ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT
Prof. Dr. Mete Gündoğan
SECTION 5 ENGINNERING ETHICS Lesson Content: Classical Moral Theory As Applied To Science And
Engineering History Of Ethics Evaluating Ethical Judgments First Principles Of Engineering Ethics
What is Engineering Ethics? ď‚— Engineering Ethics is the study of moral issues and decisions
confronting individuals and organizations engaged in engineering. ď‚— The Study of related questions about moral ideals, character, policies and relationship of people and corporations involved in technological activity.
What is Engineering Ethics? “Ethics has to do with what my feelings tell me is right or
wrong.“ “Ethics has to do with my religious beliefs.” “Being ethical is doing what the law requires.” “Ethics consists of the standards of behavior our society accepts.“
What is Engineering Ethics? ď‚— Engineering ethics is the field of applied ethics which examines
and sets standards for engineers’ obligations to the public, their clients, employers and the profession. • Engineering does not have a single uniform system, or standard, of ethical conduct across the entire profession.
What is Engineering Ethics? ď‚— Ethical approaches vary somewhat by discipline and jurisdiction,
but are most influenced by whether the engineers are independently providing professional services to clients, or the public if employed in government service; or if they are employees of an enterprise creating products for sale. ď‚— In the United States the first are usually licensed Professional
Engineers, are governed by statute, and have generally consistent codes of professional ethics.
What is Engineering Ethics? Engineering ethics is the study of moral values, issues and
decisions involved in engineering practice. The moral values take many forms, including Responsibilities ideal character traits social policies relationships desirable for individuals corporation engaged in technological development.
What is Engineering Ethics? Teaching engineering ethics can achieve at least four desirable
outcomes: increased ethical sensitivity increased knowledge of relevant standards of conduct improved ethical judgment improved ethical will-power
(i.e., a greater ability to act ethically when one wants to).
What is Engineering Ethics? ď‚— The latter, working as engineers in industry, are governed by
various laws including whistle blowing, and product liability laws, and often rely on principles of business ethics rather than engineering ethics.
Religion = Ethics? Does
ethics apply only to religious people? Religion can set high ethical standards and can provide intense motivations for ethical behavior. Ethics, however, cannot be confined to religion nor is it the same as religion.
Following The Law = Ethics?
Law vs. Ethics LAW Creates rules to guide conduct Balances competing values Punishes conduct that is “illegal” through formal structures
ETHICS • Offers guidance on conduct • Addresses situations in which competing values clash • Incentives and disincentives may be created by “group” (formal or informal)
Is “legal” the same as “ethical?” YES: Law defines duties, rights, “allowable conduct.” Compliance approach to business ethics: fulfill legally recognized duties, and
don’t go further. NO: Law does not address all ethical dilemmas Legal duties may not meet standard of ethical conduct “Beyond Compliance” approach: fulfill legally recognized duties, but don’t stop
there. In case of conflicts, it’s generally held that legal standards must give way to
ethical standards
Consider This: “You and Al” You are the manager for Big-Mart, a large discount retailer. You
recently fired Al, a sales clerk, after Al punched a customer during a dispute in the store (Al admitted this after the customer complained). Sue, manager of your competitor, Mega-Mart, calls you to tell you that Al has applied for a job at Mega-Mart, and to ask you whether Al is “good with customers.” WHAT DO YOU DO???
Consider This: “You and Al” “Legal” Ethical?
Unethical?
Illegal
“Al admitted to [You contact punching a another store, customer.” X-Mart, to warn about Al] “No comment” “He is great with customers.”
Doing What Society Accepts = Ethics?
Why Focus On Ethics? Make decisions – make the right choice Take action – do the right thing Personal integrity and self-respect Element of professional reputation HIGH ETHICS -> HIGH PROFITS
History of Engineering Ethics The engineering profession’s emphasis on ethics dates back to
the end of the 19th century. In 1946, the National Society of Professional Engineers released it Canons of Ethics for Engineers and Rules of Professional Conduct, which evolved to the current Code of Ethics, adopted in 1964. While these statements of general principles served as a guide, many engineers requested interpretations of how the Code would apply to specific circumstances.
