PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL

ENGINEERING ENGINEERING

PRACTICEPRACTICE

Codes of Ethics Of

Professional Engineering

ABSTRACT

Industrial engineering decisions may involve factors such as environmental pollution,

product safety, and workplace hazards. In addition, such decisions may be made under cost

and schedule pressures. These factors contribute to increased risks, which in turn can lead the

engineer and the organization into an ethical dilemma. How such dilemmas can occur in

practice is discussed and a framework for both the practicing engineer and the engineering

organization to help avoid these situations is presented. The framework emphasizes the

importance of competence, responsibility, and avoidance of harm (reducing risk). A

particular emphasis is placed on risk assessment and the need for industrial engineers to add

the evolving methodology of risk assessment, especially probabilistic risk assessment, to their

toolkit.

1.0 WHAT IS ENGINEERING ETHICS?

Often, a deficiency in engineering ethics is found to be one of the root causes of an

engineering failure. An engineer, as a professional, has a responsibility to their client or

employer, to their profession, and to the general public, to perform their duties in as

conscientious a manner as possible. Usually this entails far more than just acting within the

bounds of law.

An ethical engineer is one who avoids conflicts of interest, does not attempt to

misrepresent their knowledge so as to accept jobs outside their area of expertise, acts in the

best interests of society and the environment, fulfils the terms of their contracts or agreements

in a thorough and professional manner, and promotes the education of young engineers

within their field.

Failures in engineering ethics can have many legal consequences as well, as in the

case of a mall collapse in Korea. Thirty five faculty members from around the country have

created a number of case problems in several engineering disciplines which intertwine

technical calculations with engineering ethics. These were presented at a 1995 workshop at

Texas A&M, sponsored by the National Science Foundation. The site for Applied Ethics in

Professional Practice Case of the Month Club created and maintained by then Professional

Engineering Practice Liaison Program in the College of Engineering at University of

Washington, provides the opportunity to review a particular case study which involves

engineering ethics and then vote on which course of action should be taken. All cases are

based on actual professional engineering experiences as contributed by a board of practicing

engineers nationally. Background information on codes of ethics is also provided at this

report later.

2.0 WHAT IS A CODE OF ETHIC?

Provides of framework for ethical judgment for a professional.

A code can also express the commitment to ethical conduct share by a member of a

professional.

A code expresses these principles in a coherent, comprehensive, and accessible

manner.

A code defines the roles and responsibilities of professionals.

Provide guidance and help to make people aware of the ethical content of their work.

Raise professional consciousness in an organization.

Stimulate ethical behaviour and give helpful guidance and advice on moral obligation.

Give moral, legal support to professionals.

3.0 AIMS OF ENGINEERING CODE OF ETHICS

A code of ethics enables us to:

Set out the ideals and responsibilities of the profession.

Exert a de facto regulatory effect, protecting both clients and professionals.

Improve the profile of the profession.

Motivate and inspire practitioners, by attempting to define their raison d’etre (reason

that accounts for).

Provide guidance on acceptable conduct.

Raise awareness and consciousness of issues.

Improve quality and consistency.

To emphasize engineer’s responsibility to society, to serve in the interests of the

community.

To address the tensions between responsibility of an engineer: to the community, to

the employer, and to fellow professionals.

4.0 CODE OF ETHICS OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING

As Engineers we 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.

Hence Engineers must perform their duties that requires adherence to the highest

principles of ethical conduct. Engineers in the fulfilment of their professional duties

shall:-

Hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the people (Example Narmada dam -

Mrs. Medha Pathkar, Mr. Sunderlal Bhauguna and others effort)

Perform services only in areas of their competence.

Issue public statement only in an objective and truthful manner.

Act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees.

Avoid deceptive acts - To receive bribes to show favour

Conduct themselves honourably, responsibly, ethically and lawfully so as to enhance

the honour, reputation and usefulness of the profession.

5.0 PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF ENGINEERS

Confidentiality and proprietary information Conflict of interest.

Environmental ethics.

Professional rights.

6.0 ETHICAL DILEMMA'S

Taking office supplies for home use (paper, pencil, pen, etc.).

Using phone for personal use on company time.

Putting personal expenses as business expenses.

