Professional Responsibility & Ethical Dilemmas

A set of individuals in the same occupation who voluntarily work together to uphold a moral ideal. They provide services of value to others beyond what laws, market forces, morality, and public opinion require.

Professionals have a mutual understanding with the public. Professionals agree to expertise, competent service, and ethical conduct. In return, the public grants them higher pay, social recognition, and self-regulation freedom.

A way to understand professions based on shared characteristics. Key features might include specialized knowledge, high ethical standards, service to others, and self-regulation.

Meeting clear and specific guidelines and expectations that are external to a person's character. Like following rules without questioning them.

Conforming to the expectations of other professionals, especially those who are considered exemplary. It's about learning by watching others.

Integrating personal values with those of one's profession. A person's professional values become a part of their identity.

The transition from professions being seen as solely adhering to external rules to a more self-reflective approach, integrating professional values with a person's identity.

The historical evolution of the term 'profession.' Originally tied to religious vows, it became secularized to refer to skilled individuals serving others.

The practice of engineering doesn't always require formal registration with a licensing board. In the US, only about one-third of engineers are registered with their state licensing boards.

While not mandated to be registered, engineers, like other professionals, have ethical codes that guide their conduct to ensure the public's well-being.

Unlike many other professions, engineering places a strong emphasis on serving the public good over personal gain.

Most engineering professions prioritize the public good, though they may also consider the interests of their employers and clients.

The American Bar Association (ABA) emphasizes that lawyers act as representatives of clients, officers of the legal system, and responsible citizens.

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) states that while responsible to the public, accountants prioritize their clients first.

The American Medical Association (AMA) emphasizes that doctors have a primary obligation to their patients, followed by society and colleagues.

Engineering, law, accounting, and medicine are all professions with ethical codes that guide their practitioners' conduct, emphasizing different levels of responsibility to the public.

The idea that engineers and architects should prioritize societal well-being and use their skills for the benefit of humanity.

A group of engineers and architects from Turkey who advocate for ethical professional practices.

Engineers and architects should strive to maintain a healthy and balanced environment in their work.

Engineers' and architects' work should uphold human rights, democracy, and diverse cultural values.

Engineers and architects should prioritize their clients', employers', and the public's well-being, even if it goes against personal interests.

The principle that engineers and architects should use their skills for the betterment of humanity and the preservation of nature's balance.

Engineers and architects should not discriminate based on factors like religion, race, or gender.

The idea that engineering is a profession that directs natural forces for the benefit of humankind.

Engineers and Architects prioritize utilizing their skills for the betterment of society, safeguarding universal human achievements, cultural heritage, and promoting human well-being.

Engineers and Architects must put the health, safety, and welfare of society above their own personal interests or those of their colleagues and professional groups.

Engineers and Architects have a responsibility to protect the natural environment, ensuring its sustainability for future generations and other living organisms.

When an engineer or architect believes a project poses a serious danger to society or the environment, they must inform the employer/client in writing and notify professional organizations and authorities if necessary.

Engineers and Architects must explain technical information to the public in a clear, complete, and unbiased manner. Commercial interests should not influence their reports.

Engineers and Architects have a duty to ensure workplace safety and health for workers. They must inform employees of related risks.

Treat everyone fairly, honestly, and with good faith, including employers, clients, and colleagues.

Promote public understanding of technology, its appropriate use, and its potential consequences. Enhance the country's technological and engineering talent.

A situation where engineers, despite good intentions, might make poor decisions due to a lack of foresight, leading to potential negative consequences.

A tendency for engineers to focus solely on positive outcomes while overlooking potential risks and negative consequences.

A situation where engineers may not recognize or address potential risks because they believe someone else will handle it.

A situation where an engineer lacks the necessary knowledge, skills, or experience to perform their tasks effectively, potentially leading to errors or misjudgments.

A situation where engineers may face pressure from management to prioritize speed or cost-cutting over safety or quality, potentially compromising ethical standards.

A situation where information is restricted within specific departments, hindering collaboration and potentially leading to critical issues being overlooked.

A situation where engineers fail to adequately monitor a product's performance after it's released, potentially missing critical issues or safety concerns.

A situation where engineers fail to consider the potential misuse or improper handling of a product by users, potentially leading to unforeseen safety issues.

The ability to identify and understand ethical issues in engineering.

The skill of carefully considering and analyzing opposing arguments related to ethical issues.

Creating a consistent and well-rounded ethical standpoint based on relevant facts.

Imagining alternative solutions to ethical problems and finding creative ways to address practical difficulties.

Communicating ethical ideas clearly and effectively using a common ethical language.

The willingness and ability to engage in reasoned ethical deliberation.

A genuine concern for the well-being of others and oneself.

Appreciating and respecting different ethical perspectives within a broad range, including cultural and religious differences.