Mekelle University,
Ethiopian Institute of Technology-Mekelle
School of Civil Engineering
Professional Ethics and Soft Skills
(CENG 6002)
Part –I: Professional Ethics
Chapter Two - Code of Professional Ethics
Course Instructor:
1 Dr. Bizuneh A. And Dr. Berhane G.
1. What is code of ethics?
A written set of guidelines issued by an organization to its workers and management to help
them conduct their actions in accordance with its primary values and ethical standards.
It provides for a guide for a particular class of individuals e.g. the code of ethics for
professional accountants.
It plays a key role in the delivery of services.
It helps to attract & maintain the public confidence in the profession.
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Philosophical Theories of Ethics
1. Utilitarian Theory
Ethics should be based on facts about the results of our actions upon human happiness and
suffering in the real world
Most of us act as if we count for more than others
Do what produces the greatest net gain in happiness over unhappiness (the greatest good) for
the greatest number of people.
Actions are right to the extent that they benefit people.
Ethical conduct by accountants based on this theory leads to consideration of all possible
consequences of a decision for all parties affected by it.
If I issue a clean opinion for a financial statement where there is reason to believe that the
financial statement is misstated, the action is according to utilitarianism justifiable if the
benefit is greater for most people than the harm.
This can be considered one of the weaknesses with utilitarianism as a theory. 3
Cont’d…
2. Egoism Theory
Love for one-self should be the motivation through which the love for others can be developed.
Corporate decisions that serve personal interest are good as long as they have a common
good.
The decision made by an egoist is based on the consequences for himself and the urge to
maximize own self interest.
The question is whether it is possible to be ethical when you are only concerned with your own
self-interest.
Self-interest is individual and is defined differently from one individual to another.
An auditor with financial interest in the company he or she is auditing will be acting out of self-
interest by giving a clean opinion when there are possibilities that the opinion should be
qualified.
This might at the point serve as a good outcome for the client, but what about the other
stakeholders?
4
Cont’d…
3. Deontology/ Duty based theory
The importance of personal will and intention in the process of decision making.
An outcome is good or bad depending on the intention of the person involved.
We are morally obliged to act in accordance with a certain set of principles and rules
regardless of outcome.
Lying is fundamentally wrong, and it is our duty to tell the truth.
So even though someone will get hurt, lying is not justifiable according to deontologists.
Immanuel Kant said that our primary duty is to only act in those ways in which the maxim of
our acts could be made a universal law
5
Cont’d…
[Link] Theory
It considers what good traits of character a person should possess in order to be a good
human being.
These traits or virtues that a person should have are courage, moderation, justice and
prudence – the cardinal virtues.
Other virtues that have been added by Christians later are faith, hope and love.
Virtues that make a person do good, is virtues that enables someone to carry out his tasks
well.
To do so, the person has to both think correctly and carry out well what we thought is correct.
For an auditor, it is important to both possess intellectual virtue and virtues of character.
In an auditing it is necessary to think correctly, and carry out this thought.
The auditing profession requires objectivity, good judgment and impartiality.
6 An auditor should possess the virtues of integrity, justice and courage.
Cont’d…
So which ethical theory is suitable for professional Engineers?
All the ethical theories can be used for guidelines in the field of Engineering to identify ethical
dilemmas, but all theories have some shortcomings.
They however provide insight regarding:
Ethical sensitivity
Ethical judgment
Ethical intention
Ethical action
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1. What are Ethics Codes for Engineering Disciplines?
Engineering is an important and learned profession. As members of this profession, engineers are
expected to exhibit the higher standards of honesty and integrity.
Engineering has a direct and vital impact on the quality of life for all people. Accordingly, the services
provided by engineers require honesty, impartiality, fairness, and equity, and must be dedicated to
the protection of then public health, safety, and welfare.
Engineer must perform under a standard of professional behavior that requires adherence to the
highest principles of ethical conduct.
Codes are the ultimate terms of reference-the framework upon which professions are built.
Often codes are what professionals use to make the claim that they are “professionals” and are often
the founding document for a profession.
Ethics codes or codes of conduct seldom provide detailed, specific prohibitions. Rather, they are
28 broader sets of principles that are designed to inform specific laws or government actions.
2. The Purpose of Ethics Codes
1. As foundational documents: Ethics Codes can provide the framework that professionals
use to carry out their responsibilities by articulating
Boundaries of behavior- provide clear markers as to what behavior is prohibited (bribery), and
Expectations for behavior- what behavior is expected (showing impartiality to all citizens
2. Symbolic: subscribing to professional codes is the way we define a model professional not
only as we see ourselves but as we want to be seen by others.