Giving false information.

Few practicing engineer are members of professional society.

Most of the members are not aware with this society, or they not read it.

Engineering code always has internal conflict.

7.0 BODY OF THE CODE ETHIC

Figure 1: Body of the code ethics

7.1 The Board Of Engineers Malaysia (BEM)

Figure 7.0: The symbol of BEM

Introduction Of The Board Of Engineers Malaysia (BEM)

The Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) is a statutory body constituted under the

Registration of Engineers Act 1967 with perpetual succession and a common seal and which

may sue and be sued. It was formed in 23rd August 1972.

BEM falls within the ambit of responsibility of the Minister of Works. Vested with

wide powers, the Minister may suspend the operation of the Registration of Engineers Act

1967 in any part of Malaysia by notification in the gazette. The appointment of the Board

Members and the Registrar is made by the Minister. Last but not least, the Minister has the

final say on any appeal from foreign engineers who are not satisfied with the decision of the

Board in rejecting their applications for temporary registration or renewal.

In essence, the Board is established for the purpose of regulating the professional

conduct and practice of registered engineers in order to safeguard the safety and interest of

the public.

Its primary role is to facilitate the registration of engineers and regulate the

professional conduct and practice of registered engineers in order to safeguard the safety and

interest of the public.

Through its mechanism of control, BEM has taken upon itself to reclassify the

engineering works, streamline the Scale of Fees and amend the Engineers Act to reflect the

pragmatic needs of the engineers and engineering industry. For example, the latest

amendments of The Registration of Engineers Act 1967 were made on 1st April 2007 to meet

the challenges of globalization and companion trade liberalisation.

The objectives among others are:

1. To enforce the implementation of Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

2. To add more functions and advise the Government & Public.

3. To strengthen the penalty in the REA 1967.

4. To strengthen the suspension period.

5. Introduction of new Part that deals with the establishment, powers & conduct of

proceedings of a Disciplinary Committee.

6. Action on submitting engineer related to CCC or others.

7. Impose additional conditions to ensure engineers follow latest developments.

Vision

The engineering services provided by Malaysian engineers are of world class quality with full

regards to the public interest and safety in mind.

Mission

To regulate engineering profession so as to ensure that professional engineering services

provided in the country are in compliance with appropriate legislation and policies.

Functions of BEM

BEM is of the view that it plays a pivotal role in uplifting the image of the engineering

profession. In order that it may play its role effectively, BEM is carrying out in earnest its

various functions provided for in Section 4 of the Registration of Engineers Act 1967

(Amendment 2002). The functions are:

a) Maintaining the Register

The Board shall keep and maintain a Register which shall be in five Parts:

Part A: Which shall contain the names, addresses and other particulars of

Professional Engineers;

Part B: Which shall contain the names, addresses and other particulars of

Graduate Engineers;

Part C: Which shall contain the names, addresses and other particulars of

Temporary Engineers;

Part D: Which shall contain the names, addresses and other particulars of

Engineering consultancy practices; and

Part E: Which shall contain the names, addresses and other particulars of

Accredited Checkers.

b) Processing Applications for Registration

BEM through its Examination and Qualification Committee conducts the Professional

Assessment Examination (PAE) to assess the quality of experience gained by the

Graduate Engineers and his competency.

Every application for registration is it as Graduate Engineers, Professional

Engineers, Engineering Consultancy Practices or Temporary Engineers by foreign

engineers is scrutinized thoroughly by the Application Committee to ensure

compliance with the Act and with the policy of BEM.

BEM also applies restrictions on practices of bodies corporate with the aim

that engineering consulting services provided by these bodies corporate would be

done professionally for the benefit of the client/public. Restrictions also imposed to

Temporary Engineers

c) Assessment of Academic Qualifications

BEM through its Engineering Accreditation Council (EAC)* assesses and

accredits engineering degrees offered by institutions of higher learning. This is done

by forming an accreditation team whose members are appointed by EAC. The

accreditation team shall consist of at least three members in the same or related

discipline of the course to be accredited. At least one of the members should be from

an academic institution and one from industry/practice. The accreditation team shall

visit the institution to audit the facilities and have dialogue with academic staff and

students.

