Chap2 .

Code of Ethics
• A written set of guidelines issued by an
organization to its workers and management to help
them conduct their actions in accordance with its
primary values and ethical standards.
• A code of ethics document may outline the mission
and values of the business or organization, how
professionals are supposed to approach problems,
the ethical principles based on the organization's
core values and the standards to which the
professional is held
• It’s an aspect of professional societies and it
expresses the rights, duties and responsibilities of a
member in these societies. - These codes are not
limited to professional organization, it can also be
found in corporations and universities as well.
• provides a framework for ethical judgment.
• no code can cover all possible ethical situations that
professional engineer will face in his/her career.
Rather it serves as starting point for ethical decision
making.
• defines the roles and responsibilities of professionals.
• it doesn’t create a new ethical principles, they simply
repeat principles that are already accepted as
responsible engineering practice.
• is not recipe for ethical behavior
• is not a substitute for sound judgment.
• is not legal document
 Why code of ethics is so important ?
• helps create an environment within a profession where
ethical behavior is the norm.
• Serves as a guide or reminder of how to act in specific
situations.
• Can also bolster the individual ‘s position by indicating
that there is a collective sense of a correct behavior.
• Can indicate to others that the profession is seriously
concerned about responsible and professional conduct.
• Prevents Unjust Treatment - l not allow for any kind of
inequality.
• Promotes Goodness for Everyone
• It Holds people Socially Responsible -makes individuals in a
society responsible for the people and things around them.
• Brings Out Higher Standards - bring out excellence in
everyone around and allow the culture to function better as
a whole.
• Difference between Code of Ethics and a Code of
Conduct:
• A code of ethics is broad, giving employees or
members a general idea of what types of behavior
and decisions are acceptable and encouraged at a
business or organization.
• A code of conduct is more focused. It defines how
employees or members should act in specific
situations.
 Can You Combine a Code of Conduct
and Code of Ethics?
• Yes, in most cases businesses will combine
both of these documents into one as there is
significant overlap between them. It is rare to
find businesses that have two separate
policies. Whilst they are technically different
documents, employees will have less difficulty
recalling important points around conduct and
ethics if they have a single document to refer
to.
 What to Include in Your Code of Ethics and
Professional Conduct:
• The work environment.
Employees should act with integrity, comply with laws, maintain a
professional work environment and comply with company policies.
They should treat customers, colleagues, and partners ethically at all
times
• Conflicts of interest.
A company's reputation depends on the actions and integrity of its
employees. It is essential that they avoid relationships and activities
that hurt, or appears to hurt, their ability to make objective and fair
decisions.
• Protecting company assets.
Employees should always act to protect company assets, including
physical, intellectual, and electronic or digital properties.
• Anti-bribery and corruption.
A company's integrity is essential for maintaining trustworthiness and
reputation. Employees should always do their work fairly, honestly,
and legally.
• Attendance and punctuality.
Employees are expected to be regular and punctual in attendance. This
means being in the office, ready to work, at starting time each day.
Absenteeism and tardiness burdens other employees and the
company.
• Absence without notice.
Employees who are unable to work due to illness or an accident should
notify their supervisor. This allows the company to arrange for
coverage of their duties, and helps others continue to work in their
absence. If an employee does report for work and the company is
not notified of an employee's status for 3 days, it is typically
considered a job abandonment.
• General harassment and sexual harassment.
The company is committed to providing a work environment free of
discrimination and unlawful harassment. Actions, words, jokes, or
comments based on an individual’s sex, race, ethnicity, age, religion,
or any other legally protected characteristic are not tolerated.
• Cell phone use at work.
Personal cell phone usage during work hours is discouraged, except in
extreme cases such as an emergency.
• Dress code
A professional appearance is important when employees work with
customers or potential customers. Employees should be well
groomed and dressed appropriately for the business and for their
position.
• Substance abuse.
