ETHICAL
ENGINEER
Who Wants to Be an Ethical
Engineer?
• Divide into two teams
• Choose 4 contestants.
• Your team will vote if your contestant uses
the audience lifeline, so be ready.
• Take a few minutes to get to know each
other for the “phone a friend” lifeline.
• Each contestant will get three life lines (and
four questions): phone a friend, ask the
audience, and 50-50.
Scoring
• Incorrect answer = 0 points, but you do
not lose your previous points
First Candidate
50/50
First Candidate
Whistle blowing is best described as calling public
attention to
50/50
A
C
your own previous
unethical behavior.
secret illegal behavior by
your employer.
B
D
unethical behavior of
employees under your
control.
unethical or illegal behavior
in a government agency
you are monitoring as a
private individual.
Whistle blowing is best
described as calling public
attention to
• C secret illegal behavior by
your employer.
Engineers having knowledge of any alleged violation of this Code, following
a period of thirty days during which the violation is not corrected, shall report
thereon to appropriate professional bodies and, when relevant, also to public
authorities, and cooperate with the proper authorities in furnishing such
information or assistance as may be required.
50/50
A
True
B False
Engineers having knowledge of any alleged
violation of this Code, following a period of
thirty days during which the violation is not
corrected, shall report thereon to appropriate
professional bodies and, when relevant, also
to public authorities, and cooperate with the
proper authorities in furnishing such
information or assistance as may be required.
• B False
• All action must be taken immediately.
Which of the following is NOT a
characteristic of a profession?
50/50
A Specialized
knowledge
C Self-Regulation
B Responsibility to
the public
D High Salary
Which of the following is NOT a
characteristic of a profession?
D. High Salary
Which of the following is an
actual conflict of interest?
50/50
A. Serving on a codes-andstandards committee for
your own industry sector
B. Voting in a public election on
an environmental issue that
directly affects your business
C. Developing a site plan for a
highway construction project
in your own home
community
D. Accepting a coffee mug with
one of your suppliers'
business logo
Which of the following is an actual
conflict of interest?
C. Developing a site plan for a highway
construction project in your own home
community – create to enhance own
property value
Not A - balanced committee with industry and
academia
Not B – always okay to vote in public election
Not D – okay to accept if of insignificant value that a
reasonable person would not be unduly influenced
First Candidate
50/50
Next Candidate
Rebecca works for a company in its laboratory division. She is
required to keep accurate records of the results of her
experimental work. What is the first thing Rebecca should log
into her lab notebook?
50/50
A
her name
C the date and
time
B
her position
D her supervisor’s
name
Rebecca works for a company in its
laboratory division. She is required to
keep accurate records of the results of
her experimental work. What is the first
thing Rebecca should log into her lab
notebook?
• C Date and time
An engineering firm receives much of its revenue from community
construction projects. Which of the following activities would it
be ethical for the firm to participate in?
50/50
A Contribute to the
campaigns of local
politicians.
C Encourage employees to
volunteer in community
organizations.
B
Donate money to the
city council to help
finance the building of
a new city park.
D Rent billboards to
increase the company’s
name recognition.
An engineering firm receives much of its revenue
from community construction projects. Which of the
following activities would it be ethical for the firm to
participate in?
• C Encourage employees to volunteer in
community organizations.
• Not A or B - trying to gain politically favor;
money crosses line of influence
• Not D - billboards are controversial;
enhance Canon 6, reputation of profession
The principles for ethical practice of
engineering require the protection of all of the
following EXCEPT
50/50
A. health of the
public
C. welfare of the
public
B. safety of the
public
D. local and global
environment
The principles for ethical practice of engineering
require the protection of all of the following
EXCEPT
• D. local and global environment
You have met the standard for "competence" to
undertake a public works engineering project only
if…
50/50
A. you hold an appropriate
professional engineering
license in that discipline.
C. you hold a degree in that
engineering discipline.
B. the project outcome will
protect the safety,
health, and welfare of
the public.
