Lecture 7: Workplace Ethics

# Lecture 7: Workplace Ethics ## Introduction to Engineering and Ethics <br> **1400111011** <br> **Asst. Prof. Mete Öğüç** ## Workplace Responsibilities and Professionalism ### Engineers' workplace responsibilities: * Maintaining confidentiality * Avoiding conflicts of interest * Upholding Pro...

# Lecture 7: Workplace Ethics ## Introduction to Engineering and Ethics <br> **1400111011** <br> **Asst. Prof. Mete Öğüç** ## Workplace Responsibilities and Professionalism ### Engineers' workplace responsibilities: * Maintaining confidentiality * Avoiding conflicts of interest * Upholding Professional integrity, even during job transitions. ### Good vs. Poor Communication: * Well functioning companies prioritize safety, quality and customer satisfaction. * Poorly run companies focus excessively on finances, leading to conflicts between engineers and management. ## Workplace Responsibilities and Professionalism ### Confidentiality * Defined as keeping sensitive information private, especially trade secrets, proprietary data, and privileged information. * Obligation persists beyond employment and includes protecting trade secrets and respecting employment agreements. * Challenges arise in balancing career advancement with confidentiality obligations. ### Conflicts of Interest * Occurs when personal or secondary interests interfere with professional judgment. * **Examples include:** * Gifts, bribes, and kickbacks. * Insider trading and investments in competitors. * Moonlighting (working for multiple employers simultaneously). * Moral concerns focus on maintaining trust and fair competition. ### Managerial Response to Engineers Effective companies value engineers' input, especially regarding safety and quality concerns, fostering trust and collaboration. ## Professional and Employee Rights ### Professional Rights: Emphasizes the role of professional societies in advocating for these rights: * **Conscience:** Making ethical decisions without interference. * **Conscientious refusal:** Declining to engage in unethical acts. * **Recognition:** Fair monetary and non monetary acknowledgment of contributions. ### Employee Rights Characteristics of effective complaint systems include: * **Privacy:** Limited access to personal data within the workplace. * **Equal opportunity:** Prevention of discrimination and sexual harassment. * **Affirmative action:** Balancing diversity and fairness in hiring practices. ## Ethical Corporate Climate ### Characteristics of an Ethical Corporate Environment: * Ethical values acknowledged by all stakeholders. * Honest use of ethical language. * Top management sets a moral example. * Conflict resolution procedures in place (e.g., ombudspersons). ### Complaint and Resolution Procedures Characteristics of effective complaint systems include: * Protection against retaliation. * Clear communication channels. * Transparent problem resolution and follow up.