There are two types of accreditation given by BEM: conditional accreditation

and full accreditation. The period of full accreditation shall be five years after which

it has to be revalidated. Where there are minor shortcomings in meeting the

accreditation requirement, the programme may be given conditional accreditation for

a period of not more than 2 years during which the faculty must take necessary

corrective measures.

BEM use as a guide the list for Professional/Chartered Engineer by the

accreditation organisations of the country where the degree is issued. Prior to conduct

new engineering programme institution of higher learning shall obtain approval from

the relevant authorities. The authority normally will require supporting document

from EAC.

* The Engineering Accreditation Council is the co-ordinating body on accreditation,

representing the Board of Engineers Malaysia, the Institution of Engineers Malaysia,

Lembaga Akreditasi Negara (LAN) and Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam Malaysia

(JPA).

d) Regulating the Conduct and Ethics of the Engineering Profession

Since its inception in 1972, BEM has been a medium for the engineers to

decide on matters relating to their professional conduct or ethics. Any matter

concerning the professional conduct of registered engineers will be studied by the

Board to determine whether there is a breach of professional ethics or code.

If the need arises, BEM will carry out investigations to establish whether there

is a prima facie case against a registered engineer for contravening the Act. The

procedures to follow are prescribed in Section 15 of the Act.

If there is a breach of professional ethics or code of conduct on the part of the

engineer but such breach is not serious enough to warrant suspension or cancellation

of registration, appropriate action, e.g. warning, censure or advice would be taken by

BEM as deemed fit. Such measures should be viewed by the engineers at large as a

concerted effort on the part of BEM to rid the black sheep of the engineering

fraternity.

f) Publication

The Publication Committee of BEM undertakes the task of promoting engineering

profession through Buletin Ingenieur and other printed materials.

The Ingenieur (4 issues per year: March, June, Sept and December) is used as

a communication tool for BEM to disseminate information on the activities of the

Board, regulations, code of ethics, career development, update and guidelines and

such other news as decided by the Board.

g) Promotion of Continued Learning and Education

BEM has set certain guidelines in connection with the financial assistance

provided. BEM will consider providing financial assistance to seminar or conference

which is organised by a non-profit making organisation. The seminar or conference

must be technical one that will benefit the registered engineers.

The promotion of continued learning and education does not stop here. BEM

would also consider giving grant to selected type of study related to engineering or

contribute prizes for selected competition also related to engineering. BEM even goes

further by purchasing engineering reference books which all engineer have access to

in the BEM library.

In order to keep abreast with changing techology, BEM encourages all

registered engineers to continually improve themselves through Continuous

Professional Development (CPD) Programme.

BEM Codes of Ethics

1. A registered engineer holds paramount the safety, health & welfare of the public.

2. A registered engineer only takes assignment if he is qualified in the specific technical

fields.

3. A registered engineer shall issue public statements only in an objective & truthful

manner.

4. A registered engineer shall act for each employer or clients as faithful agent or trustee.

5. A registered engineer shall conduct himself honourably, responsibly, ethically &

lawfully so as to enhance the honour, reputation & usefulness of the profession.

All engineers are expected to uphold the integrity of the profession by behaving in a manner

expected of him in the Code of Conduct of Engineers.

DO's

5.1 An engineer must be conversant with the Code of Conduct of Engineers.

5.2 An engineer must understand the need for responsibility and liability as stipulated in

the Code of Conduct.

5.3 An engineer must respond promptly to complaints and enquiries by clients /authorities

DON’Ts

5.1 An engineer should not solicit.

5.2 An engineer should not knowingly mislead the public by giving misrepresented

information so as to gain commercial advantage.

5.3 An engineer should not respond to an open advertisement to bid for provision of

professional service if such provision for the service requires bidding fees or

equivalent as is usually imposed on contractors.

5.4 An engineer should avoid favouritism among vendors and other suppliers.

The Role of BEM in the New Millennium

Through its mechanism of control, e.g. The Engineers Act 1967 (Amendment 2002),

BEM has taken upon itself to reclassify the engineering works, streamline the Scale of Fees,

amend the Engineers Act to reflect the pragmatic needs of the engineers and engineering

industry.

