Concepts of Engineering
and Technology
Ethics in the Engineering
Workplace
Society and Ethics
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Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
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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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.
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Technical Terms & Definitions
The terms and definitions listed below are discussed in
this lesson. Please review before proceeding with this
lesson.
Terms
Ethics
Definitions
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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Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
Technical Terms & Definitions
The terms and definitions listed below are discussed in
this lesson. Please review before proceeding with this
lesson.
Terms
Obligations
Definitions
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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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. 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 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.
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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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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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What’s Ethical?
Class Discussion on
Ethics
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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
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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
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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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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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What is Engineering Ethics?
Class Discussion on
Engineering Ethics
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Engineering Ethics Discussion 1
 Engineers should follow their
professional ethics code because:
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
a.
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Answer:
Engineering Ethics Discussion 1
 Engineers should follow their
professional ethics code because:
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
a.
Answer b is correct
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Engineering Ethics Discussion 2
 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
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Answer:
Engineering Ethics Discussion 2
 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
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Engineering Ethics Discussion 3
 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
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Answer:
Engineering Ethics Discussion 3
 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
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Engineering Ethics Discussion 4
 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
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Answer:
Engineering Ethics Discussion 4
 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
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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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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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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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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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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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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.
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
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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
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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
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