Concepts of Engg and Tech - Ethics in the Engineering Workplace_13.pptx

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.

Technical Communication
> 130.362.4 The student describes the factors that affect the progression
of technology and the potential intended and unintended consequences
of technological advances.
> (A) Describe how technology has affected individuals, societies,
cultures, economies, and environments.

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.

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.

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.

What is Ethics?
> 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!
> 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.

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.
> 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.

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.

Class Discussion on
Ethics

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: Ethics Discussion 1
A person’s behavior is always ethical when he or she:
a. Does what is best for oneself.
b. Has good intentions no matter how things turn out.
c. Does what is best for everyone.
d. Does what is most profitable.
Answer c is correct

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.

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)

Class Discussion on
Engineering Ethics

Engineering Ethics Discussion 1
Engineers should follow their professional ethics code because:
a. It helps them avoid legal problems, such as getting sued.
b. It provides a clear definition of what the public has a right to expect
from responsible engineers.
c. It raises the image of the profession and, hence, gets engineers more
pay.
d. The public will trust engineers more once they know engineers have
an ethics code.

Answer: Engineering Ethics Discussion 1
Engineers should follow their professional ethics code because:
a. It helps them avoid legal problems, such as getting sued.
b. It provides a clear definition of what the public has a right to expect
from responsible engineers.
c. It raises the image of the profession and, hence, gets engineers more pay.
d. The public will trust engineers more once they know engineers have an
ethics code.
Answer b is correct

Engineers should act ethically because:
a. If they do not, they risk getting demoted or fired.
b. The boss wants them to.
c. It feels good.
d. That is the way responsible engineers behave.

Engineers should act ethically because:
a. If they do not, they risk getting demoted or fired.
b. The boss wants them to.
c. It feels good.
d. That is the way responsible engineers behave.
Answer d is correct

The first and foremost obligation of registered professional
engineers is to:
a. The public welfare.
b. Their employer.
c. The government.
d. The engineering profession.

The first and foremost obligation of registered professional
engineers is to:
a. The public welfare.
b. Their employer.
c. The government.
d. The engineering profession.
Answer a is correct

Registered professional engineers should undertake services for
clients only when:
a. They really need the fees.
b. Their own bid is the lowest one.
c. They are fully technically competent to carry out the services.
d. Carrying out the services wouldn’t involve excessive time or effort.

Registered professional engineers should undertake services for
clients only when:
a. They really need the fees.
b. Their own bid is the lowest one.
c. They are fully technically competent to carry out the services.
d. Carrying out the services wouldn’t involve excessive time or effort.
Answer c is correct

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.

National Society of Professional Engineers
(NSPE)
Is the only engineering society that represents individual engineering
professionals and licensed engineers (PEs) across all disciplines.

(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.

(NSPE)
NSPE serves some 60,000 members and the public through 53 state and
territorial societies and more than 500 chapters.

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.

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.

Assignment: Engineering Ethics Case Study
> Students will review the Gilbane Gold PowerPoint - An Ethics Story
Focusing on Responsibilities of Engineers.
> Students will either watch the video or may act out the roles of the
Gilbane Gold Script.
> Students will complete the Gilbane Gold assignment worksheet.
> Students may also read the Gilbane Gold Study Guide.

References
> Gomez, Oakes, Leone. (2006). Engineering Your Future. Second Edition.
Wildwood, MO: Great Lakes Press, Inc.
> National Institute for ENGINEERING ETHICS (NIEE)
“Gilbane Gold: A Case Study in Engineering Ethics" - 1989 (23 min.)
> National Institute for Engineering Ethics
Texas Tech University
Box 41023
Lubbock , TX 79409-1023
Phone: 806-742-3525 (3521) / Fax: 806-742-0444

References
> National Society of Professional Engineers
http://www.nspe.org
> Online Ethics Center for Engineering and Research Teaching Tools
http://www.onlineethics.org/Resources/TeachingTools.aspx

Concepts of Engg and Tech - Ethics in the Engineering Workplace_13.pptx

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