Engineering Ethics Research Paper 67541g

Garcia 1 Chris Garcia Mrs. Melissa Cooper ENGT. 120 November 25, 2013 Engineering Ethics Research Paper: Quality of Products—Defective Chips The case that I chose discusses various examples regarding the duty of an Engineers and the need to stand up to employers. According to the article Engineers “….should not merely serve as a “rubber stamp” on engineering matters”. Engineers have a responsibility to obey by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) code of ethics. It is the Engineers duty to voice his or her concerns to of management whom are concerned with the long term well-being of the organization. An integral role is played by Engineers in the materials and quality of products. Engineers are responsible for the budgets, workforce issues, quality control/quality assurance procedures and time schedules. According to the article the “….the NSPE Code makes it clear that the engineer has an ethical obligation to act in professional matters for her employer as a “faithful agent and trustee”. An Engineer is expected to “stand firm” when their opinion is different than that of their employers if the issue would have a direct impact against safety and public health. I believe that ethics in engineering technology/engineering careers are extremely important since they would convey a positive message about the organization. Companies that obey by the NSPE Code of Ethics would create a better organization-client relationship. Also, if

Garcia 2 the code of ethics is followed it would create a more productive and harmonious work environment for employees. If the NSPE Code of Ethics is not followed the organization-client relationship could potentially become damaged. This could prove to be detrimental to the company since it could potentially lead to the loss of the client. It is important to keep this bonds strong and for Engineers to understand where legally stand when it involves the NSPE Code of Ethics. If an Engineer is asked to perform a task that he or she doesn’t ethically agree with it could cause them to experience cognitive dissonance. Cognitive dissonance occurs when the ethical values of an organization don’t match the ethical values of the individual. In my opinion, it is imperative for the importance of the NSPE Code of Ethics is understood. If these code of ethics are understood by an individual. An Engineer will be highly successful within the company ultimately proving to be a great asset for the organization. According to the article and the NSPE Code of Ethics engineers are obliged to: 

To conduct themselves lawfully, ethically, responsibly and honorably;



Act as faithful agents or trustees;



Be truthful and objective in professional reports, testimonies or statements;



Documents that are in conformity with applicable standards should only be approved. By following this basic guidelines Engineers would be able to accomplish their objectives

and goals. According to the article “….it is vitally important for an engineer whose professional judgment is overruled to clearly explain the reason for her position and vigorously engage those persons who disagree with her judgments in a serious debate as to the technical issues involved”. I believe if the NSPE Code of Ethics is followed it would be beneficial for the parties involved.

Garcia 3 Work Cited "Quality of Products---Defective Chips."NSPE. National Society of Professional Engineers, 27 Mar. 2009. Web. 25 Nov. 2013. .