History of Engineering Ethics These requests ultimately led to the creation of the Board of Ethical
Review in 1954. Ethics cases rarely have easy answers, but the BER’s nearly 500 advisory opinions have helped bring clarity to the ethical issues engineers face daily. The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) in the UK has a code of ethics incorporated into its standards of conduct. The Canadian societies of Professional engineers likewise have as well. These codes of ethics share many similarities.
Why Study Engineering Ethics? Engineering ethics should be studied because it is important,
both in preventing grave consequences of faulty ethical reasoning and in giving meaning to engineers’ endeavors, but it is complex. It cannot be understood through casual observation. Increased awareness of importance due to publicity surrounding high profile engineering failures. Engineering decisions can impact public health, safety, business practices and politics.
Why Study Engineering Ethics? Engineers should be aware of moral implications as they make
decisions in the workplace. Study of ethics helps engineers develop a moral autonomy. Ability to think critically and independently about moral issues. Ability to apply this moral thinking to situations that arise in the course of professional engineering practice.
5 Ethical Principles Beneficence NonMaleficence
Respect for Autonomy
Fidelity
Justice
Moral dilemmas • A situation in which, whatever choice is made, the agent
commits a moral wrong.
Something morally right Something morally wrong
Bad outcome Good or better outcome
Moral Stages • A woman was near death from a unique kind of cancer. There is a
drug that might save her. The drug costs $4,000 per dosage. The sick woman's husband, Heinz, went to everyone he knew to borrow the money and tried every legal means, but he could only get together about $2,000. He asked the doctor scientist who discovered the drug for a discount or that he let him pay later. But the doctor scientist refused. • Should Heinz break into the laboratory to steal the drug for his wife? (Why or why not?)
Moral Stages • Level 1: PRE-CONVENTIONAL
Reasoners judge the morality of an action by its direct consequences • Level 2: CONVENTIONAL
People who reason in a conventional way judge the morality of actions by comparing these actions to social rules and expectations • Level 3: POST-CONVENTIONAL
Level 1: PRE-CONVENTIONAL • Stage One: Obedience and Punishment Individuals focus on the direct consequences that their actions will
have for themselves. Heinz should not steal the medicine, because otherwise he will be put in prison.
Level 1: PRE-CONVENTIONAL • Stage Two (self-interest): Right behavior is defined by what is in one's own best
interest. Heinz should steal the medicine, because he will be much happier if he saves his wife, even if he will have to serve a prison sentence.
Level 2: CONVENTIONAL • Stage Three: Interpersonal Concordance ("Good boy/girl") Conformity Individuals seek approval from other people. They judge the
morality of actions by evaluating the consequences of these actions for a person's relationships. Heinz should steal the medicine, because his wife expects it.
Level 2: CONVENTIONAL • Stage Four: Law and Order Individuals think it is important to obey the law and conventions
of society.
Level 3: POST-CONVENTIONAL • Most people do not reach this level of moral reasoning • Stage Five: Human Rights • Stage Six: Universal Ethical Principles (Principled Conscience)
Procedures For Facing Moral Dilemma • Moral dilemmas often test our character and our commitment to
the greatest good for the greatest number of people. • Some moral dilemmas are simply complicated decisions which must be thoroughly evaluated before choosing a course of action. • Other choices are genuine moral dilemmas which challenge our ability to makes fair and just choices.
Procedures For Facing Moral Dilemma • Some people have hypothetical minds that like to debate what
is right and wrong. • Sometimes, however, what is right and wrong is not so clear, as is the case in a moral dilemma.
Long, Short Term Consequences • Moral dilemmas can also be evaluated on the basis of their
short-term and long-term consequences. • If short-term consequences are overshadowed by long-term benefits, then moral dilemma can find its ethical solution by pursuing an outcome which obtains the greatest long-term benefit for the greatest number of people.
THE SCOPE OF ENGINEERING ETHICS
Typical Ethical Issues that Engineers Encounter Safety Acceptable risk Compliance Confidentiality Environmental health Data integrity Conflict of interest Honesty/Dishonesty Societal impact Fairness Accounting for uncertainty, etc.
