Introduction to Engineering Ethics Lecture 5
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Questions and Answers

What was the reason for Lorenz's wrongful discharge claim?

  • He refused to misrepresent information to NASA. (correct)
  • He did not comply with company policies.
  • He was fired for supporting unethical practices.
  • He engaged in illegal activities at work.

Which legal principle was established as a result of Lorenz's case?

  • Employees can be fired for any reason at any time.
  • Whistleblower protections are unnecessary.
  • Public-policy exception to at-will employment. (correct)
  • At-will employment is unconditional.

What conclusion did the Colorado Supreme Court reach about Lorenz's case at trial?

  • Lorenz was immediately reinstated to his position.
  • Lorenz presented insufficient evidence.
  • Lorenz's case was dismissed without any findings.
  • Lorenz established a prima facie case for wrongful discharge. (correct)

What was a likely reason why a new trial for Lorenz never took place?

<p>The case was settled out of court. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is Lorenz's case significant in the field of engineering?

<p>It highlights the importance of integrity and public safety. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key responsibility of engineers in the workplace?

<p>Confidentiality and ethical conduct (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which responsibility reflects an engineer's obligation to their employer?

<p>Agency-loyalty (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does top management influence ethical behavior in an organization?

<p>By setting a moral tone through words, policies, and personal example (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a perspective that typically distinguishes engineers from managers?

<p>Engineers emphasize technical expertise and safety (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of loyalty is indicated by positive identification with an organization?

<p>Attitude-loyalty (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which right allows engineers to refuse participation in unethical behavior?

<p>Right of Conscientious Refusal (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What commonly causes conflicting perspectives between engineers and managers?

<p>Variances in education, values, and professional responsibilities (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant element of an ethical corporate climate?

<p>Respect for authority and open communication (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of DeGeorge's whistleblowing theory?

<p>Preventing harm (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is emphasized in Davis' theory of whistleblowing?

<p>Avoiding complicity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should organizations provide to protect employees who raise concerns?

<p>Mechanisms for neutral evaluation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What legal basis did Paul Lorenz use to file a claim against Martin Marietta?

<p>Wrongful discharge (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about the consequences faced by whistleblowers?

<p>Whistleblowers often face retaliation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to DeGeorge, what must be done before going public with concerns?

<p>Internal channels must be exhausted (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason given for Paul Lorenz's layoff?

<p>Refusal to engage in deceptive practices (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the benefit analysis of whistleblowing standards?

<p>It involves weighing potential benefits against potential risks (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Proper Management Decisions (PMDs)?

<p>Organizational well-being and financial aspects (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What can result from the differing viewpoints of engineers and managers in decision-making?

<p>Tensions when safety competes with financial concerns (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which decisions require careful evaluation due to overlapping considerations?

<p>Borderline Cases (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is emphasized in responsible dissent within organizations?

<p>Reporting concerns through established channels (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of decision-making, what do Proper Engineering Decisions (PEDs) primarily require?

<p>Technical expertise and ethical standards (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should be balanced according to the principle of Critical Loyalty?

<p>Organizational interests and professional ethics (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is notably prioritized by engineers in their decision-making processes?

<p>Technical expertise and safety (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to distinguish between Proper Engineering Decisions (PEDs) and Proper Management Decisions (PMDs)?

<p>To ensure ethical standards and organizational functioning (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

At-Will Employment

A legal doctrine that allows an employer to terminate an employee's employment at any time for any reason, or for no reason at all, without warning.

Public-Policy Exception

An exception to the at-will employment doctrine, protecting employees who are fired for refusing to participate in illegal or unethical activities.

Wrongful Discharge Claim

A lawsuit alleging that an employee was wrongfully dismissed from their job, usually based on illegal or unethical reasons.

Tort Claim

A legal claim for damages arising from a wrongful act or breach of duty.

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Lorenz Case

The case of Paul Lorenz, an engineer who was fired after refusing to misrepresent information to NASA, that led to the establishment of the public-policy exception to at-will employment in Colorado.

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Agency Loyalty

Fulfilling contractual duties to an employer through actions.

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Attitude Loyalty

Positive identification and willingness to meet moral duties to an organization.

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Collegiality

Respect, commitment, and connectedness among professional colleagues.

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Right of Professional Conscience

The right to exercise professional judgment in pursuing responsibilities.

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Right of Conscientious Refusal

The right to refuse to engage in unethical behavior.

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Right of Recognition

The right to fair remuneration and recognition for work and accomplishments.

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Engineering Perspective

Focus on technical expertise and safety; Adherence to professional ethics; Cautious approach to changes; Emphasis on quantitative data.

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Management Perspective

Focus on organizational well-being; Financial and operational concerns; Balancing multiple factors; Emphasis on decision-making.

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Proper Engineering Decision (PED)

Decisions involving technical expertise or ethical considerations, especially those related to public safety.

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Proper Management Decision (PMD)

Decisions requiring technical expertise or ethical considerations, especially those related to public safety.

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Reporting Bad News

Highlighting issues or hazards that potentially compromise safety or ethical standards.

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Critical Loyalty

A balance between professional ethics and organizational loyalty.

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Responsible Dissent

The act of expressing dissent or disagreement about questionable practices or decisions within an organization.

