Engineering Ethics

-------------------------- ENGR 300

Dept. of Computer Science and EngineeringUniversity of Bridgeport, CT 06601

Coverage

Ethics -- Everyday Life Professional Ethics -- Why Codes of Ethics “Ethics Check” Questions The Five P’s Case Study -- The Christmas Gift Case Study -- Rigging the Bidding Ethics Summary

Ethics -- Everyday Life

Principles to guide actions “what is good and bad or right and wrong or

with moral duty and obligation” (Web.3rd.Intl.)

Major religions, humanistic principles

Professional Ethics -- Why?

Professional societies generally Example:

IEEE Code

of Ethics

Professional Ethics -- IEEE Code

1. To accept responsibility in making engineering decisions consistent with the safety, health, and welfare of the public, and to disclose promptly factors that might endanger the public or the environment.

Professional Ethics -- IEEE Code

2. To avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest whenever possible, and to disclose them to affected parties when they do exist.

3. To be honest and realistic in stating claims or estimates based on available data.

4. To reject bribery in all its forms.

Professional Ethics -- IEEE Code

5. To improve the understanding of technology, its appropriate application, and potential consequences.

6. 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.

Professional Ethics -- IEEE Code

7. To seek, accept, and offer honest criticism of technical work, to acknowledge and correct errors, and to credit properly the contributions of others.

8. To treat fairly all persons regardless of such factors as race, religion, gender, disability, age, or national origin.

Professional Ethics -- IEEE Code

9. To avoid injuring others, their property, reputation, or employment by false or malicious action.

10. To assist colleagues and co-workers in their professional development and to support them in following this code of ethics.

“Ethics Check” Questions

Blanchard & Peale, “The Power of Ethical Management”:

1. Is it legal? Will I be violating either civil law or company policy?

2. Is it balanced? Is it fair to all concerned in the short term as well as the long term? Does it promote win-win relationships?

“Ethics Check” Questions

3. How will it make me feel about myself?

Will it make me proud?

Would I feel good if my decision were published in the newspaper?

Would I feel good if my family knew about it?

The Five P’s

(Blanchard & Peale, in Fogler & LeBlanc): Purpose:

What is the objective for which you are striving?

Are you comfortable with that as your purpose?

Does your purpose hold up when you look at yourself in the mirror?

The Five P’s

Pride:

Can you take pride in the solution you have developed?

Is there any false pride or self-doubt involved?

The Five P’s

Patience:

Have you taken the time to think through all the ramifications of your solution?

The Five P’s

Persistence:

Are you sticking to your guns and not being dissuaded by other demands?

Have you given up too soon on finding a solution that is fair and balanced to all concerned?

The Five P’s

Perspective (the “hub”):

Have you taken the time to focus inside yourself to be sure everything fits with your ideals and beliefs?

How does the solution fit into the ‘Big Picture’?

The Christmas Gift

(Fogler & LeBlanc) Tom can influence selection of suppliers.

He typically receives from ballpoint to bottle of liquor at Christmas.

This time one supplier sends expensive briefcase, name-stamped.

The Christmas Gift (cont.)

What to do?:– Keep the case, don’t let influence– Keep the case, as otherwise embarrassing– Return the case– Other ...

Rigging the Bidding

(Fogler & LeBlanc): Jill designs for a large company and needs a

certain piece of equipment. The equipment from Company A is widely sold, but Jill has heard that it’s no good. She knows that the equipment from Company B is good though much more expensive. Her company uses competitive bids to decide. Should she insert unnecessary specifications that exclude A?

Rigging the Bidding

The questions:

– Is Jill being ethical in using false specifications to circumvent company policy, even if she believes it is in the company’s best interests?

– Would you do the same if you were in Jill’s position?

Ethics -- Summary

Ethics problems are where you can lose:– Your job– Your career– Your reputation– Friendship– (or self esteem!)

Ethics -- Summary

Ethics Codes:

– Help guide behavior

– Help determine attitudes

– Help determine legality