Two Dimensions of Ethics in Engineering Ethics is part of engineering for two main reasons. Engineers need to be socially responsible when building products
and processes for society. Social responsibility requires professional responsibility.
Results of the Ethics Equation ETHICAL BEHAVIOR • • • • • •
Quality products Conservation of resources Pride in work Public safety Timeliness GOOD BUSINESS
UNETHICAL BEHAVIOR • • • • • •
Shoddy products Waste, fraud, greed Abuse of expertise Guilt, fear Lack of safety Cutting corners
• •
poor design rushed testing
• DISASTERS!
The Engineering Code of Ethics The Engineering Code of Ethics has three components: The Fundamental Canons: which articulate the basic components of ethical engineering. The Rules of Practice: which clarify and specify in detail the fundamental canons of ethics in engineering. Professional Obligations: which elaborate the obligations that engineers have.
Fundamental Canons
Engineers, in the fulfillment of their professional duties, shall: Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public. Perform services only in areas of their competence. Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner. Act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees. Avoid deceptive acts. Conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically, and lawfully so as to enhance the honor, reputation, and usefulness of the profession.
Rules of Practice Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public. If engineers' judgment is overruled under circumstances that endanger life or property, they shall notify their employer or client and such other authority as may be appropriate. Engineers shall approve only those engineering documents that are in conformity with applicable standards. Engineers shall not reveal facts, data, or information without the prior consent of the client or employer except as authorized or required by law or this Code.
Rules of Practice Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public. ď‚— Engineers shall not permit the use of their name or associate in business ventures with any person or firm that they believe is engaged in fraudulent or dishonest enterprise. ď‚— Engineers shall not aid or abet the unlawful practice of engineering by a person or firm. ď‚— Engineers having knowledge of any alleged violation of this Code shall report thereon to appropriate professional bodies and, when relevant, also to public authorities, and cooperate with the proper authorities in furnishing such information or assistance as may be required.
Rules of Practice Engineers shall perform services only in the areas of their competence.Engineers shall undertake assignments only when qualified by education or experience in the specific technical fields involved. ď‚— Engineers shall not affix their signatures to any plans or documents dealing with subject matter in which they lack competence, nor to any plan or document not prepared under their direction and control. ď‚— Engineers may accept assignments and assume responsibility for coordination of an entire project and sign and seal the engineering documents for the entire project, provided that each technical segment is signed and sealed only by the qualified engineers who prepared the segment.
Rules of Practice Engineers shall issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner.Engineers shall be objective and truthful in professional reports, statements, or testimony. They shall include all relevant and pertinent information in such reports, statements, or testimony, which should bear the date indicating when it was current. ď‚— Engineers may express publicly technical opinions that are founded upon knowledge of the facts and competence in the subject matter. ď‚— Engineers shall issue no statements, criticisms, or arguments on technical matters that are inspired or paid for by interested parties, unless they have prefaced their comments by explicitly identifying the interested parties on whose behalf they are speaking, and by revealing the existence of any interest the engineers may have in the matters.
Rules of Practice Engineers shall act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees.Engineers shall disclose all known or potential conflicts of interest that could influence or appear to influence their judgment or the quality of their services. ď‚— Engineers shall not accept compensation, financial or otherwise, from more than one party for services on the same project, or for services pertaining to the same project, unless the circumstances are fully disclosed and agreed to by all interested parties. ď‚— Engineers shall not solicit or accept financial or other valuable consideration, directly or indirectly, from outside agents in connection with the work for which they are responsible.
Rules of Practice Engineers shall act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees.Engineers shall disclose all known or potential conflicts of interest that could influence or appear to influence their judgment or the quality of their services. ď‚— Engineers in public service as members, advisors, or employees of a governmental or quasi-governmental body or department shall not participate in decisions with respect to services solicited or provided by them or their organizations in private or public engineering practice. ď‚— Engineers shall not solicit or accept a contract from a governmental body on which a principal or officer of their organization serves as a member.
