Lecture Set 3

Engineering as a Profession

Professional, Societal and Ethical Issues in Engineering 1

 Types Of Employment
• JOB
– Low-skill level required
• TRADE
– Manual skills, apprenticeships, often unionized
• SELF-EMPLOYED
– Non-professional or Professional
• KNOWLEDGE WORKER
– Specifically educated or trained
• PROFESSIONAL
– Regulated knowledge worker

Professional, Societal and Ethical Issues in Engineering 2

 What is a Profession
• Attributes of a Profession
– Work associated with a Profession:
• requires sophisticated skills
• requires the use of judgment (making significant
decisions based on formal education and experience)
• requires the exercise of discretion (keeping information
confidential, ability to make decisions autonomously).
• is not routine
• cannot easily be mechanized
– Membership in any Profession requires extensive
formal education. Practical training and/or
apprenticeships are not sufficient for entry

Professional, Societal and Ethical Issues in Engineering 3

 What is a Profession (2)
• Attributes of a Profession
– Professions generally establish societies for its members:
• Controlled by members of the Profession
• Set standards for admission to the Profession
• Set and enforce standards of conduct for their members. A
code of ethics is often included as part of these standards
– Significant public good results from the practice of the
Profession

– High compensation is not a sufficient condition for

Professional status
– Medicine and law are widely regarded as Professions by
society

Professional, Societal and Ethical Issues in Engineering 4

 Applying the Test of “Profession”
• Let’s examine some possible “professions” and
see if they meet the criteria:
– Professional Athlete:
• Definition: An athlete who is paid for his/her
appearances.

• Sophisticated skills required – yes

• Cannot be mechanized – yes
• Judgment and discretion – no
• Requires extensive formal education – no
• Significant public good results from the practice of the
Profession – no

• Athletics is NOT a profession.

Professional, Societal and Ethical Issues in Engineering 5

 Applying the Test of “Profession” – (2)
– “Professional” carpenter
• Definition: A skilled carpenter with a lot of experience.

• Sophisticated skills required – yes

• Cannot be mechanized – no
• Judgment and discretion – no
• Requires extensive formal education – no
• Significant public good results from the practice of the
Profession – yes

• Carpentry is NOT a profession.

Professional, Societal and Ethical Issues in Engineering 6

 Applying the Test of “Profession” – (3)
– Medicine
• Sophisticated skills required – yes
• Cannot be mechanized – yes
• Judgment and discretion – yes
• Requires extensive formal education – yes
• Establishment of societies that set standards for
admission to the profession and enforce standards of
conduct for their members – yes (AMA)
• Significant public good results from the practice of the
Profession – yes

• Medicine is a profession

Professional, Societal and Ethical Issues in Engineering 7

 Applying the Test of “Profession” – (4)
– Law
• Sophisticated skills required – yes
• Cannot be mechanized – yes
• Judgment and discretion – yes
• Requires extensive formal education – yes
• Establishment of societies that set standards for
admission to the profession and enforce standards of
conduct for their members – yes (Bar Association)
• Significant public good results from the practice of the
Profession – yes

• Law is a profession

Professional, Societal and Ethical Issues in Engineering 8

 Applying the Test of “Profession” – (5)
– Engineering
• Sophisticated skills required and requires extensive formal
education
– 4 years in university to get a start in Engineering
• Judgment
– Engineering design is all about judgments.
• Discretion
– An employers’ Intellectual Property must be kept confidential
• Cannot be mechanized
– Can be aided mechanically.
• Significant public good results from the practice of the
Profession – yes
• Establishment of societies that set standards for admission to
the profession and enforce standards of conduct for their
members – weak

• Engineering is a profession

Professional, Societal and Ethical Issues in Engineering 9

 Engineering vs. Other Professions
• Differences between Engineering and other Professions

– Most engineers work for large corporations and are not self-
employed
– Engineers are neither as well compensated nor as highly
regarded as physicians or lawyers
– Engineering societies are not as powerful as those
established for physicians (AMA) and lawyers (ABA)
– The formal training period is less extensive for engineers
than for other professionals
– Many individuals employed as engineers have not been
licensed. Physicians and lawyers must be licensed by the
state before they may practice their Profession

