Give an example of:
- Something that is unethical yet lawful
- Something that is ethical yet unlawful
unethical yet lawful:
- Lying or cheating on your partner :O
- finishing the milk and putting the empty carton back in the fridge
- pharmaceutical companies charging huge surplus for cheap to produce drugs
ethical yet unlawful
- Physician all agree to charge the same low prices
- or smoking weed
- Pharmaceutical companies selling the same drug but with a label and charging a surplus compared to cheaper own brand drugs
List four reasons for a company to behave ethically
- Lead by example and challenges other organisations to do better
- Sense of pride in the company
- Improves staff moral
- Attracting and retaining staff
- Improves company image
- Helps in negotiations
- Improves relationships with suppliers, customers but even better….competitors!
List the three approaches to ethics and give a brief explanation of each
1) Virtue ethics
- What kind of person do I want to be? What virtues bring me closer to this goal; which vices prevent me from achieving it? Primary Value: Integrity
2) Consequential ethics
- What impact is my behaviour having on the world? Am I doing more good than harm? Actions aim to bring about the greatest good to the greatest number of people. Primary Value: Benevolence
3) Deontological ( duty based ) ethics
- Having duty to others based on ethical principles. What duties do I owe? How do I decide between conflicting duties? Primary Value: Duty
Give five examples of when a ‘gift’ might be considered a bribe.
- Intent to ‘induce improper conduct’
- Disproportionate to the scale of the business
- Just before, after or during a tendering process
- Seeking gifts from companies you do not currently do business with
- Regular gifts
- Cash
- Gifts for family members
- Gifts to public officials
List the four key principles which the Royal academy of Engineers and the Engineering council have determined should apply to all professional engineers
1) Accuracy and Rigour
2) Honesty and Integrity
3) Respect for life, law and the public good
4) Responsible leadership
The first principle - ‘Accuracy and Rigour’ - Explain it with three different examples my g.
“Professional Engineers have a duty to ensure that they aquire and use wisely and faithfully the knowledge that is relevant to the engineering skills needed in their work”
- Act with care and confidence
- Perform services only in areas of current competencies
- Keep knowledge and skills up to date
- Assist others to develop engineering knowledge/skills
- Not knowingly mislead or allow others to mislead about engineering matters
- Present and review engineering evidence, theory and interpretation honestly, accurately and without bias
- Identify and evaluate and, where possible, quantify risks
The second principle - ‘Honesty and integrity’ - Explain it with three examples yo.
“Professional Engineers should adopt the highest standard of professional conduct, openness, fairness and honesty”
- Be alert to the ways your work affects others
- Respect everyone’s rights and reputations
- Avoid deceptive acts
- Take steps to prevent corrupt practices or professional misconduct
- Declare conflicts of interest
- Reject bribery or improper influence
- Act for each employer or client in a reliable and trustworthy manner
The third bloody principle - ‘Respect for life, law and public good’ - explain the fakin shit outta it cant: with three examplars.
“Professional Engineers should give due weight to all relevant law, facts and published guidance, and the wider public interest”
- Ensure that all work is lawful and justified
- Minimise and Justify any adverse effects on our society or on the natural environment for your own or succeeding generations
- Take due account of the limited availability of natural and human resources
- Hold paramount the health and safety of others
- Act honourably, responsibly and lawfully
- Uphold the reputation, Standing and dignity of the profession
The fourth principle - ‘Responsible Leadership’ - Explain it with examples I guess.
;Professional engineers should aspire to high standards of leadership in the exploitation and management of technology’
- Be aware of issues that engineering and technology raise for society
- Listen to the aspirations and concerns of others
- Actively promote public awareness and understanding of the impact and benefits of engineering achievement
- Be objective and truthful in any statement made in your professional capacity
What is the definition of ‘Ethics’
Moral principles that govern a persons behaviour or the conducting of an activity
What are the six steps in the framework for resolving ethical issues?
1) Gather relevant facts and identify problems
2) Identify the affected parties
3) Identify the ethical issues and any fundamental principles affected
4) Refer to the employers internal procedures
5) Consider and evaluate alternative courses of action
6) Implement the course of action and monitor its progress