Rules of Practice Engineers shall avoid deceptive acts. ď‚— Engineers shall not falsify their qualifications or permit misrepresentation of their or their associates' qualifications. They shall not misrepresent or exaggerate their responsibility in or for the subject matter of prior assignments. Brochures or other presentations incident to the solicitation of employment shall not misrepresent pertinent facts concerning employers, employees, associates, joint venturers, or past accomplishments.
Rules of Practice Engineers shall avoid deceptive acts. ď‚— Engineers shall not offer, give, solicit, or receive, either directly or indirectly, any contribution to influence the award of a contract by public authority, or which may be reasonably construed by the public as having the effect or intent of influencing the awarding of a contract. They shall not offer any gift or other valuable consideration in order to secure work. They shall not pay a commission, percentage, or brokerage fee in order to secure work, except to a bona fide employee or bona fide established commercial or marketing agencies retained by them.
Professional Obligations Engineers shall be guided in all their relations by the highest standards of honesty and integrity.Engineers shall acknowledge their errors and shall not distort or alter the facts. Engineers shall advise their clients or employers when they believe a project will not be successful. Engineers shall not accept outside employment to the detriment of their regular work or interest. Before accepting any outside engineering employment, they will notify their employers. Engineers shall not attempt to attract an engineer from another employer by false or misleading pretenses. Engineers shall not promote their own interest at the expense of the dignity and integrity of the profession.
Professional Obligations Engineers shall at all times strive to serve the public interest. Engineers are encouraged to participate in civic affairs; career guidance
for youths; and work for the advancement of the safety, health, and wellbeing of their community. Engineers shall not complete, sign, or seal plans and/or specifications that are not in conformity with applicable engineering standards. If the client or employer insists on such unprofessional conduct, they shall notify the proper authorities and withdraw from further service on the project. Engineers are encouraged to extend public knowledge and appreciation of engineering and its achievements. Engineers are encouraged to adhere to the principles of sustainable development1 in order to protect the environment for future generations.
Professional Obligations Engineers shall avoid all conduct or practice that deceives the
public. Engineers shall avoid the use of statements containing a material misrepresentation of fact or omitting a material fact. Consistent with the foregoing, engineers may advertise for recruitment of personnel. Consistent with the foregoing, engineers may prepare articles for the lay or technical press, but such articles shall not imply credit to the author for work performed by others.
Professional Obligations ď‚— Engineers shall not disclose, without consent, confidential
information concerning the business affairs or technical processes of any present or former client or employer, or public body on which they serve. ď€ Engineers shall not, without the consent of all interested parties, promote or arrange for new employment or practice in connection with a specific project for which the engineer has gained particular and specialized knowledge. ď€ Engineers shall not, without the consent of all interested parties, participate in or represent an adversary interest in connection with a specific project or proceeding in which the engineer has gained particular specialized knowledge on behalf of a former client or employer.
Professional Obligations Engineers shall not be influenced in their professional duties by
conflicting interests. Engineers shall not accept financial or other considerations, including free engineering designs, from material or equipment suppliers for specifying their product. Engineers shall not accept commissions or allowances, directly or indirectly, from contractors or other parties dealing with clients or employers of the engineer in connection with work for which the engineer is responsible.
Professional Obligations Engineers shall not attempt to obtain employment or advancement
or professional engagements by untruthfully criticizing other engineers, or by other improper or questionable methods. Engineers shall not request, propose, or accept a commission on a contingent basis under circumstances in which their judgment may be compromised. Engineers in salaried positions shall accept part-time engineering work only to the extent consistent with policies of the employer and in accordance with ethical considerations. Engineers shall not, without consent, use equipment, supplies, laboratory, or office facilities of an employer to carry on outside private practice.
Professional Obligations Engineers shall not attempt to injure, maliciously or falsely, directly or
indirectly, the professional reputation, prospects, practice, or employment of other engineers. Engineers who believe others are guilty of unethical or illegal practice shall present such information to the proper authority for action. Engineers in private practice shall not review the work of another engineer for the same client, except with the knowledge of such engineer, or unless the connection of such engineer with the work has been terminated. Engineers in governmental, industrial, or educational employ are entitled to review and evaluate the work of other engineers when so required by their employment duties. Engineers in sales or industrial employ are entitled to make engineering comparisons of represented products with products of other suppliers.