BEM is committed in its role in bringing the engineering profession to greater heights

and to project the image of engineers in the right perspective. Strategies have been

formulated and links have been initiated with various Government departments for it to

continually provide assistance to the Government from municipal level right up to ministerial

level.

BEM also endeavours to exert its influence in any high profile committee that would

decide on any matter that concerns the practice of Professional Engineers serving in the

private and public sectors. Representatives of BEM also sit in various committees, including

that of the Board of Architects Malaysia and the Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia, thus

ensuring that the voice of the engineers is heard, and their recommendations taken into

consideration.

Developing links with the professional engineering bodies both locally and

internationally is also one of the main strategies of BEM.

7.2 The Institution Of Engineers Malaysia (IEM)

Figure 7.1: Symbol of IEM

Introduction of The Institution Of Engineers Malaysia (IEM)

The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia better known as the IEM. It is a professional

learned society serving more than 16,000 members in Malaysia, overseas and the

communities in, which they work. It was formed in 1959 and was admitted a member of the

Commonwealth Engineers Council in 1962. The Institution is a qualifying body for

professional engineers in Malaysia.

With a membership of close to 24,094 engineers and an estimated annual growth rate

of 10%, IEM is one of the largest professional bodies in Malaysia. The Corporate member of

the Institution can apply to the Board of Engineers, Malaysia (which is a registration body)

for registration as a Professional Engineer, which will entitle him to set up practice. The

qualification standards are determined by the Council of the Institution.

The Institution is one of the few professional engineering institutions in the world,

which represents all disciplines of the profession, and is thus able to take a broad view of the

professional scene. Currently, the IEM has five (5) official representatives on the BEM out of

a total Board membership of seventeen (17).

Vision

The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia aims to be the premier professional Organisation

pivotal achieving Vision 2020.

Mission

IEM shall promote sound professional engineering practice in support of the socio-economic

development objectives of the nation.

IEM shall service the needs and interests of its members and the public and uphold the social

standing image of the engineering profession.

IEM shall contribute towards nation building and shall strive to enhance society's

consciousness of science and technology.

Functions of IEM

IEM is a society established to promote and advance the Science and Profession of

Engineering in any or all its disciplines and to facilitate the exchange of information and

ideas related to Engineering.

Gain recognition for engineering experience and professional accomplishments.

Get assessed on proficiency to qualify for registration as a Professional Engineer.

Access to a wide network of fellow engineers in the private and public sectors in

Malaysia as well as regional and international engineering bodies.

Advance professional development by attending regularly organised in-house talks,

external conference and site visits.

Keep abreast with engineering development via readership of IEM Journals and

Bulletins.

Formal recognition of your profession.

Provides an avenue for networking with other engineers outside your company and

also an opportunity to meet industry leaders.

Corporate members of IEM are accepted for registration as a professional engineer

with the Board of Engineers Malaysia.

Provide participation in continuing education through seminars, workshops,

conferences, talks, forums, courses, etc.

A strong secretariat to support needs of members and provide guidance.

Receive monthly and quarterly publications.

Access to a well equipped library.

Linked to the internet and access to the information superhighway, via internet.

Establish relationship with other professional bodies concerning matters of mutual

interest.

Opportunity to be sponsored by IEM to present papers in national and/or international

conferences.

Objectives Of The Institution

The objects of the Institution as set out in the Constitution shall include the following:-

1. To hold meetings, exhibitions and visits, and such other activities as The Institution

may deem incidental or conducive to the promotion or attainment of the profession of

engineering.

2. To raise the character and status and advance the interests of the profession of

engineering and those engaged therein;

3. To promote honourable practice. and professional etiquette among members of The

Institution;

4. To communicate to members information on all matters affecting the profession of

engineering and to print, publish, issue and circulate such publications as may seem

conducive to any of the objects of the Institution; and

5. To do such other things as the Institution may thing incidental or conducive to the

attainment of the objects of The Institution

IEM Codes of Ethics

1. Responsibility for the welfare, health and safety of the community.

2. To act in order to merit the trust of the community and membership

3. Offer services, advice or undertake engineering assignments, only in areas of their

competence.