The manufacture, distribution, possession, sale, or purchase of
controlled substances of abuse on company property is prohibited.
Being under the influence of illegal drugs, alcohol, or substances of
abuse on company property is prohibited. Working while under the
influence of prescription drugs that impair performance is prohibited.
• Tobacco products.
The use of tobacco products on company property, outside of permitted
areas, is specifically prohibited.
• Internet use at work.
Employees may use the Internet when appropriate to access
information needed to conduct business company business. Use of
the Internet must not disrupt or injure the company computer
network. Use of the Internet must not interfere with an employee's
productivity.
History of the Engineering Codes of Ethics

• Professional engineering societies in the united

states began to be organized in the late 19TH
century.
• With new societies created as new engineering
fields have developed in this century .
• As these societies matured, many of them
created codes of ethics to guide practicing
engineering. Early in the current century, these
codes were mostly concerned with issues of how
to conduct business.
 To understand what codes of ethics are and
how they function
• Let’s look at these two codes of ethics:
1.The NSPE code:(National Society of
Professional Engineers)
2. The IEEE code:(Institute of Electrical and
ElectronicsEngineers)
 1. Code of Ethics for Engineers(NSPE)
(National Society for professional Engineers)
• Preamble
 Engineering is an important and learned profession.
 Engineers are expected to exhibit the highest standards
of honesty and integrity.
 Engineering has a direct and vital impact on the quality
of life for all people.
 The services provided by engineers require honesty,
impartiality, fairness, and equity, and must be
dedicated to the protection of the public health, safety,
and welfare.
 Engineers must perform under a standard of
professional behavior that requires adherence to the
highest principles of ethical conduct.
 I. Fundamental Canons
• Engineers, in the fulfillment of their professional duties,
shall:
1. Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public.
2. Perform services only in areas of their competence.
3. Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful
manner.
4. Act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees.
5. Avoid deceptive acts.
6. Conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically,
and lawfully so as to enhance the honor, reputation, and
usefulness of the profession.
 II. Rules of Practice
1. Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the
public.
a. If engineers’ judgment is overruled under circumstances that endanger
life or property, they shall notify their employer or client and such other
authority as may be appropriate.
b. Engineers shall approve only those engineering documents that are in
conformity with applicable standards.
c. Engineers shall not reveal facts, data, or information without the prior
consent of the client or employer except as authorized or required by
law or this Code.
d. Engineers shall not permit the use of their name or associate in business
ventures with any person or firm that they believe is engaged in
fraudulent or dishonest enterprise.
e. Engineers shall not aid or abet the unlawful practice of engineering by a
person or firm.
f. Engineers having knowledge of any alleged violation of this Code 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.
2. Engineers shall perform services only in the areas of their
competence.
a. Engineers shall undertake assignments only when qualified
by education or experience in the specific technical fields
involved.
b. Engineers shall not affix their signatures to any plans
or documents dealing with subject matter in which they lack
competence, nor to any plan or document not prepared
under their direction and control.
c. Engineers may accept assignments and assume
responsibility for coordination of an entire project and sign
and seal the engineering documents for the entire project,
provided that each technical segment is signed and sealed
only by the qualified engineers who prepared the segment.
3. Engineers shall issue public statements only in an
objective and truthful manner.
a. Engineers shall be objective and truthful in professional
reports, statements, or testimony. They shall include all
relevant and pertinent information in such reports,
statements, or testimony, which should bear the date
indicating when it was current.
b. Engineers may express publicly technical opinions that are
founded upon knowledge of the facts and competence in
the subject matter.
c. Engineers shall issue no statements, criticisms, or
arguments on technical matters that are inspired or paid
for by interested parties, unless they have prefaced their
comments by explicitly identifying the interested parties
on whose behalf they are speaking, and by revealing the
existence of any interest the engineers may have in the
matters.
