Ethics is the study of moral issues and decisions confronting individuals and organizations engaged in engineering.The Study of related questions about moral ideals, character, policies and relationship of people and corporations involved in technological activity.Engineering ethicsTeaching engineering ethics can achieve at least four desirable outcomes: a) increased ethical sensitivity; b) increased knowledge of relevant standards of conduct; c) improved ethical judgment; and d) improved ethical will-power (i.e., a greater ability to act ethically when one wants to).

Examples of Engineering Codes of EthicsAccreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)Board of Accreditation of Engineering and Technology Education (BAETE)

ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) Code of EthicsThe Fundamental Principles

Engineers uphold and advance the integrity, honor, and dignity of the engineering profession by:

I. using their knowledge and skill for the enhancement of human welfare;

II. being honest and impartial, and serving with fidelity the public, their employers, and their clients;

III. striving to increase the competence and prestige of the engineering profession; and,

IV. supporting the professional and technical societies of their disciplines.

ABET Code of Ethics of EngineersThe Fundamental Canons

1. Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public in the performance of their professional duties. 2. Engineers shall perform services only in the areas of their competence. 3. Engineers shall issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner. 4. Engineers shall act in professional matters for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees, and shall avoid conflicts of interest. 5. Engineers shall build their professional reputation on the merit of their services and shall not compete unfairly with others. 6. Engineers shall act in such a manner as to uphold and enhance the honor, integrity, and dignity of the profession. 7. Engineers shall continue their professional development throughout their careers and shall provide opportunities for the professional development of those engineers under their supervision.Ethics in ABET Program OutcomesEngineering programs must demonstrate that their graduates haveAbility to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, engineeringAbility to design and conduct expts, analyze and interpret dataAbility to design system, component, or processAbility to function on multidisciplinary teamsAbility to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problemsAn understanding of professional and ethical responsibilityAbility to communicate effectivelyBroad education necessary to understand engineering impact in a global and societal contextRecognition of need for and ability to engage in life-long learningKnowledge of contemporary issuesAbility to use techniques, skills and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practiceEngineering Ethical Education Issues to be ConsideredEthical implications of public policy relevant to engineering: Sustainable development Risk to people and environment, product liability Ethical treatment of the otherInformation technology Culturally embedded engineering practice (institutional and political aspects of engineering, such as contracting, regulation, and technology transfer)Macroethical issues (e.g., overconsumption)

Sustainable DevelopmentThe guiding principle of sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meettheir own needs. Sustainable development recognizes the interdependence of environmental, social and economic systems and promotes equality and justice through people empowerment and a sense of global citizenship.Whilst we cannot be sure what the future may bring, a preferable future is a more sustainable one.

Code of EthicsThe main objectives of the engineering code of ethics are to (i) protect the public, (ii) protect and further develop the profession.Code of EthicsEngineering Ethics does not have a single uniform system, or standard, of ethical conduct across the entire professionNational Society of Professional Engineers(NSPE)American Institute of Chemical Engineers(AIChE)American Society of Civil Engineers(ASCE)American Society of Mechanical Engineers(ASME)Society of Manufacturing Engineers(SME)IEEE code of ethics (IEEE)AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERS Code of Professional EthicsFundamental PrinciplesEngineers uphold and advance the integrity, honor and dignity of the engineering profession by:using their knowledge and skill for the enhancement of human welfare and the environment; being honest and impartial and serving with fidelity the public, their employers and clients; striving to increase the competence and prestige of the engineering profession; and supporting the professional and technical societies of their disciplines. 12Ethical Environments:Employee due processObjective grievance procedureSafety and health measures to protect employeesHiring practices; promotion practices etc

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERS Code of Professional EthicsFundamental CanonsEngineers shall hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public and shall strive to comply with the principles of sustainable development in the performance of their professional duties. Engineers shall perform services only in areas of their competence. Engineers shall issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner. Engineers shall act in professional matters for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees, and shall avoid conflicts of interest. 13Ethical Environments:Employee due processObjective grievance procedureSafety and health measures to protect employeesHiring practices; promotion practices etc

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CIVIL ENGINEERS Code of Professional EthicsEngineers shall build their professional reputation on the merit of their services and shall not compete unfairly with others. Engineers shall act in such a manner as to uphold and enhance the honor, integrity, and dignity of the engineering profession and shall act with zero-tolerance for bribery, fraud, and corruption. Engineers shall continue their professional development throughout their careers, and shall provide opportunities for the professional development of those engineers under their supervision. 14Ethical Environments:Employee due processObjective grievance procedureSafety and health measures to protect employeesHiring practices; promotion practices etc

1. Safety, health and welfare of the publicto accept responsibility in making decisions consistent with the safety, health and welfare of the public, and to disclose promptly factors that might endanger the public or the environment;2. Conflicts of interest to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest whenever possible, and to disclose them to affected parties when they do exist;3. Honest and realistic on claims to be honest and realistic in stating claims or estimates based on available data;4. Reject bribery to reject bribery in all its forms;5. Improve understanding of technologyto improve the understanding of technology, its appropriate application, and potential consequences;6. Technical competence to maintain and improve our technical competence and to undertake technological tasks for others only if qualified by training or experience, or after full disclosure of pertinent limitations;7. Honesty in criticism and creditto seek, accept, and offer honest criticism of technical work, to acknowledge and correct errors, and to credit properly the contributions of others;8. Fairto treat fairly all persons regardless of such factors as race, religion, gender, disability, age, or national origin;9. Truthful to avoid injuring others, their property, reputation, or employment by false or malicious action;10. Supportiveto assist colleagues and co-workers in their professional development and to support them in following this code of ethics.Ethical Aspects of Engineering Practiceto the Public:Public Safety and Welfare Expert Information on Public Issues;Whistle-blowingVolunteeringto the Client: Disclosure of Design Errors Confidentiality Adherence to Codes Monitoring of Sub-Contractorsto the Profession: Recruiting/Service the Public Institutions for the public good; Participation in Professional SocietiesConflict of Interest: Occurs whenever an engineer is in a position to make a decisionthat can result in his/her personal gain. Disclosure of Potential Conflict of Interest; Competition with Former Employer Employers Related Private Consultation After Public EmploymentFair Trade Practices: Intellectual Property Rights Criticism of Competitors Competence Inflated Claims in Advertising Shared Credit Maintaining Professional Standards Letters of Recommendation Signing off on Drawing