4. Act with fairness, honesty and in good faith towards all in the community.

5. Apply their skill knowledge in the interest employer or client, without compromising

the welfare, health and the safety of the community.

6. Take all responsible steps to inform community about consequences of the actions

and projects in which they are involved.

7. Express opinions, make statements or give evidence on the basis of adequate

knowledge.

8. Develop relevant knowledge, skill and expertise throughout their careers

7.3 Institute Of Electrical And electronic Engineers (IEEE)

Figure 7.2: The symbol of IEEE

Introduction of Institute of Electrical and electronic Engineers (IEEE)

IEEE, an association dedicated to the fostering of technological innovation and

excellence for the benefit of humanity, is the world’s largest technical professional society. It

is designed to serve professionals involved in all aspects of the electrical, electronic and

computing fields and related areas of science and technology that underlie modern

civilization. IEEE’s roots, however, go back to 1884 when electricity was just beginning to

become a major force in society. There was one major established electrical industry, the

telegraph, which—beginning in the 1840s—had come to connect the world with a

communications system faster than the speed of transportation. A second major area had only

barely gotten underway—electric power and light, originating in Thomas Edison’s inventions

and his pioneering Pearl Street Station in New York.

IEEE is a world's leading, non-profit professional organization, for the advancement of

technology. The IEEE formed in 1963 with the merger of:

The AIEE (American Institute of Electrical Engineers, formed in 1884)

The IRE (Institute of Radio Engineers, formed in 1912).

The IEEE name was originally an acronym for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics

Engineers, Inc. Today, the organization's scope of interest has expanded into so many related

fields, that it is simply referred to by the letters I-E-E-E (pronounced Eye-triple-E).

Vision

To advances global prosperity by fostering technological innovation.

Mission

The IEEE promotes the engineering process of related field of electrical engineering for the

benefit of humanity and the profession.

Functions of IEEE

Publications

The IEEE publishes nearly a third of the world’s technical literature in electrical

engineering, computer science and electronics. This includes 140 transactions, journals

and magazines published annually. In cooperation with John Wiley and Sons, Inc., the

IEEE also produces technical books, monographs, guides and textbooks.

IEEE journals are consistently among the most highly cited in electrical and

electronics engineering, telecommunications and other technical fields.

Digital Library

All IEEE content since 1988 plus select content dating back to 1950 is available in

digital format. The IEEE Xplore® digital library contains more than 2 million

documents from IEEE and IEE journals, transactions, magazines, letters, conference

proceedings and active IEEE standards.

Conferences

Each year, over 100,000 technical professionals attend the more than 900 conferences

sponsored or cosponsored by the IEEE. From microelectronics and microwaves to

sensors and security, IEEE conferences cover relevant topics that showcase the depth

and breadth of members’ technical fields.

Standards

The IEEE is a leading developer of international standards that underpin many of

today's telecommunications, information technology and power generation products

and services.

Often the central source for standardization in a broad range of emerging

technologies, the IEEE Standards Association has a portfolio of some 900 active

standards and more than 400 standards in development. This includes the prominent

IEEE 802® standards for wireless networking.

Education Offerings

By awarding continuing education units and professional development hours, the

IEEE helps its members meet their continuing education requirements, and develops

products and services in support of these efforts. The IEEE is an authorized provider

of continuing education units through the International Association of Continuing

Education and Training. At the pre-college level, the IEEE works with industry,

universities and government to raise students’ literacy in science, math, engineering

and technology.

Grants

Through the IEEE Foundation General Fund and over 80 smaller special-purpose

funds, the IEEE Foundation provides approximately US$2 million in philanthropic

support each year to IEEE-related programs worldwide.

This support helps:

Develop educational and public-information programs;

Sustain historical research services;

Subsidize workshops that facilitate the exchange of electronic information;

Propel technological innovation; and

Increase public awareness about the vast impact of engineering on society.

Awards

Accomplishments in IEEE technical fields are recognized with annual awards for

outstanding contributions to technology, society and the engineering profession.

