CE 3142

Professional Ethics
1. Introduction

Eng. (Dr.). Praneeth Sathsara Wijesinghe,

BSc Eng Hons, PhD, AMIE(SL), AEng
Department of Interdisciplinary Studies,
Faculty of Engineering,
University of Ruhuna.
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Continuous Assessment Overview (30%)

• Take Home Assignment - 15%

• Group Assignment – 15%

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 What is Ethics?

• Ethics is the code of moral principles and values

that governs the behaviors of a person or group
with respect to what is right & wrong
• Ethics sets standards as to what is good or bad in
conduct and decision making
• An ethical issue is present in a situation when the
actions of a person or organization may harm or
benefit others

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What is Ethical Behaviour?

• Conduct that conforms to ethics, individual

beliefs and social standards about what is
right & good

•Do Engineers really need code of ethics?

( Why should we study Ethics?? We are already ethical)

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Role of Engineers

• People rely quite heavily on engineers to provide

them with safe and reliable goods and services.
• There is no room for mistakes or dishonesty in
Engineering
• Mistakes made by Engineers could cost not only
money but also more importantly lives

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Role of Engineers

There are jobs where a person’s mistakes could be

tolerated

Example:

If a waiter brings you Coke instead of the Pepsi that

you ordered, or instead of Fish bun brings you Fish
roll, you can live with that mistake. These are mistakes
that usually can be corrected without any harm to
anyone

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 Doctor Vs Engineer

• An incompetent and unethical surgeon could cause

at most the death of one person at one time (When
a pregnant woman dies on the operating table, two
deaths may result).
• An incompetent and unethical engineer could
cause the deaths of hundred of people at one time
if he/she in order to save money designs a bridge
or a part for an airplane that does not meet the
safety requirements, hundreds of people’s lives are
at risk.

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 Engineering Ethics

• Engineering is an important and learned profession.

• Engineers are expected to exhibit the highest
standards of honesty and integrity.
• Engineering has a direct and vital impact on the
quality of life for all people.
• The services provided by the engineers require
honesty, impartiality, fairness and equity and must
be dedicated to the protection of the public health,
safety and welfare.

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Engineering Ethics

• Engineers must perform under a standard of

professional behavior which requires adherence to
the highest principles of ethical conduct.
• There are several codes of engineering ethics
introduced by different professional engineering
associations in the world.
• Most of them are similar in the fundamental
meaning

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Why have a Code of Ethics?

• To define accepted/acceptable behaviours

• To promote high standards of practice
• To provide a benchmark for members to use for
self evaluation
• To establish a framework for professional
behaviour and responsibilities
• As a vehicle for occupational identity
• As a mark of occupational maturity
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Some Engineering Codes of Ethics/Conduct

• The Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka (IESL)

• Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
• European Federation of National Engineering
Associations (FEANI)
• American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
• National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)

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IESL Code of Ethics

• The Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka is the apex

body for professional Engineers in Sri Lanka.
• It has introduced IESL code of Ethics for Professional
Engineers in Sri Lanka in order to establish a
framework for professional behaviour and
responsibilities.
• It consists with 8 clauses.

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IESL Code of Ethics
Clause 01

• Engineers shall hold paramount the health, safety and welfare of the
public and proper utilization of the funds and other resources in the
performance of their professional duties. It shall take precedence over
their responsibility to the profession, sectoral or private interests,
employers or to other engineers.
[FEANI, IEEE, ASCE]

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 IESL Code of Ethics
Clause 02

• Engineers shall always act in such a manner as to uphold and enhance

the honour, integrity and dignity of the profession while safeguarding
public interest at all times.
[ASCE]

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IESL Code of Ethics
Clause 03

• Engineers shall be committed to the need for sustainable management

of the planet's resources and seek to minimize adverse environmental
impacts of their engineering works or applications of technology so as
to protect both present and future generations.
[FEANI, ASCE, IEEE]

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IESL Code of Ethics
Clause 04

• Engineers shall build their reputation on merit and shall not compete
unfairly
[ASCE]

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IESL Code of Ethics
Clause 05

• Engineers shall perform professional services only in the areas of their

competence
[FEANI, ASCE, IEEE]

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IESL Code of Ethics
Clause 06