Professional, Societal and Ethical Issues in Engineering 10

 Engineering vs. Other Professions (2)
• Two Models for Professions and Professional Societies
– Social Contract Model
• Professions and Professional Societies function to serve the
public good
• Implicit social contract: Society grants perks (bonuses) to
Professionals; the Professional provides services to society
– Business Model: A more cynical view
• Professions and Professional Societies function as a means for
furthering (promoting) the economic position of the individual
members
• They limit the number of practitioners in the Profession and
control the working conditions of its members, therefore, they
artificially inflate the salaries of their members.
– For example, the pharmacist societies limits the number of
pharmacies per square meter

Professional, Societal and Ethical Issues in Engineering 11

 Professional Society Models
Medicine Law Engineering
Social function to serve the public
good
X X X
Contract
Model Society grants perks to
Professionals; the
X X X
Professional provides
services to society
Business means for furthering the
economic position of the
X X
Model
individual members
limit the number of
practitioners in the
X X
Profession
control the working
conditions of its members
X X

• Engineering is closer to the Social Contract

model.
Professional, Societal and Ethical Issues in Engineering 12
 The Implicit Social Contract
Professionals agree to: Society agrees to:
• provide a service • allow a certain autonomy
– for the public well-being – freedom of self-
– promote public welfare, regulation
even at own expense – freedom to choose
• self-regulation clients
– enforce competence • social status
– enforce ethical standards – respect from society,
titles
• high remuneration (fee)
– reward for services
– attract competent
individuals

Professional, Societal and Ethical Issues in Engineering 13

 Codes of Ethics
• Most of an engineer’s time at school is spent acquiring
tools for solving problems.
• When faced with an ethics problem, what tools do you
have?

• One of the most important aspects of professions is the

development of a code of ethics that would serve to guide
the professional in answering ethical questions that may
come up.

• We have shown that Engineering is a professions,

therefore, there should be some sort of Engineering Code
of Ethics.

Professional, Societal and Ethical Issues in Engineering 14

 What is a Code of Ethics?
• A code of ethics provides a framework for ethical
judgment for a professional.
• A code of ethics serves as a starting point for
ethical decision making.

• A code of ethics is not a recipe for ethical

behavior.
• A code of ethics is not a substitute for good
sound judgment.
• A code of ethics is not a legal document.

Professional, Societal and Ethical Issues in Engineering 15

 Engineering Codes of Ethics
• Express the rights, duties and obligations of
members of the Profession
• Do not express new ethical principles, but
coherently restate existing standards of
responsible engineering practice
• Create an environment within the Profession
where ethical behavior is the norm
• Not legally binding; an engineer cannot be
arrested for violating an ethical code (but may be
expelled from or censured by the engineering
society)

Professional, Societal and Ethical Issues in Engineering 16

 Limitations With the Codes of Ethics
• The codes are not a recipe for making decisions
• The codes cannot be used as a substitute for
good judgment
• The codes do not cover every possible situation
• The codes are not a legal document

Professional, Societal and Ethical Issues in Engineering 17

 The 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 engineering 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;  

Professional, Societal and Ethical Issues in Engineering 18

 The IEEE Code of Ethics (2)
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 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.  
Professional, Societal and Ethical Issues in Engineering 19
 The ACM Code of Ethics
• GENERAL MORAL IMPERATIVES.
– As an ACM member I will ....
1. Contribute to society and human well-being.
2. Avoid harm to others.
3. Be honest and trustworthy.
4. Be fair and take action not to discriminate.
5. Honor property rights including copyrights and patent.
6. Give proper credit for intellectual property.
7. Respect the privacy of others.
8. Honor confidentiality.