Therefore, successful codes provide a standard for professionals to strive for as well as
articulating a special sense of responsibility because of the professional’s standing in his or her
community.
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3. Components of the code
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Values of Engineering Profession
Engineers shall:
1. Uphold and advance the Integrity of CE Profession: uphold and advance the intrinsic (inner sense)
of “wholeness” of the profession derived from qualities (such as Respect for life, law and the public
good, honesty, impartiality, fairness, competence and equity) and consistency of character
(uncompromising and predictably consistent commitment to honor and act according to the moral,
ethical, legal and societal values and principles)
2. Uphold and advance the Honor of CE Profession: uphold and advance the reputation/
recognition/ credit of the profession of which worth brings
3. Uphold and advance the Dignity of CE Profession:
▪ Take a pride in the profession/respect the profession
▪ Treat other professions as being of worth
11 ▪ Dignity applies equally to those who have capacity and to those who lack it.
Cont’d
Professional Engineers have a duty to ensure that they acquire and use wisely and faithfully the
knowledge that is relevant to the engineering skills needed in their work in the service of others.
They should:
➢ Perform services only in areas of current competence.
Accuracy and ➢ Keep their knowledge and skills up to date and assist the development of engineering knowledge and
Rigor skills in others.
➢ Not knowingly mislead or allow others to be misled about engineering matters.
➢ Present and review engineering evidence, theory and interpretation honestly, accurately and without
bias.
➢ Identify and evaluate and, where possible, quantify risks
Professional Engineers should adopt the highest standards of professional conduct, openness,
fairness and honesty.
They should:
Honesty and ➢ Be alert to the ways in which their work might affect others and duly respect the rights and reputations
integrity of other parties.
➢ Avoid deceptive acts, take steps to prevent corrupt practices or professional misconduct, and
declare conflicts of interest.
➢ Reject bribery or improper influence.
12 ➢ Act for each employer or client in a reliable and trustworthy manner.
Cont’d
Professional Engineers should give due weight to all relevant law, facts and
published guidance, and the wider public interest.
Respect for
They should:
Life, Law and the
➢ Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the Public
Public Good
➢ Ensure that all work is lawful and justified.
➢ Act honorably, responsibly and lawfully and uphold the reputation, standing and dignity of the profession.
Professional Engineers should aspire to high standards of leadership in the exploitation and
management of technology. They hold a privileged and trusted position in society, and are
expected to demonstrate that they are seeking to serve wider society and to be sensitive to public
Responsible concerns.
Leadership: They should:
Listening and ➢ be aware of the issues that engineering and technology raise for society, and listen to the aspirations
Informing
and concerns of others.
➢ Actively promote public awareness and understanding of the impact and benefits of engineering
achievements.
➢ Be objective and truthful in any statement made in their professional capacity.
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Special Need for Ethical Conduct in Professions
society has attached a special meaning to the term professional.
A professional is expected to conduct himself or herself at a higher level than most other
members of society.
The core of professionalism has been described as the possession and autonomous control of
a body of specialized knowledge, which when combined with honorific status, confers power
upon its holders. The exercise of this control by the respective professional bodies is often
manifested in the promotion and enforcement of an ethical code.
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Engineering Ethics
Engineering is a profession serving society. As such, society imposes special
obligations on engineers.
These responsibilities are expressed in a code of ethics which all engineers (as other
professionals) are expected to follow.
Ethical responsibilities are placed on engineers because they provide services or
make judgments that are not easily understood by the general public (because of their
high technical nature).
Furthermore, the results of their work impact society as a whole. Clients must trust
an engineer’s professional judgment.
15
The Code of Professional Ethics of the EACE
Aims /values:
Values articulate “an aspiration of an ideal moral state.”
Thus, the aims of EACE Code of Professional Ethics are:
i. To decide on the duties of civil engineers,
ii. To enhance the position of civil engineers, and
iii. To promote the dignity of civil engineers.
16
Ethics Codes vs. Laws
codes are the ultimate terms of reference-the framework upon which professions are built.
Professional code of ethics serves as a tool for promoting an ethical and professional
engineering services
Often codes are what professionals use to make the claim that they are “professionals” and
are often the founding document for a profession.
Ethics codes or codes of conduct seldom provide detailed, specific prohibitions. Rather, they
are broader sets of principles that are designed to inform specific laws or government
actions.
Laws, often referred to as legal codes, are a series of detailed proscriptions dealing with the
17 “crime or offense” and the punishment.
Why are ethics codes important to Engineering Services?
1. As foundational documents they can provide the framework that Professionals use to carry
out their responsibilities.