D. you follow appropriate
codes and specifications.
You have met the standard for "competence"
to undertake a public works engineering
project only if…
• A. you hold an appropriate professional
engineering license in that discipline.
• Specifically states “public”
First Candidate
50/50
Next Candidate
Without your knowledge, an old classmate applies to the company you work for. Knowing that you
graduated from the same school, the director of engineering shows you the application and resume your
friend submitted and asks your opinion. It turns out that your friend has exaggerated his participation in
campus organizations, even claiming to have been an officer in an engineering society that you are sure he
was never in. However, you remember him as being a highly intelligent student and believe he could
really help the company. How should you handle this situation?
50/50
A
You should remove yourself from
the ethical dilemma by claiming
that you don’t remember enough
about the applicant to make an
informed decision.
C You should recommend that applicant,
but qualify your recommendation by
pointing out that you think he may have
exaggerated some details on his resume.
B
You should follow your instincts
and recommend the applicant.
Everyone pads their resumes.
D You should point out the
inconsistencies in the applicant’s
resume and recommend against
hiring him.
Without your knowledge, an old classmate applies to the
company you work for. Knowing that you recently graduated
from the same school, the director of engineering shows you
the application and resume your friend submitted and asks
your opinion. It turns out that your friend has exaggerated his
participation in campus organizations, even claiming to have
been an officer in an engineering society that you are sure he
was never in. On the other hand, you remember him as being
a highly intelligent student and believe that he could really
help the company. How should you handle this situation?
• C You should recommend the applicant,
but qualify your recommendation by
pointing out that you think he may have
exaggerated some details on his resume.
• Not A – deceptive act; not B or D – only
half of story violates Canon 4
Complete the following sentence: “A professional
engineer who took the licensing examination in
mechanical engineering…
50/50
A
may not design in electrical
engineering.”
C may design in EE if she feels
competent and the electrical
portion of the design is
insignificant and incidental to
the overall job.”
B
may design in EE if she
feels competent.”
D may design in EE if another
engineer checks the EE work.”
Complete the following sentence: “A professional
engineer who took the licensing examination in
mechanical engineering…”
• C may design in EE if she feels competent and
the electrical portion of the design is
insignificant and incidental to the overall job.”
• Satisfies criteria of competent, insignificant,
and incidental
A requirement for maintaining competence
to practice engineering is that you…
50/50
A. maintain membership in a
professional engineering
society.
C. read the monthly magazine
for your engineering
discipline.
B. take a continuing education
course for credit at least
once every two years.
D. maintain current
knowledge of your
discipline.
A requirement for maintaining
competence to practice engineering
is that you…
•
D. maintain current knowledge of
your discipline.
• Don’t forget professional
development
What is the direct result of ethical behavior?
I. Your reputation will be enhanced.
II. You will be rewarded economically.
III. You will feel good about yourself.
50/50
A
I only
C III only
B II and III
D None
What is the direct result of ethical
behavior?
I. Your reputation will be enhanced.
II. You will be rewarded economically.
III. You will feel good about yourself.
• D none
• No direct benefit to individual; ethics only
guarantees protection of health, safety, and
welfare of public
First Candidate
50/50
Next Candidate
While supervising a construction project in a developing country, an engineer discovers that his
client’s project manager is treating laborers in an unsafe and inhumane (but legal for that
country) manner. When he protests, the engineer is told by company executives that the
company has no choice in the matter if it wishes to remain competitive in the region, and he
should just accept this as the way things are. What would ethics require the engineer to do?
50/50
A
Take no action – the
company is acting in a
perfectly legal
manner.
C Report the company to
proper authorities for its
human rights abuses.
B
Withdraw from the
project, returning any
fees he may already
have received.
D Assist the laborers in
organizing a strike to
obtain better working
conditions.
While supervising a construction project in a
developing country, an engineer discovers that
his client’s project manager is treating laborers
in an unsafe and inhumane (but legal for that
country) manner. When he protests, the
engineer is told by company executives that the
company has no choice in the matter if it
wishes to remain competitive in the region, and
he should just accept his as the way things are.