• Engineers shall apply their skills and knowledge in the interest of their
employer or client for whom they shall act, in professional matters, as
faithful agents or trustees, so far as they do not conflict with the other
requirements listed here and the general public interest.
[FEANI, ASCE]

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IESL Code of Ethics
Clause 07

• Engineers shall give evidence, express opinions or make statements in

an objective and truthful manner.
[FEANI, IEEE]

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IESL Code of Ethics
Clause 08

• Engineers shall continue their professional development throughout

their careers and shall actively assist and encourage engineers under
their direction to advance their knowledge and experience.
[FEANI, ASCE, IEEE]

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 Clause 01
Engineers shall hold paramount the health, safety and welfare of the public and proper
utilization of the funds and other resources in the performance of their professional
duties. It shall take precedence over their responsibility to the profession, sectoral or
private interests, employers or to other engineers [THE PEOPLE]

As the first requirement places the interests of the community above all others, Engineers

• shall be objective and truthful in writing professional reports, issuing statements or

submitting testimony. They shall include all relevant and pertinent information in such
reports, statements or testimony [TRUTH]

• Shall endeavour at all times to maintain engineering services essential to public welfare
[SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC]

• Shall work in conformity with recognized engineering standards so as not to jeopardize

the health, safety and welfare of the public [STANDARDS]

• Shall not participate in assignments that would create conflict of interest between their
clients / employers and the public and shall advise the client of their concerns.
[CONFLICT OF INTEREST]

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 Clause 01
• Shall, in the event of their judgment being over-ruled in matters pertaining to health,
safety and welfare of the community, inform their clients or employers of the possible
consequences and bring to the clients' / employers' notice their obligations as
professionals to inform the relevant authority. [CONVICTION]

• Shall contribute to public discussion on engineering matters in their areas of

competence; if they consider that by so doing they can constructively advance the
wellbeing of the community. [ADVISE]

• Having knowledge of any alleged violation of this Code by others shall co-operate with
the proper authorities in furnishing such information or assistance as may be required.
[WHISTLE BLOWING]

• Shall not knowingly participate in any act, which will result in waste or
misappropriation of public funds. [DISHONESTY]

• Shall actively contribute to the wellbeing of the society and, when involved, in any
engineering project or application of technology, shall, where appropriate, recognize
the need to identify, inform and consult affected parties to help resolve problems
involved. [DIALOGUE]
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 Clause 02
Engineers shall always act in such a manner as to uphold and enhance the honour,
integrity and dignity of the profession while safeguarding public interest at all times
[HONOUR OF THE PROFESSION]

This requires that the engineering profession should endeavour by its behaviour to merit
the highest esteem of the community. It follows therefore, that engineers:

• Shall not involve themselves with any business or professional practice, which they
know to be fraudulent or dishonest in nature.[DISHONESTY]

• Shall not associate with other persons, corporations or partnerships to conceal

unethical acts. [ASSOCIATIONS]

• Shall not continue in partnership with, or act in professional matters with any engineer
who has been removed from membership of this Institution because of improper
conduct. [INTEGRITY]

• Shall promote the principle of engagement of engineers upon the basis of merit.

• Shall uphold the principle of adequate and appropriate remuneration for professional
engineering staff in keeping with their qualifications and market price. 25
 Clause 03
Engineers shall be committed to the need for sustainable management of the planet's
resources and seek to minimize adverse environmental impacts of their engineering
works or applications of technology so as to protect both present and future
generations. [SUSTAINABILITY]

To this end engineers–

• Shall carefully evaluate adverse environmental impacts of their actions and incorporate
practical remedial measures to minimize them. [ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION]

• Shall consider theoretical, legislative, regulatory and policy aspects of environmental

protection and sustainable management of the available resources. [ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION]

• Shall work in close co-operation with members of other professions and disciplines on
achieving sustainable development. [CO-OPERATION]

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 Clause 03

• Shall critically analyze how the proposed project or the application of technology
relates to sustainability considerations. [ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION]

• Shall identify and assess options for material recovery and disposal.
[MINIMIZE/REUSE & SAFE DISPOSAL OF WASTE]

• Shall analyze opportunities for resource and energy conservation and, design
appropriately optimized systems. [CONSERVATION]

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 Clause 04

Engineers shall build their reputation on merit and shall not compete unfairly. [OWN
ACHIEVEMENT]
This requirement is to ensure that engineers shall not seek to gain a benefit by
improper means. It follows that engineers:

• Shall neither pay nor offer, directly or indirectly, inducements to others [BRIBERY]

• Shall not attempt to supplant another engineer, employed or consulting, who has
been appointed, without his consent. [“UNDER CUTTING”]

• Shall neither falsify nor misrepresent their own or other's qualifications, experience
and prior responsibilities. [MISREPRESENTATION]

• Shall respect others and not maliciously do anything to tarnish, directly or indirectly,
the reputation, prospects or business of others.