The IEEE Medal of Honor, the IEEE's highest award, recognizes an individual for an

exceptional contribution or extraordinary career in the IEEE fields of interest. Past

recipients have included such visionaries as:

Guglielmo Marconi (1920, for radio telegraphy)

William Shockley (1980, for junction, analog and junction field-effect

transistors)

Andrew S. Grove (2000, for pioneering research in metal oxide semiconductor

devices and technology)

IEEE Codes of Ethics

PREAMBLE:

Engineers, scientists and technologies affect the quality of life for all people in our complex

technological society. In the pursuit of their profession, therefore, it is vital that IEEE

members conduct their work in an ethical manner so that they merit the confidences of

colleagues, employers, clients, and the public. This IEEE Code of Ethics represents such a

standard professional conduct for IEEE members in the discharge of their responsibilities to

employers, to clients, to the community and to their colleagues in this Institute and other

professional societies.

ARTICLE I:

Members shall maintain high standards of diligence, creativity and productivity, and shall:

1. Accept responsibility for their actions;

2. Be honest and realistic in slating claims or estimates form available data;

3. Undertake technological tasks and accept responsibility only if qualified by training

or experience, or after full disclosure to their employees or clients of pertinent

qualifications;

4. Maintain their professional skills at the level of the state of the art, and recognize the

importance of current events in their work.

5. Advance the integrity and prestige of the profession by practicing in a dignified

manner and for adequate compensation.

ARTICLE II:

Members shall, in their work:

1. Treat fairly all colleagues and co-workers, regardless of race, religion, sex, age or

national origin;

2. Report, publish and disseminate freely, information to others, subject to legal and

proprietary restraints;

3. Encourage colleagues and co-workers to act in accord with this Code and support

them when they do so;

4. Seek, accept and offer honest criticism of work, and properly credit the contributions

of others;

5. Support and participate in the activities of their professional societies;

6. Assist colleagues and co-workers in their professional development,

ARTICLE III:

Members shall, in their relations with employees and clients:

1. Act as faithful agents or trustees for their employers or clients in professional and

business matters, provided such as actions conform with other parts of this Code.

2. Keep information on the business affairs or technical processes of an employer or

client in confidence while employed, and later, such information is properly released,

provided such actions conform with the other parts of this Code;

3. Inform their employees, clients, professional societies or public agencies of which

they are members or to which they may make presentations, of any circumstance that

could lead to a conflict of interest;

4. Neither give nor accept, directly or indirectly, any gift, payment or service of more

than nominal value to or from those having business relationships with their

employers or clients;

5. Assist and advise their employers or clients in anticipating the possible consequences

direct and indirect; immediate or remote, of the projects, work or plans of which they

have knowledge.

ARTICLE IV:

Members shall, in fulfilling their responsibilities to the community:

1. Protect the safety, health and welfare of the public and speak out against abuses in

those areas affecting the public interest;

2. Contribute professional advice, as appropriate, to civic, charitable or other nonprofit

organizations;

3. Seek to extend public knowledge and appreciation of the profession and its

achievements.

8.0 COMPARISON WITHIN 3 CODES

Table 8.0: Comparison between BEM, IEM and IEEE

9.0 WHY DIFFERENT WITHIN 3 CODES?

Table 9.0: The different between BEM, IEM and IEEE

10.0 CONCLUSION

Why the Codes of Ethics must be clearly defined for each engineering society?

How importance these codes to the society?

As an engineer, we 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 engineers require honesty, impartiality, fairness and equity, and must be

dedicated to the protection of the public health, safety and welfare.

1. The Codes of Ethics is emphasing an engineer’s role and responsibility to the

employers and clients, to fellow professionals and to the community.

2. It serves as a helpful guidance to engineers to apply moral principles to the unique

situations encountered in professional practice.

11.0 REFERENCE

1. Engineering Ethics - by Charles, B. Leerdermann, Third edition, Pearson Prentice

Hall.

2. Martin, Mike W., and Roland Schinzinger, Ethics in Engineering, 3rd ed., McGraw-

Hill, New York, 1996.

3. Pinkus, Rosa L., Larry J. Shuman, Norman P. Hummon, and Harvey Wolfe,

Engineering Ethics— Balancing Cost, Schedule and Risk: Lessons Learned from the

Space Shuttle, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, England, 1997.

4. http://www.bem.com/

5. http://www.iem.com/

6. http://www.ieee.org/com.