Civil Engineering Ethics

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

A registered civil engineer is approached by a potential client who has already initiated discussions with another engineer for a project. What is the most ethical course of action for the engineer?

To proceed with offering services, highlighting potential cost savings and a faster project completion timeline.
To contact the other engineer to understand their proposed plans before submitting a competitive proposal.
To refrain from pursuing the project unless the client confirms that the previous engineer's engagement has been formally terminated. (correct)
To submit a proposal that focuses on innovative solutions to overshadow any existing proposals from other engineers.

An engineer discovers that a colleague has been making false statements that harm their professional reputation. What should the initial course of action be?

To address the issue directly and privately with the colleague, seeking a retraction or clarification of the statements. (correct)
To attempt to injure the colleague's reputation to prevent further damage.
To directly and publicly refute each false statement to protect their reputation.
To ignore the statements, assuming they will eventually be disregarded by others.

An engineer is offered a bonus by a client for completing a project ahead of schedule. What considerations should the engineer take before accepting?

Ensure that accepting the bonus does not compromise their role as a faithful agent or trustee to the client and that it is in accordance with their stated charges. (correct)
Accept the bonus without question, as it reflects satisfaction with the work.
Decline the bonus, as it is unethical to accept additional payment beyond the stated charges.
Accept the bonus, but only if it's kept confidential from their employer or firm.

An engineer in a salaried government position is approached by a private client for consulting work that potentially competes with local private firms. What is the most ethical approach for the engineer?

<p>Decline the work to avoid any potential conflict of interest or unfair competition with private firms. (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of a civil engineer toward the public, employers/employees, and clients, according to the fundamental principles?

<p>Serving with honesty, impartiality, and fidelity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Civil Engineer's Duty to Clients

Acting as a faithful agent/trustee and only accepting stated charges.

Professional Reputation

Civil Engineers should maintain the integrity of rivals in the field.

Avoiding Competitive Bidding

Undermining isn't tolerated.

Reviewing Other's Work

Engineers should seek consent before reviewing another's design for a mutual client.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Fundamental Principles of Civil Engineering

Use knowledge to enhance welfare, be honest, and improve the profession.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

It is unprofessional and inconsistent with honorable and dignified bearing for any registered Civil Engineer to act in certain ways.
Civil Engineers should act as faithful agents or trustees for clients.
Civil Engineers should only accept stated charges for services rendered.
Civil Engineers should not attempt to injure the professional reputation, prospects, or business of another engineer falsely or maliciously, directly or indirectly.
Civil Engineers should not attempt to supplant another engineer after definite steps have been taken toward their employment.
Civil Engineers should not participate in competitive bidding on a price basis to secure a professional engagement.
Civil Engineers should not compete with another engineer for employment by reducing usual charges after being informed of the charges named by another.
Civil Engineers should not review the work of another engineer for the same client, except with the knowledge or consent of such engineer, or unless the connection of such engineer with the work has been terminated.
Civil Engineers should not advertise in self-laudatory language, or in any manner derogatory to the dignity of the profession.
Civil Engineers should not use the advantages of a salaried position to compete unfairly with engineers in private practice.
Civil Engineers should not act in any manner or engage in any practice which will tend to bring discredit on the honor or dignity of the engineering position.

Fundamental Principles for Civil Engineers

Civil engineers uphold and advance the integrity, honor, and dignity of the civil engineering profession.
Civil Engineers use their knowledge and skill for the enhancement of human welfare and the environment.
Civil Engineers are honest and impartial and serve with fidelity the public, the employers/employees, and clients.
Civil Engineers strive to increase the competence and prestige of the civil engineering profession.
Civil Engineers support the professional and technical societies of their disciplines.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This content covers ethical guidelines for civil engineers. It includes acting as faithful agents, avoiding damage to other's reputation, and not participating in competitive bidding to secure professional engagement. It also stresses against reviewing another engineer’s work without consent.