• Shall not use the advantage of a privileged position to compete unfairly with other
engineers. [CONNECTIONS]

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 Clause 04
• Shall exercise due restraint in explaining their own work and shall refrain from unfair
criticism of the work of other engineers. [MODESTY]

• Shall give proper credit for professional work to those to whom credit is due.
[ACKNOWLEDGE]

• Shall not resort to any form of plagiarism in their work. (new) This includes use of
such materials as written text, statistics or similar data, diagrams, illustrations and
photographs in reports, publications, examination answers, coursework submitted
for academic or professional qualifications etc., without permission,
acknowledgement or reference, as if it is the person’s own work.

• Shall act with due regard to intellectual property rights of others in their work

• Shall not engage in unfair competition including charging of extremely high or low
professional fees compared to market rates, in delivering professional services
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 Clause 05

Engineers shall perform professional services only in the areas of their competence
[SPECIALIZATIONS]
To this end engineers:

• Shall undertake assignments only when qualified by education and experience in the
specific technical fields involved. If an assignment requires qualifications and
experience outside their fields of competence they shall engage competent
professionals with necessary qualifications and experience and keep the employers
and clients informed of such arrangements [COMPETENCE]

• Shall not affix their signature to any designs or documents dealing with subject matter
in which they lack competence, or to any plan or document not prepared under their
direction or control [HONESTY]

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 Clause 06
Engineers shall apply their skills and knowledge in the interest of their employer or
client for whom they shall act, in professional matters, as faithful agents or trustees, so
far as they do not conflict with the other requirements listed here and the general
public interest [LOYALTY]

It follows that engineers:

• Shall at all times avoid all known or potential conflicts of interest that involve the
engineer himself. They should keep their employers or clients fully informed on all
matters, including financial interests, which could lead to such a conflict, and under no
circumstances should they participate in any decision which could involve them in
conflict of interest [LOYALTY]

• Shall when acting as administrators of a contract be impartial between the parties in

the interpretation of the contract. This requirement of impartiality shall not diminish
the duty of engineers to apply their skill and knowledge in the interests of their
employers or clients [NEUTRALITY]

• Shall not accept compensation, financial or otherwise from more than one party for
services on the same project, unless the circumstances are fully disclosed and agreed
to, by all interested parties [GRATUITY] 31
 Clause 06
• Shall neither solicit nor accept financial or other valuable consideration, including free
engineering designs, from material or equipment suppliers for specifying their products
(except such designs obtained with the knowledge and consent of the employer or client)
[INTEGRITY]

• Shall neither solicit nor accept gratuities, directly or indirectly from contractors or their
agents, or other parties dealing with their clients or employers in connection with work
for which they are responsible. [BRIBERY]

• Shall not accept a commission, fee, reward or other benefit from a Third Party, while
advising a client. [BRIBERY]

• Shall advise their clients or employers when as a result of their studies they believe that a
project will not be viable [CONVICTION]

• Shall neither disclose nor use confidential information gained in the course of their
employment without express permission, except where public interest and safety are
involved [CONFIDENTIALITY]

• Shall not complete, sign, or seal designs and/or specifications that are not safe to the
public health and welfare and in conformity with accepted 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 [INTEGRITY] 32
 Clause 07
Engineers shall give evidence, express opinions or make statements in an objective and
truthful manner [TRUTHFUL]

It follows that:

• Engineers professional reports, statements or testimony before any tribunal shall be

objective and such opinions shall be expressed only on the basis of adequate
knowledge and technical competence in the area, but this does not preclude a
considered judgment based intuitively on experience and wide relevant knowledge
[PRECISE,KNOWLEDGEABLE]