What would ethics require the engineer to do?
•B
Withdraw from the project, returning any fees he
may already have received.
• Not A – must always do something; not C – no one
to report to because legal; not D – violates Canon 4
Ethical behavior is invariant with respect to
I. time.
II. location.
III. culture.
50/50
A
I only
C II and III
B II only
D none
Ethical behavior is invariant with
respect to
I. time.
II. location.
III. culture.
• D none
• Ethics can change respect to all
Complete the following sentence: “It is generally considered
unethical to moonlight as a consulting engineer while you are
working for your primary employer because…
50/50
A you shouldn’t be in
competition with your
primary employer for
clients.”
C you might be tempted
to use proprietary
information from your
current employer.”
B you can’t do a good job for
your primary employer if
you come into work in the
morning tired.”
D ‘double dipping’ (i.e.,
drawing two paychecks) is
unfair to the other
engineers in the
company.”
Complete the following sentence: “It is
generally considered unethical to moonlight
as a consulting engineer while you are
working for your primary employer
because…
• B too tired. In U.S. work day is eight hours and
work week is 40 hours; working in excess of that
is too fatiguing violates Canon 4, being a faithful
agent to employer
• Choice D is irrelevant as money does not cross
line of influence. A and C are true for legal issues
but are not the reason moonlighting is discouraged
by the ethical code.
What does NSPE stand for?
50/50
A
C
National Society of
Programming
Engineers
National Society of
Professional Engineers
B
National Society for
Professors of
Engineering
D National Society for
Practicing Engineers
What does NSPE stand for?
• C National Society of Professional
Engineers
First Candidate
50/50
Next Candidate
Complete the following sentence: “If you check the
calculations for a licensed (registered) friend who has gone
into a consulting engineering business for him/herself…
50/50
A
you should be paid for
your work.”
C you do not need to be
licensed or registered
yourself.”
B
your friend’s client
should be told of your
involvement.”
D your friend assumes all
the liability for your work.”
Complete the following sentence: “If you
check the calculations for a licensed
(registered) friend who has gone into a
consulting engineering business for
him/herself…
B your friend’s client should be told of your
involvement.”
Not A - $ not over line of influence
Not C or D – true but legal issues
Engineers are hired individually; must get
permission from client to share
Which of the following can override your ethical
requirement to perform a thorough analysis and check of the
work for your client?
50/50
A
time constraints
C legal constraints,
including subpoenas
and judicial orders.
B
budgetary constrains
D other ethical
obligations.
Which of the following can override
your ethical requirement to perform a
thorough analysis and check of the work
for your client?
• D other ethical obligations
• Only ethics can override ethics; it does that
is why hierarchical order of Canons
What is the material that the U.S. uses to
make the Order of the Engineer ring?
50/50
A
C
iron
Stainless steel
B
Carbon steel
D
silver
What is the material that the
U.S. uses to make the Order of
the Engineer ring?
• C Stainless Steel
• Iron is in Canada.
You are working on the toll plaza construction phase of the Grand Harbor Tunnel project.
You notice that the concrete being poured by Acme Construction for the tunnel roadway
seems thin. Because of your previous work in a cement factory, your curiosity causes you to
look more closely at the wet concrete. Your practiced eye tells you that the concrete has too
much cheap aggregate and sand in it, and not enough cement. Under the ethics code, your
proper course of action is:
50/50
A. Do nothing --- it's not
part of your job.
C. Report your concerns
to the local
newspaper.
B. Bring your concerns to
your supervisor.
D. Call the inspector.
You are working on the toll plaza construction phase
of the Grand Harbor Tunnel project. You notice that
the concrete being poured by Acme Construction for
the tunnel roadway seems thin. Because of your
previous work in a cement factory, your curiosity
causes you to look more closely at the wet concrete.
