THE CIVIL ENGINEERING CODE OF

ETHICS: FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES,

FUNDAMENTAL CANONS,
GUIDELINES TO PRACTICE
Meeting 2
What is a Code of Ethics?
• a basic set of values and behaviors that are
intended to be embraced by users so they conduct
themselves responsibly, in an irreproachable
manner, with honor and integrity.
• typically based on simple concepts that are of value
to society as a whole, promote good behavior,
foster trust, and result in respect of one another.
• should be easy to understand, and written in
general terms so it can be applied to every
situation.
Why do we need a Code of
Ethics?
• Serves as a reference from moral guidelines
• Used to inspire members to be ethical in their everyday
pursuits
• Define the moral aspects of being a professional and serves
as a checklist of good behavior and desired attributes
• Will raise consciousness and awareness of the moral
obligations of a professional.
• Can serve as the basis of discipline for undesirable behavior
• Can be used as a resource when one is faced with a
situation that involves moral perplexity or uncertainty.
• Sets a standard for professional behavior bound by the code
that colleagues, the public, clients, and employees can
expect.
Civil Engineering Code of Ethics:
Fundamental Principles
Civil engineers uphold and advance the integrity, honor
and dignity of the civil engineering profession by:
• using their knowledge and skill for the enhancement of
human welfare and the environment;
• being honest and impartial and serving with fidelity the
public, their employers/employees and clients;
• striving to increase the competence and prestige of the
civil engineering profession; and
• supporting the professional and technical societies of
their disciplines.
Civil Engineering Code of Ethics:
Fundamental Canons
1. Civil Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the
public and shall strive to comply with the principles of sustainable
development in the performance of their duties.
2. Civil Engineers shall perform services only in areas of their competence.
3. Civil Engineers shall issue public statements only in an objective and
truthful manner.
4. Civil Engineers shall act in professional matters for each employer or
client as faithful agents or trustees, and shall avoid conflicts of interest.
5. Civil Engineers shall build their professional reputation on the merit of
their services and shall not compete unfairly with others.
6. Civil Engineers shall act in such a manner as to uphold and enhance the
honor, integrity, and dignity of the civil engineering profession.
7. Civil Engineers shall continue their professional development throughout
their careers, and shall provide opportunities for the professional
development of those civil engineers under their supervision.

Canon - a general law, rule, principle, or criterion by which something is judged.

1. Civil Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public
and shall strive to comply with the principles of sustainable development in the
performance of their duties.
2. Civil Engineers shall perform services only in areas of their competence.
3. Civil Engineers shall issue public statements only in an objective and truthful
manner.
4. Civil Engineers shall act in professional matters for each employer or client as
faithful agents or trustees, and shall avoid conflicts of interest.
5. Civil Engineers shall build their professional reputation on the merit of their
services and shall not compete unfairly with others.
5. Civil Engineers shall build their professional reputation on the merit of their
services and shall not compete unfairly with others. (continued…)
5. Civil Engineers shall build their professional reputation on the merit of their
services and shall not compete unfairly with others. (continued…)
6. Civil Engineers shall act in such a manner as to uphold and enhance the honor,
integrity, and dignity of the civil engineering profession.
7. Civil Engineers shall continue their professional development throughout their
careers, and shall provide opportunities for the professional development of those
civil engineers under their supervision.
Exercise 1: Answer any of the following
questions using your animospace account.
1. How does the Code of Ethics apply to my professional life?
2. How does ethics apply to my personal life, outside of my professional
life?
3. Is everyone’s ethical focus the same? Explain.
4. Why is ethics important?
5. How does ethics impact leadership?
6. What should I do if I observe unethical behavior?
7. Is compromise good ethics? Explain.
8. What is the impact of ethics on the public’s view of the civil engineering
profession?
9. How does ethics impact my career?
10. How can ethics impact my life?
11. How can I demonstrate ethical commitment?
12. Is ethics based on a culture or religious affiliation? Explain.
Reference:
• Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers, Inc., Code of
Ethics, Retrieved from http://pice.org.ph/about-
us/code-of-ethics/
• American Society of Civil Engineers, The ASCE Code
of Ethics, Principles, Study and Application,(2019
Retrieved from http://ingenieria-civil.org/wp-
content/uploads/2016/08/asce-ethics.pdf