Engineering ethics - Case Study Example

Within any given integrated work place, a coherent code of conduct is used to manage behavioral conduct of employees. This code of conduct outlines the principles and values required of every employee when conducting any duty within a social setting. Apart from laws and the code of conduct, ethics determine the professional behavioral pattern demonstrated by employees. Ethics relate to an individual’s philosophical principles and beliefs. Ethical practices involve adoption of elements like honesty, loyalty, commitment and avoidance of conflict of interest in professional duties.

In any professional training, an individual is informed of the required ethical elements which all employees working in a certain professional accord should follow. At this juncture, we will begin by appraising the code of conduct that defines ethical principles required of engineers. Engineering, which is mostly concerned with the welfare of the society, should depict high levels of ethics in its application. Therefore, engineers should display ethical conduct in every activity pertaining to their profession.

With respect to the underlying case study, Giffels faces a dilemma situation where he is required to make an ethical decision within the line of duty. Before we begin evaluating Giffels’ case from a theoretical perspective, it is appropriate that we acknowledge some of the ethical requirements of every engineer in the field. From the NSPE, which outline the code of ethics for engineers, engineers have a professional obligation of informing his/her clients when they belief that a certain project has some defects.

In addition, engineers should not engage in activities that serve to advance their professional status by untruthfully presenting information about projects. According to the rule of practice, engineers should prioritize safety, health and the general welfare of the public in all professional duties. When charged with a responsibility of approving a project, engineers should only approve projects that conform to the applicable engineering standards. Moreover, every engineer should carry out professional assignments with the highest standards of honesty and integrity.

At this juncture, acknowledgement of these ethical principles facilitates appraisal of Giffels’ case in an objective manner. Relevant theories concerned with ethical standards will prove helpful in understanding professional ethics from a theoretical perspective. The underlying case concerns an engineer faced with a situation requiring an ethical decision making process. Giffels has a professional duty of installing equipment in a government facility. However, this facility does not meet the required engineering standards in its constructions.

Giffels notice that the responsible designer did not consider the issue of safety in terms of fire and escape routes in the facility. In addition, the designer did not submit details on how Giffels should install the required equipments with respect to the issues of safety. Giffels evaluated this situation from an ethical perspective. Although his duty was to install the equipments, he considered the aspect of public safety in the project. This made Giffels consider approaching the concerned parties for assistance.

The designer rejected his claim saying that Giffels duty is to complete the