Your practiced eye tells you that the concrete has too
much cheap aggregate and sand in it, and not enough
cement. Under the ethics code, your proper course of
action is:
B. Bring your concerns to your supervisor.
Not A – must take action; C and D skip step; use Canon
4 first, then if no action, go to Canon 1 and could do
C or D
First Candidate
50/50
Next Candidate
A local engineering professor acts as technical advisor for the city council in
town. A few weeks before the council is scheduled to award a large
construction contract, the professor is approached by one of the competing
companies and offered a consulting position. Under what circumstances would
it be ethical to accept the job?
50/50
A
Both the company and
the council must know
about and approve of the
arrangement.
C The professor must not
participate in any
discussions concerning the
project for which the
company is competing.
B
The professor should
arrange not to begin
work until after the
council’s vote.
D The professor may
accept the job if the
advisory position to the
council is on a volunteer
basis.
A local engineering professor acts as technical
advisor for the city council in town. A few weeks
before the council is scheduled to award a large
construction contract, the professor is approached by
one of he competing companies and offered a
consulting position. Under what circumstances
would it be ethical to accept the job?
C The professor must not participate in any discussions
concerning the project for which the company is
competing.
Not A – conflict of interest is internal and external; even if
resolved internally, still perception
Not B or D – conflict of interest can be initiated on
commitment
Which of the following terms in not related to ethics?
50/50
A
integrity
C morality
B honesty
D profitability
Which of the following terms in not related to
ethics?
D profitability
You have raised your concern to your supervisors, and you are told that is
none of your business and that you should get back to work. Furthermore, you
are reminded that you are an "at will" employee and could easily be replaced if
you cause trouble. Which Canon applies in this situation?
50/50
A
C
6
2
B
4
D
1
You have raised your concern to your supervisors
and you are told that is none of your business and
that you should get back to work. Furthermore, you
are reminded that you are an "at will" employee and
could easily be replaced if you cause trouble. Which
Canon applies in this situation?
• D 1
• Start with Canon 4; we were faithful agents;
company is not going to address concern;
move up to Canon 1 where that is our
decision making Canon.
Which one of the following forms of
advertising is ethical?
50/50
A. Running a full-page ad in the
Yellow Pages claiming you are a
"Jack-of-All-Trades" Engineer.
C. Printing and distributing notepads
to clients and potential clients
with the name, address, and
phone number of your company
printed at the bottom of each
page.
B. Printing and distributing wall
calendars to clients and potential
clients with pictures of major
achievements of engineering,
such as the space shuttle, Hoover
Dam, and Brooklyn Bridge,
including the name and address
of your company on each page.
D. Running an ad in the Yellow Pages
stating your engineering services
are the cheapest yet the best.
Which one of the following forms of
advertising is ethical?
C. Printing and distributing wall calendars to
clients and potential clients with the name,
address and phone number of your company
printed at the bottom of each page.
Not A – discipline specific; not B – looks like
taking credit; not D – stating best implies
colleagues not best violates Canon 6,
enhancing reputation of profession
First Candidate
50/50
Next Candidate
You are a registered engineer working for a large design and construction firm. You would like
to be more independent, so you decide to practice your entrepreneurial spirit by taking on very
small design contracts on your own, working evenings and weekends to meet the contracts. You
inform your supervisor of your activity, but your firm would not consider bidding on these small
contracts as they would be more bother than they are worth. Is this a conflict of interest
situation?
50/50
A
Yes
B
No
You are a registered engineer working for a large design and
construction firm. You would like to be more independent, so
you decide to practice your entrepreneurial spirit by taking on
very small design contracts on your own, working evenings
and weekends to meet the contracts. You inform your
supervisor of your activity, but your firm would not consider
bidding on these small contracts as they would be more
bother than they are worth. Is this a conflict of interest
situation?
• A Yes
Consider the scenario in the previous question.
Which Canon applies in this situation?
50/50
A
C
2
4
B
D
3
5
Consider the scenario in the previous
question. Which Canon applies in
this situation?