4. Engineers shall act for each employer or client as faithful agents or
trustees.
a. Engineers shall disclose all known or potential conflicts of interest
that could influence or appear to influence their judgment or the
quality of their services.
b. Engineers shall not accept compensation, financial or otherwise,
from more than one party for services on the same project, or for
services pertaining to the same project, unless the circumstances
are fully disclosed and agreed to by all interested parties.
c. Engineers shall not solicit or accept financial or other valuable
consideration, directly or indirectly, from outside agents in
connection with the work for which they are responsible.
d. Engineers in public service as members, advisors, or employees of
a governmental or quasi-governmental body or department shall
not participate in decisions with respect to services solicited or
provided by them or their organizations in private or public
engineering practice.
e. Engineers shall not solicit or accept a contract from a overnmental
body on which a principal or officer of their organization serves as
a member.
5. Engineers shall avoid deceptive acts.
a. Engineers shall not falsify their qualifications or permit
misrepresentation of their or their associates’ qualifications.
They shall not misrepresent or exaggerate their responsibility in
or for the subject matter of prior assignments. Brochures or
other presentations incident to the solicitation of employment
shall not misrepresent pertinent facts concerning employers,
employees, associates, joint venturers, or past
accomplishments.
b. Engineers shall not offer, give, solicit, or receive, either directly
or indirectly, any contribution to influence the award of a
contract by public authority, or which may be reasonably
construed by the public as having the effect or intent of
influencing the awarding of a contract. They shall not offer any
gift or other valuable consideration in order to secure work.
They shall not pay a commission, percentage, or brokerage fee
in order to secure work, except to a bona fide employee or
bona fide established commercial or marketing agencies
retained by them.
 III. Professional Obligations
1. Engineers shall be guided in all their relations by the
highest standards of honesty and integrity.
a. Engineers shall acknowledge their errors and shall not
distort or alter the facts.
b. Engineers shall advise their clients or employers when
they believe a project will not be successful.
c. Engineers shall not accept outside employment to the
detriment of their regular work or interest. Before
accepting any outside engineering employment, they will
notify their employers.
d. Engineers shall not attempt to attract an engineer from
another employer by false or misleading pretenses.
e. Engineers shall not promote their own interest at the
expense of the dignity and integrity of the profession
2. Engineers shall at all times strive to serve the public interest.
a. Engineers are encouraged to participate in civic affairs; career guidance
for youths; and work for the advancement of the safety, health, and
well-being of their community.
b. Engineers shall not complete, sign, or seal plans and/or specifications
that are not in conformity with applicable engineering standards. If the
client or employer insists on such unprofessional conduct, they shall
notify the proper authorities and withdraw from further service on the
project.
c. Engineers are encouraged to extend public knowledge and appreciation
of engineering and its achievements.
d. Engineers are encouraged to adhere to the principles of sustainable
development in order to protect the environment for future generations.
e. Engineers shall continue their professional development throughout
their careers and should keep current in their specialty fields by
engaging in professional practice, participating in continuing education
courses, reading in the technical literature, and attending professional
meetings and seminars.
3. Engineers shall avoid all conduct or practice
that deceives the public.
a. Engineers shall avoid the use of statements
containing a material misrepresentation of fact
or omitting a material fact.
b. Consistent with the foregoing, engineers may
advertise for recruitment of personnel.
c. Consistent with the foregoing, engineers may
prepare articles for the lay or technical press, but
such articles shall not imply credit to the author
for work performed by others.
4. Engineers shall not disclose, without consent,
confidential information concerning the business
affairs or technical processes of any present or
former client or employer, or public body on
which they serve.
a. Engineers shall not, without the consent of all
interested parties, promote or arrange for new
employment or practice in connection with a
specific project for which the engineer has gained
particular and specialized knowledge.
b. Engineers shall not, without the consent of all
interested parties, participate in or represent an
adversary interest in connection with a specific
project or proceeding in which the engineer has
gained particular specialized knowledge on behalf
of a former client or employer.