Professional Obligations ď‚— Engineers
shall accept personal responsibility for their professional activities, provided, however, that engineers may seek indemnification for services arising out of their practice for other than gross negligence, where the engineer's interests cannot otherwise be protected. ď€ Engineers shall conform with state registration laws in the practice of engineering. ď€ Engineers shall not use association with a nonengineer, a corporation, or partnership as a "cloak" for unethical acts.
Professional Obligations Engineers shall give credit for engineering work to those to whom
credit is due, and will recognize the proprietary interests of others. Engineers shall, whenever possible, name the person or persons who may be individually responsible for designs, inventions, writings, or other accomplishments. Engineers using designs supplied by a client recognize that the designs remain the property of the client and may not be duplicated by the engineer for others without express permission. Engineers, before undertaking work for others in connection with which the engineer may make improvements, plans, designs, inventions, or other records that may justify copyrights or patents, should enter into a positive agreement regarding ownership.
Professional Obligations ď‚— Engineers shall give credit for engineering work to those to
whom credit is due, and will recognize the proprietary interests of others. ď€ Engineers' designs, data, records, and notes referring exclusively to an employer's work are the employer's property. The employer should indemnify the engineer for use of the information for any purpose other than the original purpose. ď€ Engineers shall continue their professional development throughout their careers and should keep current in their specialty fields by engaging in professional practice, participating in continuing education courses, reading in the technical literature, and attending professional meetings and seminars.
IEEE Code Of Ethics To accept responsibility in making decisions consistent with the
safety, health, and welfare of the public, and to disclose promptly factors that might endanger the public or the environment; To avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest whenever possible, and to disclose them to affected parties when they do exist; To be honest and realistic in stating claims or estimates based on available data; To reject bribery in all its forms; To improve the understanding of technology; its appropriate application, and potential consequences;
IEEE Code Of Ethics To maintain and improve our technical competence and to undertake
technological tasks for others only if qualified by training or experience, or after full disclosure of pertinent limitations; To seek, accept, and offer honest criticism of technical work, to acknowledge and correct errors, and to credit properly the contributions of others; To treat fairly all persons regardless of such factors as race, religion, gender, disability, age, or national origin; To avoid injuring others, their property, reputation, or employment by false or malicious action; To assist colleagues and co-workers in their professional development and to support them in following this code of ethics.
Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) “A practitioner shall, regard the practitioner’s duty to public welfare as paramount.”
The Order of the Engineer in Quebec (OIQ) “In all aspects of his work, the engineer must respect his obligations towards man and take into account the consequences of the performance of his work on the environment and on the life, health and property of every person.�
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) “ Engineers, in the fulfillment of their professional duties, shall: Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public.�
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) “Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public in the performance of their professional duties.�
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) “We, the members of the IEEE, . . . Do hereby commit ourselves to the highest ethical and professional conduct and agree: 1. to accept responsibility in making decisions consistent with the safety, health, and welfare of the public, and to disclose promptly factors that might endanger the public or the environment;�
American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) “To achieve these goals, members shall hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public and protect the environment in performance of their professional duties.�
Obligation to Society Broad context of responsibility: “While performing services, the engineer’s foremost responsibility is to the public welfare” “Engineers shall approve only those designs that safeguard the life, health, welfare, and property of the public while conforming to accepted engineering standards”
Obligation to Society Whistle blowing “If an engineer’s professional judgment is overruled resulting in danger to the life, health, welfare, or property of the public, the engineer shall notify his/her employer or client and any appropriate authority” According to first principles, this duty overrides the duty to a client and/or employer. An engineer may be disciplined, or have their license revoked, even if the failure to report such a danger does not result in the loss of life or health.
Obligation to Society Whistle blowing In many cases, this duty can be discharged by advising the client of the consequences in a forthright manner, and assuring the client takes the engineer’s advice. However, the engineer must ensure that the remedial steps are taken and, if they are not, the situation must be reported to the appropriate authority. In very rare cases, where even a governmental authority may not take appropriate action, the engineer can only discharge the duty by making the situation public.