2. Codes can clearly articulate unacceptable behaviors as well as providing a vision for which
the professional is striving.
Effective codes operate at two levels: Institutional and symbolic. Within institutions codes articulate
boundaries of behavior as well as expectations for behavior. That is they provide clear markers as to what
behavior is prohibited (bribery) and what behavior is expected (showing impartiality to all citizens). They are
also highly symbolic. Subscribing to institutional codes is the way we define a model professional not only as
we see ourselves but as we want to be seen by others.
Therefore, successful codes provide a standard for professionals to strive for as well as articulating a special
sense of responsibility because of the professionals standing in his or her community.
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Article 4 - Components and Hierarchy of the Code
1. The Code shall have the following components, viz,
Fundamental Principles;
Fundamental Canons; and
Guidelines to Practice conduct
2. The hierarchy of the components of the Code shall be as provided as sub-Article (1) of
this Article.
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Article 5 - Fundamental Principles
A principle: is a statement concerning the conduct or state of being that is required for the
fulfillment of a value; it explicitly links a value with a general mode of action.
Engineers uphold and advance the integrity, honor and dignity of the engineering profession
by:
i. Using their knowledge and skill for the enhancement of human welfare and the
environment;
ii. Being honest and impartial and serving with fidelity the public, their employers and
clients;
iii. Striving to increase the competence and prestige of the engineering profession; and
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iv. Supporting the professional and technical societies of other disciplines.
Principles vs. Canon
1. Principles
Ideal standards of ethical conduct in philosophical terms
They are not enforceable.
2. Canon/Rules of Conduct
Minimum standards of ethical conduct stated as specific rules/how engineers are expected
to act in the fulfillment of their professional duties
They are enforceable
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Ethical code for multi-disciplinary construction?
The engineers, architects, surveyors, lawyers, construction managers, etc directing and
implementing each stage of the construction process have their own ethical codes.
What is the appropriate ethical code to be used when multi-disciplinary construction work is
being undertaken?
The answer to that question led to the creation of the Society of Construction Law Statement
of Ethical Principles outlined in next slide.
These principles are written to apply to the work of all professionals working in the
construction industry, whatever their original qualification or affiliation and to individuals,
whether they work for or on behalf of an independent professional or as a partner, associate,
director or employee of a firm or company.
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The Society for Construction Law
The Statement of Ethical Principles
Ethical conduct is the compliance with the following ethical principles:
1. Honesty - act with honesty and avoid conduct likely to result, directly or indirectly, in the deception of
others.
Examples of dishonest behavior: bribery, claims fraud, collusive tendering, kickbacks and the
preparation of forged documents to support claims.
2. Fairness - do not seek to obtain a benefit which arises directly or indirectly from the unfair treatment of
other people.
3. Fair reward - avoid acts which are likely to result in another party being deprived of a fair reward for
their work.
Practices that open the way for unethical conduct before, during and after the work is
performed- interim payments, the valuation of variations and incomplete and undefined scope
of works and quantities.
Specific examples of unethical conduct in this regard include devising tenders with inadequate
definitions of work scope and risk allocation.
23
Cont’d…
4. Reliability - maintain up to date skills and provide services only within your area of competence.
5. Integrity - have regard for the interests of the public, particularly people who will make use of or obtain an
interest in the project in the future.
This principle embodies a sentiment recognizing the overall objective of construction being
the production of safe, reliable, useable and affordable construction. This is only achievable if
the professionals concerned can look beyond their own or their client’s narrow agenda.
6. Objectivity - identify any potential conflicts of interest and disclose the conflict to any person who
would be adversely affected by it.
7. Accountability - provide information and warning of matters within your knowledge which are of
potential detriment to others who may be adversely affected by them. Warning must be given in sufficient
time to allow the taking of effective action to avoid detriment.
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Discussion Points For Syndicate Groups
Theme: The Code of Professional Ethics of the EACE
1. From your discipline point of view, how would the code assist in enhancing the ethical
practice of the profession? identify how it relates to the Ethical Behaviors (support with
examples)
2. In light of your disciplines, exemplify the words “honesty”, “impartiality”, “fairness”,
“integrity”, “competence” and “equity” with words and/or cases.
3. Will adherence to the code of ethics alone ensure professionalism? If no, what else are
needed?
4. Recommend ways that would ensure the enforceability of the code.
5. The engineers, architects, surveyors, lawyers, construction managers, etc directing and
implementing each stage of the construction process have their (own) ethical codes. What
is the appropriate ethical code to be used when multi-disciplinary construction work is
25 being undertaken?