5. Engineers shall not be influenced in their
professional duties by conflicting interests.
a. Engineers shall not accept financial or other
considerations, including free engineering designs,
from material or equipment suppliers for
specifying their product.
b. Engineers shall not accept commissions or
allowances, directly or indirectly, from contractors
or other parties dealing with clients or employers
of the engineer in connection with work for which
the engineer is responsible.
6. Engineers shall not attempt to obtain employment
or advancement or professional engagements by
untruthfully criticizing other engineers, or by other
improper or questionable methods.
a. Engineers shall not request, propose, or accept a
commission on a contingent basis under
circumstances in which their judgment may be
compromised.
b. Engineers in salaried positions shall accept part-
time engineering work only to the extent consistent
with policies of the employer and in accordance
with ethical considerations.
c. Engineers shall not, without consent, use
equipment, supplies, laboratory, or office facilities
of an employer to carry on outside private practice.
7. Engineers shall not attempt to injure, maliciously or
falsely, directly or indirectly, the professional reputation,
prospects, practice, or employment of other engineers.
Engineers who believe others are guilty of unethical or
illegal practice shall present such information to the
proper authority for action.
a. Engineers in private practice shall not review the work of
another engineer for the same client, except with the
knowledge of such engineer, or unless the connection of
such engineer with the work has been terminated.
b. Engineers in governmental, industrial, or educational
employ are entitled to review and evaluate the work of
other engineers when so required by their employment
duties.
c. Engineers in sales or industrial employ are entitled to
make engineering comparisons of represented products
with products of other suppliers.
8. Engineers shall accept personal responsibility
for their professional activities, provided,
however, that engineers may seek
indemnification for services arising out of their
practice for other than gross negligence, where
the engineer’s interests cannot otherwise be
protected.
a. Engineers shall conform with state registration
laws in the practice of engineering.
b. Engineers shall not use association with a non
engineer, a corporation, or partnership as a
“cloak” for unethical acts.
9. Engineers shall give credit for engineering work to those to
whom credit is due, and will recognize the proprietary
interests of others.
a. Engineers shall, whenever possible, name the person or
persons who may be individually responsible for designs,
inventions, writings, or other accomplishments.
b. Engineers using designs supplied by a client recognize that the
designs remain the property of the client and may not be
duplicated by the engineer for others without express
permission.
c. Engineers, before undertaking work for others in connection
with which the engineer may make improvements, plans,
designs, inventions, or other records that may justify
copyrights or patents, should enter into a positive agreement
regarding ownership.
d. Engineers’ designs, data, records, and notes referring
exclusively to an employer’s work are the employer’s property.
The employer should indemnify the engineer for use of the
information for any purpose other than the original purpose.
 2. IEEE Code of Ethics
We, the members of the IEEE, in recognition of the importance of
our technologies in affecting the quality of life throughout the world,
and in accepting a personal obligation to our profession, its
members and the communities we serve, do hereby commit
ourselves to the highest ethical and professional conduct and agree:
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; (dishonestly persuade
(someone) to act in one's favour by a gift of money or
other inducement.)
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 regardless of such factors as
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.
Approved by the IEEE Board of Directors February 2006
 Resolving Internal Conflicts in codes
• example : If the employer asks or even orders an
engineer to implement
a design that the engineer feels will be unsafe
• WHAT does the NSPE code tell us about this situation ?
• IN CLAUSE 1.4 the NSPE code indicates that the
engineers have a duty to their employers .IN CLAUSE
1.1 the preamble make it clear that the safety of the
public is also an important concern of an engineer
.How Can This Conflict Be Resolved ?The duty to
protect the safety of the public is paramount and takes
precedence over the duty to the employer .
 Other types of codes of ethics
• Many organizations have developed codes of
ethics similar to those of the professional
engineering organizations, for example, codes
for the ethical use of computers, codes of
ethics inside universities…etc
• What about our country ? Search out.
• END Chap2