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What Is The Code of Ethics

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24 views

What Is The Code of Ethics

Uploaded by

phandongnghi1810
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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1. What is the Code of Ethics?

Definition 1:
Codes of ethics state the moral responsibilities of engineers as seen by the profession and as
represented by a professional soci- ety. Because they express the profession's collective
commitment to ethics, codes are enormously important, not only in stressing engineers'
responsibilities but also in supporting the freedom needed to meet them.
Codes of ethics play at least eight essential roles: serving and protecting the public, providing
guidance, offering inspiration, establishing shared standards, supporting responsible profes-
sionals, contributing ot education, deterring wrongdoing, and strengthening a profession's image.
Definition 2:

Primarily, a code of ethics provides a framework for ethical judgment for a profes- sional. The
key word here is “framework.” No code can be totally comprehensive and cover all possible
ethical situations that a professional engineer is likely to encounter. Rather, codes serve as a
starting point for ethical decision making. A code can also express the commitment to ethical
conduct shared by members of a profession. It is important to note that ethical codes do not
establish new ethical principles. They simply reiterate principles and standards that are already
accepted as responsible engineering practice. A code expresses these principles in a coher- ent,
comprehensive, and accessible manner. Finally, a code defines the roles and responsibilities of
professionals [Harris, Pritchard, and Rabins, 2000].

It is important also to look at what a code of ethics is not. It is not a recipe for ethical behavior;
as previously stated, it is only a framework for arriving at good ethical choices. A code of ethics
is never a substitute for sound judgment. A code of ethics is not a legal document. One can’t be
arrested for violating its provisions, although expulsion from the professional society might
result from code violations. As mentioned in the previous section, with the current state of
engineering socie- ties, expulsion from an engineering society generally will not result in an
inability to practice engineering, so there are not necessarily any direct consequences of violat-
ing engineering ethical codes. Finally, a code of ethics doesn’t create new moral or ethical
principles. As described in the previous chapter, these principles are well established in society,
and foundations of our ethical and moral principles go back many centuries. Rather, a code of
ethics spells out the ways in which moral and ethical principles apply to professional practice.
Put another way, a code helps the engineer to apply moral principles to the unique situations
encountered in profes- sional practice.

How does a code of ethics achieve these goals? First, a code of ethics helps create an
environment within a profession where ethical behavior is the norm. It also serves as a guide or
reminder of how to act in specific situations. A code of ethics can also be used to bolster an
individual’s position with regard to a certain activity: The code provides a little backup for an
individual who is being pressured by a superior to behave unethically. A code of ethics can also
bolster the individual’s position by indi- cating that there is a collective sense of correct
behavior; there is strength in num- bers. Finally, a code of ethics can indicate to others that the
profession is seriously concerned about responsible, professional conduct [Harris, Pritchard, and
Rabins, 2000]. A code of ethics, however, should not be used as “window dressing,” an attempt
by an organization to appear to be committed to ethical behavior when it really is not.

2. How many IEEE Code of Ethics are there? What are they?
There are 10 rules of IEEE Code of Ethics

1.To 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.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.

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.

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 and to not engage in acts of discrimination based on race, religion,
gender, disability, age, or national origin.

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.

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