Obligation to Society Whistle blowing ď‚— As a result, whistle blowing by professional engineers is not an unusual event, and courts have often sided with engineers in such cases, overruling duties to employers and confidentiality considerations that otherwise would have prevented the engineer from speaking out.
Obligation to Society Truth in duties “Engineers shall be objective and truthful in professional reports, statements, or testimonies and shall provide all pertinent supporting information relating to such items” “Engineers shall not express a professional opinion publicly unless it is based upon knowledge of the facts and a competent evaluation of the subject matter”
Obligation to Society The Duty of Full Disclosure “Engineers shall not express professional opinion on subject matters for which they are motivated or paid, unless they explicitly identify the parties on whose behalf they are expressing the opinion and reveal the parties’ interest in the matters”
Obligation to Society “Clean Hands” Rule “Engineers shall not enter business ventures or permit their names or their firm’s names to be used by any persons or firm which is engaging in dishonest, fraudulent, or illegal business practice”
Obligation to Society Final Obligation to Society “Engineers who have knowledge of possible violation of any of the rules listed in this and the following two parts shall provide pertinent information and assist the state board in reaching final determination of the possible violation”
Engineer’s Obligation to Employers and Clients Professional competence “Engineers shall not undertake technical assignments for which they are not qualified” “Engineers shall approve or seal only those plans or designs that deal with subjects in which they are competent and which have been prepared under their direct control and supervision”
Engineer’s Obligation to Employers and Clients The Validity of Approvals “Engineers may coordinate an entire project provided that each design component is signed or sealed by the engineer responsible for that design component”
Engineer’s Obligation to Employers and Clients Confidentiality Requirement “Engineers shall not reveal professional information without the employer’s or client’s prior consent except as authorized or required by law”
Engineer’s Obligation to Employers and Clients Conflict of Interest “Engineers shall not solicit or accept direct or indirect considerations, financial or otherwise, from contractors, their agents, or other parties while performing work for employers or clients” “Engineers shall disclose to their employers or clients potential conflicts of interest or any other circumstances that could influence or appear to influence their professional judgment or their service quality”
Engineer’s Obligation to Employers and Clients Full Disclosure “An engineer shall not accept financial or other compensation from more than one party for services rendered on one project unless the details are fully disclosed and agreed by all parties”
Engineer’s Obligation to Employers and Clients Government Conflicts of Interest “To avoid conflicts of interest, engineers shall not solicit or accept a professional contract from a governmental body on which a principal or officer of their firm serves as a member. An engineer who is a principal or employee of a private firm and who serves as a member of a governmental body shall not participate in decisions relating to the professional services solicited or provided by the firm to the governmental body”
Engineer’s Obligations to Other Engineers Obligation to Potential Employers “Engineers shall not misrepresent or permit misrepresentation of their or any of their associate’s academic or professional qualifications. They shall not misrepresent their level of responsibility or the complexity of prior assignments. Pertinent facts relating to employers, employees, associates, joint ventures, or past accomplishments shall not be misrepresented when soliciting employment or business”
Engineer’s Obligations to Other Engineers Conflicts of Interest “Engineers shall not directly or indirectly give, solicit, or receive any
gift or commission, or other valuable consideration, in order to obtain work, and shall not make contribution to any political body with intent of influencing the award of contract by governmental body”
Engineer’s Obligations to Other Engineers Reputations of Other Engineers “Engineers shall not attempt to injure, maliciously or falsely, directly or indirectly, the professional reputations, prospects, practice or employment of other engineers, nor indiscriminately criticize the work of other engineers” Criticize cautiously and objectively with respect to the person’s professional status
Engineer’s Obligations to Other Engineers Reputations of Other Engineers “Engineers shall not attempt to injure, maliciously or falsely, directly or indirectly, the professional reputations, prospects, practice or employment of other engineers, nor indiscriminately criticize the work of other engineers” Criticize cautiously and objectively with respect to the person’s professional status
Why Identifying Ethical Standards is Hard! 2 Big Problems With Identifying Ethical Standards To Use: What should we base our ethical standards on? How should we apply these ethical standards to specific real life
situations we face?