Professional, Societal and Ethical Issues in Engineering 20

 The ACM Code of Ethics (2)
• MORE SPECIFIC PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES.
– As an ACM computing professional I will ....
1. Strive to achieve the highest quality, effectiveness and dignity
in both the process and products of professional work.
2. Acquire and maintain professional competence.
3. Know and respect existing laws pertaining to professional
work.
4. Accept and provide appropriate professional review.
5. Give comprehensive and thorough evaluations of computer
systems and their impacts, including analysis of possible risks.
6. Honor contracts, agreements, and assigned responsibilities.
7. Improve public understanding of computing and its
consequences.
8. Access computing and communication resources only when
authorized to do so.

Professional, Societal and Ethical Issues in Engineering 21

 The ACM Code of Ethics (3)
• ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP IMPERATIVES.
– As an ACM member and an organizational leader, I will
1. Articulate social responsibilities of members of an
organizational unit and encourage full acceptance of those
responsibilities.
2. Manage personnel and resources to design and build
information systems that enhance the quality of working life.
3. Acknowledge and support proper and authorized uses of an
organization's computing and communication resources.
4. Ensure that users and those who will be affected by a system
have their needs clearly articulated during the assessment and
design of requirements; later the system must be validated to
meet requirements.
5. Articulate and support policies that protect the dignity of users
and others affected by a computing system.
6. Create opportunities for members of the organization to learn
the principles and limitations of computer systems.

Professional, Societal and Ethical Issues in Engineering 22

 The ACM Code of Ethics (4)
• COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE.
– As an ACM member I will ....
1. Uphold and promote the principles of this Code.
2. Treat violations of this code as inconsistent with
membership in the ACM.

Professional, Societal and Ethical Issues in Engineering 23

 The NSPE Code of Ethics
• Very long, very detailed.
• Separated into:
– Fundamental Canons (principals)
– Rules of Practice
– Professional Obligations.

Professional, Societal and Ethical Issues in Engineering 24

 The NSPE Code of Ethics
• Fundamental Canons:
– Engineers, in the fulfillment of their professional
duties, shall:
• Hold paramount (with high importance) the safety, health
and welfare of the public.
• Perform services only in areas of their competence.
• Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful
manner.
• Act for each employer or client as faithful agents or
trustees.
• Avoid deceptive acts.
• Conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically,
and lawfully so as to enhance the honor, reputation, and
usefulness of the profession.

Professional, Societal and Ethical Issues in Engineering 25

 The NSPE Code of Ethics
• Rules of Practice
– Give detailed explanations of the fundamental canons.
– For example:
• Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the
public.
– 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.
– Engineers shall approve only those engineering documents that are in
conformity with applicable standards.
– 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.
– Engineers shall not permit the use of their name or associate in business
ventures with any person or firm that they believe are engaged in fraudulent
or dishonest enterprise.
– Engineers shall not aid or abet the unlawful practice of engineering by a
person or firm.
– 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.

Professional, Societal and Ethical Issues in Engineering 26

 The NSPE Code of Ethics
• Professional Obligations
– Give major obligations of an Engineer with explanations.
– For example,
• Engineers shall be guided in all their relations by the highest
standards of honesty and integrity.
– Engineers shall acknowledge their errors and shall not distort or
alter the facts.
– Engineers shall advise their clients or employers when they
believe a project will not be successful.
– 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.
– Engineers shall not attempt to attract an engineer from another
employer by false or misleading pretenses.
– Engineers shall not promote their own interest at the expense of
the dignity and integrity of the profession.

Professional, Societal and Ethical Issues in Engineering 27

 The NSPE Code of Ethics
• Professional Obligations:
– Engineers shall be guided in all their relations by the highest
standards of honesty and integrity.
– Engineers shall at all times strive to serve the public interest.
– Engineers shall avoid all conduct or practice that deceives
the public.
– 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.
– Engineers shall not be influenced in their professional duties
by conflicting interests.
– Engineers shall not attempt to obtain employment or
advancement or professional engagements by untruthfully
criticizing other engineers, or by other improper or
questionable methods.

Professional, Societal and Ethical Issues in Engineering 28

 The NSPE Code of Ethics
• Professional Obligations – Contd.:
– 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.
– 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.
– Engineers shall give credit for engineering work to those to
whom credit is due, and will recognize the proprietary
interests of others.

Professional, Societal and Ethical Issues in Engineering 29