Whistleblowing in Organizations

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary motivation behind whistleblowing?

Revenge against the organization

Sense of moral obligation and commitment to ethical standards (correct)

Personal gain

Professional advancement

What is the result of whistleblowing in many cases?

The whistleblower is rewarded with a promotion

The organization is shut down

The whistleblower is ignored

Wrongdoing is uncovered and integrity is fostered within organizations and society (correct)

What is one of the challenges that whistleblowers may face?

Recognition and awards

Retaliation, legal threats, or social stigma (correct)

Increased workload

Job promotion

What is an example of whistleblowing?

Exposing corporate fraud Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of whistleblowing?

To promote accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct in society Signup and view all the answers

What are the two forms of whistleblowing?

Internal reporting and external reporting Signup and view all the answers

What is the mission of the National Institute for Engineering Ethics?

To provide education, research, and communication on engineering ethics and professionalism Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the ethical dilemmas mentioned in the context of consulting and construction?

Competitive bidding Signup and view all the answers

What is the main goal of the decision-making guidelines provided?

To facilitate solutions to ethical dilemmas in professional practice Signup and view all the answers

What is the main distinction between professional ethics and personal ethics?

Professional ethics are distinct from personal ethics but are influenced by personal values Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the environmental responsibilities mentioned in industrial practice?

Effluent discharge from plants Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the post-employment limitations mentioned?

Moonlighting Signup and view all the answers

What do organizational codes of ethics provide?

Guidance on responding to ethical dilemmas Signup and view all the answers

Where is the National Institute for Engineering Ethics housed?

The Murdough Center at Texas Tech University Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of values in ethical dilemmas?

Shaping attitudes and behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is the current status of a universally accepted code of ethics for engineers?

Efforts have been made, but a universal code remains elusive Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the National Institute for Engineering Ethics?

To raise awareness of the ethical obligations of individuals practicing engineering Signup and view all the answers

Who wrote the first code of ethics in 1918?

Isham Randolph Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the nine basic steps outlined for personal ethical decision-making?

Thorough assessment and evaluation of alternatives Signup and view all the answers

What is whistle-blowing, as described in the chapter?

Reporting unethical behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary focus of the chapter?

Professional ethics and conduct Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of navigating ethical challenges?

Considering individual, professional, societal, and human values Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Whistleblowing

Whistleblowing is the act of disclosing information about illegal, unethical, or harmful activities within an organization.
Importance: crucial for promoting accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct in society.
Forms: reporting misconduct internally to supervisors or ethics hotlines, and disclosing information to external parties such as regulatory agencies, law enforcement, or the media.
Motivation: often driven by a sense of moral obligation and commitment to upholding ethical standards.
Examples: exposing corporate fraud, environmental violations, workplace discrimination, government corruption, etc.
Challenges: whistleblowers may face retaliation, legal threats, or social stigma for their actions.

Professional Ethics and Conduct

Professional ethics are distinct from personal ethics but are influenced by personal values.
Values shape attitudes and behavior, guiding responses to ethical dilemmas.
Organizations and professional communities often have codes of ethics to provide guidance.
Definitions of ethics and morality vary, encompassing goal-based approaches, self-interest, moral imperatives, fundamental human rights, and environmental responsibility.

Engineering Codes of Ethics

The development of engineering codes of ethics has been a gradual process, starting with the first code written by Isham Randolph in 1918.
Efforts by various organizations, such as the American Association of Engineers and the Engineers' Council for Professional Development (ECPD), have aimed to create universally accepted codes.

National Institute for Engineering Ethics (NIEE)

The Murdough Center at Texas Tech University houses the National Institute for Engineering Ethics.
Its mission includes providing education, research, and communication on engineering ethics and professionalism.

Ethical Problem Areas

Consulting and Construction: highlighted ethical dilemmas include issues related to competitive bidding, advertising practices, and conflicts of interest.

Decision-Making Guidelines

Nine basic steps were outlined for personal ethical decision-making, emphasizing the importance of thorough assessment and evaluation of alternatives.

Ethical Problems in Industrial Practice

Environmental Responsibilities: engineers and engineering managers often face decisions related to environmental impact, such as those involving effluent discharge from plants.
Post-employment Limitations and Whistle-blowing: issues like conflicts of interest, moonlighting, and the disclosure of unethical practices by employers were discussed.

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Description

Understanding whistleblowing, its importance, and forms of reporting misconduct in organizations. Learn about the guidelines and conditions for justified whistleblowing.