Abstract
The noble field of engineering has a high expectations from the society and community at large. Many of the engineering project impact on public health and safety and environmental sustainability. As such engineers are expected to adhere to certain level of standards and expectations as they carry out their work, knowing that the outcome of their practices influence public and environmental safety. This write up reviews the subject of ethics in engineering in other to highlight the factors or issues that enhance standard practice.
Introduction
The field of engineering practice is unique in that it is involved in solving various problems of humanity at one level or the other. Engineers carry out the design of structures, facilities, software, packages and the likes in the bid to proffer solutions to the various dimensions of problems that our society encounters. Thus, the role of engineers in the society can not be underplayed.
The crucial roles of engineers and engineering organizations in the development of our society has placed a more stringent expectation on the profession. In the light of the fact that their products and services are for the society at large, it is highly important for engineers to give consideration to the satisfaction of ethical requirements as they affect the society they intend to serve. In addition to carrying out their jobs as expected of them, engineers have the responsibility of discharging their duties in line with moral and ethical standards.
Historical Perspectives
According to Hill (1996), the history of work and associated ethical considerations could be traced from the Christian belief system or Hebrew belief system. The belief systems see work as a curse placed by God on man for his disobedience. It only sees work as a mere necessity to prevent lack and poverty. The believes of the Greeks and later, the Romans, were not in any case different from the traditional Hebrew believe. The Greeks and the Romans view work or manual labor as an exclusive reserve for the slaves. Furthermore, there was no equality in those ancient communities and it was considered wrong for certain members of the communities (the elites especially) to engage in manual labor. Work ethics then require that the elites should work less and have the slaves do most of the laborious work (Hill 1996). That was the ethical standards at this time (though in the light of current trend, this was no ethics at all). Specifically, Hill (1996) highlighted that leaders in the Greek state who gets engage in manual or laborious work are considered as committing treason towards the state. Rather, they can get involved in trading and other similar commercial activities (means of amassing wealth).
By the middle ages, Hill (1996) reported that there was a slight shift from the views of the ancient world about work. While work is somewhat still considered as a punishment for sin, it was believed that it was ethically wrong for anyone to lazy around, not doing anything. Though work still had no ’intrinsic’ value, it was considered, especially among the Christians at that time, as a means of curbing the tendency to resort to stealing. The issue of work became dignifying and it was gradually becoming ethically wrong to limit work to slaves only. However, some work were still considered more dignifying that some others. In addition, it was considered ethical to use earnings from one’s work as a means of helping others who genuinely are in poverty and lack (Hill 1996). Amassing wealth was not considered acceptable in any way. Inferring from Hill (1996), this stage in history ushered in the move towards using one‘s work proceeds for the good of the society rather than for selfish interests. This was becoming acceptable ethically (especially among Christians).
With the protestant revolution came a total change in the attitude towards work. From this time onwards, work was considered as ordained of God and a means of sustaining oneself. The protestant crusaders then (notably, John Calvin and Martin Luther) considered it ethically wrong for anyone to use the labor of others (e. g. slaves) for amassing personal wealth. Rather, hard work was considered as a means by which one decides his fate and how wealthy he becomes in the society (Hill 1996).
The industrial revolution of the nineteenth century further brought remarkable changes to the issue of work ethics (Hill 1996). Work ethics became more civil in orientation than the previous times when religious undertones were evidenced. Manufacturing industries started springing up and this brought about the need for specialization and skill in handling the manufacturing lines. Hill (1996) highlighted that industries were more focused on profit making, pushing out goods more than what is necessary and underpaying staff. As a result, the issue of work becoming a means to better one’s lot in was underplayed. However, at a later time, people management practices came into limelight (Hill 1996). Organizations were made to see the need for employee motivation as crucial factor for productivity (Taormina 2008). According to Herzberg, Mausner, and Snyderman (1959)
factors such as achievement, recognition, responsibility, advancement, and personal growth…, when provided as an intrinsic component of a job, tended to motivate workers to perform better. Factors such as salary, company policies, supervisory style, working conditions, and relations with fellow workers tended to impair worker performance if inadequately provided for,…(Herzberg, Mausner, & Snyderman 1959)
With time, the need to consider the interests of others within the workplace and organizations keeps growing. Ethical considerations were strongly pushed for. Though, the industrial revolution favored the capitalist economy in a way (Hill 1996), it became difficult to enslave or coerce people by an individual to work for his own personal gain singly. Social collaboration, community safety and development, and responsible work attitudes came into more prominence at the workplace (Hill 1996).
Engineering Ethics
In today’s world, engineering ethics focuses more on technical issues that pertain to solving societal problems. Engineers are expected to be committed to social responsibility, public health and safety, environmental sustenance, technology development, and so on (Amadei 2004, Pirttiaho 2007). Moreover, engineering ethical standards require utmost honesty and integrity on the part of engineers in offering their services to the populace (National Society of Professional Engineers [NSPE] 2007). For engineers and engineering organizations, consideration for work ethics can not be overemphasized in that any attendant slackness or carelessness in handling most of the engineering projects often bring a negative impact on man and the environment where he lives (Pirttiaho 2007). Most often than not, the blame for any unfavorable outcome of engineering projects on man’s environment comes on the engineer or the engineering organization (Pirttiaho 2007). Therefore, rather than allow themselves to become objects of criticism, engineers have been challenged to take positive lead roles in public health and safety, environmental sustainability and global development (Wallace 2008).