C 4
Going back to the scenario, even though conflict of interest
resolved internally, not externally. Canon 4 because too
tired
You are presenting the experimental work of a multidisciplinary biomedical research
team at an engineering conference. One of your colleagues, Jim, has just completed
mathematical modeling of the experimental data two days prior to the presentation
and has agreed to let you use the results. Jim's name is not on the paper because the
abstract and paper were completed two months prior to the conference. What is the
most appropriate way to recognize his contribution?
50/50
A. There is no need to
recognize Jim's
contribution because the
abstract and paper were
completed two months
prior to the conference.
C. Mention in your talk
that the mathematical
modeling was carried out
by Jim.
B. There is no need to
recognize Jim's
contribution because he
has agreed to let you use
his work.
D. Add the statement
"mathematical modeling
by Jim" in the slide.
You are presenting the experimental work of a
multidisciplinary biomedical research team at an engineering
conference. One of your colleagues, Jim, has just completed
mathematical modeling of the experimental data two days
prior to the presentation and has agreed to let you use the
results. Jim's name is not on the paper because the abstract
and paper were completed two months prior to the
conference. What is the most appropriate way to recognize
his contribution?
• D. Add the statement "mathematical
modeling by Jim" in the slide.
• Must recognize; better to be written
documentation
You serve on the board of XYZ Construction Company, which is planning a
development in your town. The development has attracted criticism from
citizens who called a meeting to organize opposition. You attended the
meeting and spoke in favor of the development. Which one of the following
options is most consistent with professional ethical principles?
50/50
A. Speak without identifying your
affiliation with XYZ because
your support is based solely
on the merit of the project.
C. Preface your statement by
identifying yourself as an
engineer whose opinion is
supported by engineering
analysis, but without identifying
your affiliation with XYZ.
B. Speak without identifying your
affiliation with XYZ because
you have as much right as
anyone in your town to voice
your opinion.
D. Preface your statement by
identifying your affiliation
with XYZ also stating you are
exercising your right as a
citizen.
You serve on the board of XYZ Construction
Company, which is planning a development in your
town. The development has attracted criticism from
citizens who called a meeting to organize opposition.
You attended the meeting and spoke in favor of the
development. Which one of the following options is
most consistent with professional ethical principles?
• D. Preface your statement by identifying
your affiliation with XYZ, also stating you
are exercising your right as a citizen.
• Must fully disclose
First Candidate
50/50
Next Candidate
Engineers shall acknowledge their errors
after consulting with their employer or client.
50/50
A
True
B
False
Engineers shall acknowledge
their errors after consulting with
their employer or client.
• B False
• “after” – all action must be taken
immediately
Engineers shall not solicit or accept a contract from a
governmental body on which a principal or officer of their
organization serves as a member.
50/50
A
True
B False
Engineers shall not solicit or
accept a contract from a
governmental body on which a
principal or officer of their
organization serves as a member.
• A True
You are an engineer in charge of receiving bids for an upcoming project. One of
the contractors bidding the job is your former employer. The former employer laid
you off in a move to cut costs. Which of the following should you do?
I. say nothing
II. inform your present employer of the situation
III. remain objective when reviewing the bids
50/50
A
III only
B I and III
C II and III
D II only
You are an engineer in charge of receiving bids for
an upcoming project. One of the contractors bidding
the job is your former employer. The former
employer laid you off in a move to cut costs. Which
of the following should you do?
I. say nothing
II. inform your present employer of the situation
III. remain objective when reviewing the bids
• C II and III
Ethics requires you to take into consideration the effects of your behavior on
which group(s) of people?
I. your employer
II. the nonprofessionals in society.
III. other professionals
50/50
A
II only
C II and III
B
I and II
D I, II, and
III
Ethics requires you to take into consideration the effects of
your behavior on which group(s) of people?
I. your employer
II. the nonprofessionals in society.
III. other professionals
• D I, II, and III
• Everyone must be considered.