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Borderline Cases

Decisions that involve a blend of engineering and management considerations, requiring careful analysis.

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Distinguishing between PEDs and PMDs

The process of discerning between decisions primarily driven by engineering principles (PEDs) and decisions primarily driven by management considerations (PMDs).

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Tensions in Decision Making

The situation where differing viewpoints between engineers and managers can create friction in the decision-making process, particularly when safety or ethical concerns conflict with financial or operational pressures.

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Documentation and legal protection

Keeping written records of complaints and suggestions can provide legal protection for both the employee and the organization.

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Protection from Retaliation

Organizations should provide mechanisms for employees to report concerns without fear of retaliation.

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DeGeorge's Theory of Whistleblowing

DeGeorge's theory states that whistleblowing is justified if it aims to prevent harm and all internal channels have been exhausted.

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Davis's Theory of Whistleblowing

Davis's theory focuses on avoiding complicity in wrongdoing and preserving moral integrity. It's less strict on exhausting internal methods.

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Whistleblowing

A situation where an employee exposes wrongdoing or illegal activities within an organization.

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Paul Lorenz Case

Paul Lorenz, a mechanical engineer, was fired after refusing to participate in deception regarding the quality of materials used in the space shuttle program.

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False Representation to a Federal Agency

The act of making a false representation to a federal agency, knowing it to be false.

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Wrongful Discharge

A civil claim brought against an employer for wrongful termination, often based on grounds of whistleblowing or retaliation.

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Study Notes

Lecture 5: Engineers in Organizations & Professional Responsibilities

  • Course: Introduction to Engineering and Ethics
  • Course code: 1400111011
  • Instructor: Asst. Prof. Mete Öğüç

Workplace Responsibilities and Rights

  • Engineers have professional and employee rights and responsibilities, including loyalty, confidentiality, and ethical conduct.
  • Respect for authority is critical for a healthy ethical corporate climate.
  • Ethical Values: Responsibilities to all stakeholders are acknowledged and appreciated.
  • Ethical Language: Use of ethical language is legitimized in corporate dialogue.
  • Moral Tone: Top management sets a moral tone through words, policies, and personal example.
  • Conflict Resolution: Procedures for resolving ethical conflicts are established.

Loyalty, Collegiality and Professional Rights

  • Agency-loyalty: Fulfilling contractual duties to an employer through actions.
  • Attitude-loyalty: Positive identification and willingness to meet moral duties to an organization.
  • Collegiality: Respect, commitment, and connectedness among professional colleagues.
  • Right of Professional Conscience: The right to exercise professional judgment in pursuing responsibilities.
  • Right of Conscientious Refusal: The right to refuse to engage in unethical behavior.
  • Right of Recognition: The right to fair remuneration and recognition for work and accomplishments.

Engineers and Managers: Conflicting Perspectives

  • Engineers prioritize technical expertise, safety, and adherence to professional ethics.
  • Managers focus on organizational well-being, financial considerations, and balancing multiple factors.
  • These differing viewpoints can lead to tensions in decision-making processes, especially when safety and ethical concerns compete with financial or operational pressures.

Proper Engineering and Management Decisions

  • Proper Engineering Decision (PED): Decisions requiring technical expertise or involving ethical standards, especially related to public safety.
  • Proper Management Decision (PMD): Decisions requiring technical expertise or involving ethical standards, especially related to public safety. Focus on organizational well-being, including financial and operational aspects.
  • Borderline Cases: Decisions where engineering and management considerations overlap, requiring careful evaluation.

Responsible Dissent in Organizations

  • Reporting Bad News: Establish formal procedures for lodging complaints and warnings about potential issues.
  • Critical Loyalty: Balance organizational interests with personal and professional ethics.
  • Documentation: Keep written records of suggestions and complaints for potential legal protection.
  • Protection from Retaliation: Implement mechanisms to safeguard employees who raise concerns.
  • Dissent is crucial for maintaining ethical standards in organizations. Engineers should report concerns through established channels while balancing organizational loyalty with professional ethics.

Whistleblowing: Justification and Theories

  • DeGeorge's Theory: Focuses on preventing harm, considers public benefit, and requires exhausting internal channels before going public.
  • Davis' Theory: Focuses on avoiding complicity, considers moral integrity, and does not require exhausting internal channels.

Case Study: Paul Lorenz and Wrongful Discharge

  • Paul Lorenz, a mechanical engineer, was laid off for refusing to engage in deceptive practices regarding materials used for NASA projects.
  • He filed a wrongful discharge claim, arguing that his termination violated public policy.
  • The case highlights the challenges of maintaining professional integrity and the importance of legal protections for employees who refuse to engage in unethical or illegal practices, especially in engineering fields.
    • This case also illustrates tension between prioritizing company interests and professional ethics.
  • The Colorado Supreme Court eventually ruled in favor of Lorenz on a claim of wrongful discharge.

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Introduction to Engineering and Ethics Lecture 5 PDF

Description

This quiz focuses on the key concepts discussed in Lecture 5 of the 'Introduction to Engineering and Ethics' course. Explore the professional responsibilities and rights of engineers, including ethical conduct, loyalty, and conflict resolution. Examine how top management influences the moral tone in organizations and the importance of ethical language in corporate communication.

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