Sources Of Ethical Standards The Utilitarian Approach The Rights Approach The Virtue Approach The Fairness or Justice Approach The Common Good Approach
Building An Ethical Framework Recognize an Ethical Issue ii. Get the Facts iii. Evaluate Alternative Actions iv. Make a Decision and Test It v. Act and Reflect on the Outcome i.
Recognize an Ethical Issue How do you recognize an ethical issue? Could this decision or situation be damaging to someone or to
some group? Does this decision involve a choice between a good and bad alternative, or perhaps between two "goods" or between two "bads"? Is this issue about more than what is legal or what is most efficient? If so, how?
Recognize an Ethical Issue CASE STUDY ď‚— A former employee who was fired due to poor quality work, absences, and lateness related to her drinking problem, informs you that she has applied for a position at another company and has already given your name as a reference. ď‚— She desperately needs a job (she is a single parent with three children), and she asks you to give her a good recommendation and not mention her drinking, which she assures you is now under control.
Recognize an Ethical Issue CASE STUDY ď‚— She also asks you to say that she voluntarily left the company to address a family medical crisis, and that the company was pleased with her work. You like this person and believe she is a good worker when she is not drinking. ď‚— You doubt that she really has overcome her drinking problem, however, and you would not recommend your own company hire her back.
Get the Facts You need to collect all of the facts What are the relevant facts of the case? What facts are not
known? Can I learn more about the situation? Do I know enough to make a decision? What individuals and groups have an important stake in the outcome? Are some concerns more important? Why? What are the options for acting? Have all the relevant persons and groups been consulted? Have I identified creative options?
Get the Facts CASE STUDY ď‚— An online auction site could order the shirts from a low-cost company in China or they could order them from a fair-trade company in San Francisco, which provided safe conditions and higher wages for the workers who made the clothing. ď‚— The fair trade shirts cost $28.65,making the grand total for the project
$8,595. In contrast, the Chinese T-shirts are $5.50 each, and the company's Web site promised fast and free delivery for a grand total of $1,100.
Get the Facts
CASE STUDY The T-shirts from China would be cheaper so that they could create a more elaborate design with more graphics and color. Working conditions in China are not good: low wages, rigorous work schedule, poor safety regulations, and the complete lack of worker's compensation and benefits. The San Francisco T-shirt company could provide shirts that were more expensive, they were fair-trade, organic, and eco-friendly. What should they do and why?
Evaluate Alternative Actions Which option will produce the most good and do the least harm?
(The Utilitarian Approach) Which option best respects the rights of all who have a stake? (The Rights Approach) Which option treats people equally or proportionately? (The Justice Approach) Which option best serves the community as a whole, not just some members? (The Common Good Approach) Which option leads me to act as the sort of person I want to be? (The Virtue Approach)
Make a Decision and Test It ď‚— Considering all these approaches, which option best addresses
the situation? ď‚— If I told someone I respect-or told a television audience-which option I have chosen, what would they say?
Act and Reflect on the Outcome ď‚— How can my decision be implemented with the greatest care and
attention to the concerns of all stakeholders? ď‚— How did my decision turn out and what have I learned from this specific situation?
The Reasons of Insufficient Engineering
Engineering Failures Space Shuttle Columbia disaster (2003) Space Shuttle Challenger disaster (1986) Therac-25 accidents (1985 to 1987) Chernobyl disaster (1986) Bhopal disaster (1984) Kansas City Hyatt Regency walkway collapse (1981) Love Canal (1980), Lois Gibbs Three Mile Island accident (1979) Citigroup Center (1978), William Lemessurier Ford Pinto safety problems (1970s)
Engineering Failures Minamata disease (1908-1973) Chevrolet Corvair safety problems (1960s), Ralph Nader, and
Unsafe at Any Speed Boston molasses disaster (1919) Quebec Bridge collapse (1907), Theodore Cooper Johnstown Flood (1889), South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club Tay Bridge Disaster (1879), Thomas Bouch, William Henry Barlow, and William Yolland Ashtabula River Railroad Disaster (1876), Amasa Stone