• Engineers shall reveal the existence of any interest, pecuniary or otherwise that could
be taken to affect their judgment in a technical matter about which they are making a
statement or giving evidence [HONESTY]

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 Clause 08

Engineers shall continue their professional development throughout their careers and
shall actively assist and encourage engineers under their direction to advance their
knowledge and experience [CPD]

It follows therefore, that engineers:

• Shall encourage their professional employees and subordinates to further their

education [LIFE-LONG LEARNING]

• Shall take a positive interest in and encourage their fellow engineers actively to
support the Institution and other bodies, which further the general interest of the
profession [INVOLVEMENT]

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The IESL Code of Ethics expects the Engineer to:

1. Primarily be concerned about People

2. Uphold the Honour of the Profession
3. Ensure that they practice Environmental Sustainability
4. To develop their reputation through their own
Achievements
5. Practice only in their areas of Specialization
6. Be Loyal to their employers
7. Be Truthful in reporting
PPE
8. Be involved in Lifelong Learning
ASLTL
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Is Engineering a Profession?

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Marks of Professional Status

• Extensive training
• Vital Knowledge & Skill
• Control of Services
• Autonomy on workplace
• Claim to ethical regulations

The more characteristics an occupation has, the more secure

it is in its professional status
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What is Engineering Professionalism?
Key Ideas
• Professionalism = behaviours that uphold the dignity, trust,
and responsibility of the engineering profession.
• Goes beyond technical skill → includes ethical judgement,
accountability, and service to society.
• Engineers must balance public safety, client expectations,
and professional standards.

Practical Example
•Boeing 737 MAX case: Engineers faced pressure to meet
deadlines. Lack of assertive professional judgement contributed
to safety failures.

This shows why professionalism requires speaking up, even under

organizational pressure. 38
Core Qualities of a Professional Engineer
Key Qualities
• Competence: Maintaining technical knowledge; not taking
tasks beyond capability.
• Integrity: Being truthful in reporting data, cost estimates, and
design limitations.
• Responsibility & Accountability: Owning decisions and their
consequences.
• Respect & Communication: Clear, transparent, and
respectful communication with clients, colleagues, and
society.

Practical Example
•Structural engineer reporting a design flaw: During a building
project, an engineer discovers misaligned reinforcement bars.
Professionalism means reporting and correcting it, not “letting it
pass”, even if it delays the project. 39
Professional Codes of Ethics
Purpose
• Provide guidance for ethical decision-making.
• Protect public welfare, environment, and professional
reputation.
• Used by institutions: IEEE, IESL, ASCE, NSPE, etc.

Practical Example
•IESL Code of Ethics: An engineer must safeguard public interest
at all times → critical when approving a contractor’s substandard
materials.

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Professionalism in Daily Engineering Practice
In the Workplace
• Delivering work on time without compromising quality.
• Keeping proper documentation, logs, and design calculations.
• Respecting diversity and teamwork.
• Using company resources responsibly.
• What else?

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Professionalism in Daily Engineering Practice
With Clients & Public
• Providing realistic timelines and cost estimates.
• Avoiding misleading claims about product performance.
• What else?................

Practical Example
•A water resources engineer must update stakeholders about
possible project delays due to unexpected soil issues.
Professionalism requires transparency, not hiding issues.

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Professionalism Under Ethical Pressure
Common Pressure Situations
• Cost vs. Safety dilemmas.
• Pressure from management to approve incomplete work.
• Client pushing for shortcuts.
• Conflict of interest (e.g., friend’s company bidding).
• Clients requesting to accept/give bribes.
• What else?................

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Professionalism Under Ethical Pressure
How Professionalism Guides Decisions
• Return to facts & standards.
• Apply relevant ethical codes.
• Consider the impact on public safety.
• Communicate concerns clearly.
• Seek advice or escalate when necessary.

Practical Example
•Flint Water Crisis (USA)-Engineers failed to insist on proper
corrosion control. Professional responsibility includes raising
concerns and refusing to approve unsafe systems.

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 End of Lesson

References
• IEEE IEEE Code of Ethics,” IEEE - IEEE Code of Ethics. [Online]. Available:
[Link] [Accessed: 09-Jan-
2018]
• The Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka - Code of Ethics. [Online]. Available:
[Link] [Accessed: 09-Jan-2018].

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