In the light of the foregoing, Pinkus et al. (1997) highlighted that in demonstrating good work ethics, engineers and engineering organizations needs to be competent, responsible, and guard public interest on the use technology. According to the authors, competency refers to the ability to employ engineering knowledge and technical know-how in solving engineering problems. Furthermore, Wallace (2008) reiterated the idea of competency in engineering practice by emphasizing the need for engineers to be more creative and proactive in taking the lead in charting the course for environmental preservation and sustenance. In exhibiting competency, engineers are to employ available knowledge and technical ability in proffering solutions to environmental related issues, especially in dealing with the effects of current distortions in the global climate. In addition, NSPE (2007) assert that engineers should only delve into areas where they are sure of their competence.
Pinkus et al. (1997) also highlighted that engineers should be responsible for their activities. Ethical issues will always come up and, when it does, the engineers should be able to take an ethical stand in favor of public and environmental safety. The engineer should see himself as being responsible for ensuring that his products and services are safe for the public and the environment. According to NSPE (2007), it is the responsibility of the engineer to uphold integrity and transparency in his practice. Any potential threat is to be brought to the notice of the necessary individuals and authorities with the aim of not just informing but ensuring that the threats are adequately handled on time (NSPE 2007). The need to be very assertive in this regard is highly important (Kardon 1999, Amadei 2004, Pirttiaho 2007).
The issue of responsibility is also attached to the issue of guarding the interest of the public on the use of technology, especially new technologies. Amadei (2004) and Wallace (2008) argued that the periods of the industrial revolution witnesses series of cases where technology was employed to manipulate the environment without due consideration of the attached consequences. Profit making and improvement of market share against competition were priorities among manufacturers. They argued that the untold effects of industrialization on humanity and the environment are more visible to us than before in the form of current unfavorable changes in the climate and environment. Thus, the authors believed that engineers needs to take a second look at adopting new technologies. Environment impact should be considered in examining new technologies and focus should be on technologies that will encourage environmental sustainability and human safety. For the present day engineer, the interest of the public and the environment comes ahead of any other interest (NSPE 2007).
Ethical Codes for Engineers
In a bid to further push for the inculcation of the right attitudes in engineering practice, ethical codes have been drafted for engineers. The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) in America presented the codes for professional ethics for its members in 2007 (revised version). This includes certain fundamental guides for engineers in their practice. The code stated the expectations from the engineer as follows (NSPE 2007):
Concern for public safety, health and welfare. This includes upholding safe design standards and practices and dissociating from involvements in practices that tends to endanger people and their properties.
Practicing only within the engineer’s areas of competence.
Upholding integrity and objectivity in the dissemination of technical information as it affects various projects that the engineer is involved in. The content and manner of presentation of these information should not be at the detriment of public interest.
Faithfulness in representing the interests of the engineer’s client or employer. These interests should not be overridden by any unhealthy or hidden personal interest.
Avoidance of deceptive and cunning attitude either towards the public, clients or employers in order to secure personal gratification.
Exhibiting honorable, responsible, and ethical conduct and practices such that the dignity and respect of the engineering profession is preserved.
In addition to these, other bodies or agencies regulating and monitoring engineering practices in various engineering disciplines have their specific ethical codes whose contents are akin to those of the NSPE. Examples include Software Engineering Code of Ethics and Professional Practice (1999).
Conclusion
At the current stage in which our environment is, there is a need to enhance sustainability and safety. Engineers have been called to take the lead in this direction (Wallace 2008). For engineers to be leaders indeed in this regard, it requires that they carry out their jobs in a dignifying and responsible manner. The engineer should carry out his expected responsibilities such that the public develops a sense of trust in the engineer and his judgment. Exhibiting sound ethical and moral attitude in their field of practices are the threshold of leadership attributes that engineers are expected to display.
References
Amadei, B 2004, ‘Engineering for the Developing World’, The Bridge, vol. 34, no. 2.
Association for Computing Machinery [ACM] 1999, Software Engineering Code of Ethics and Professional Practice, ACM, US
Herzberg, F, Mausner, B & Snyderman, BB 1959, The motivation to work, John Wiley & Sons, New York.
Hill, RB 1996, Historical Context of the Work Ethic, University of Gorgia, retrieved 11 May 2010, <http://www.coe.uga.edu/~rhill/workethic/hist/htm>
Kardon, JB 1999, ‘The Structural Engineer’s Standard of Care‘, OEC International Conference on Ethics in Engineering and Computer Science, National Academy of Engineering, Retrieved 12 May 2010, <www.onlineethics.org/Resources/Cases/standard_of_care.aspx>
National Society of Professional Engineers [NSPE] 2007, Code of Ethics for Engineers, NSPE, Virginia, US.
Pinkus, RLB, Shurman, LJ, Human, NP & Wolf, H 1997, Engineering Ethics, Cambridge University Press, New York.
Pirttiaho, L 2007 ‘Sound Engineering Practices and Ethics in Technology Business’, Electronic Journal of Business Ethics and Organization Studies, Vol. 12, no. 2, ISSN 1239-2685
Taormina, RJ 2008, ‘Interrelating leadership behaviours, organizational socialization, and organizational culture‘, Leadership & Organization Development Journal, vol. 29, no. 1, pp 85–102.
Wallace, B 2008, ‘Global Climate Change: An Engineering NGO Perspective‘, ASCE International Conference, Pittsburg, US
