Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions at IIT

The Institute adopts as its own Code of Ethics, to which it expects that the professional conduct of its members shall conform, the Canons of Ethics of Engineers approved by the Engineers' Council for Professional Development, September 30, 1963, as set forth below.

Fundamental Principles of Professional Engineering Ethics

The Engineer, to uphold and advance the honor and dignity of the engineering profession and in keeping with high standards of ethical conduct:

1. Will be honest and impartial, and will serve with devotion his employer, his clients, and the public;

Il. Will strive to increase the competence and prestige of the engineering profession;

III. Will use his knowledge and skill for the ad vancement of human welfare.

Relations with the Public

1. 1 The Engineer will have proper regard for the safety, health and welfare of the public in the performance of his professional duties.

1.2 He will endeavor to extend public knowledge and appreciation of engineering and its achievements, -and will oppose any untrue, unsupported, or exaggerated statements regarding engineering.

1.3 He will be dignified and modest in explaining his work and merit, will ever uphold the honor and dignity of his profession, and will refrain from self-laudatory advertising.

1.4 He will express an opinion on an engineering subject only when it is founded on adequate knowledge and honest conviction.

1.5 He will preface any ex parte statements, criticisms, or arguments that he may issue by clearly indicating on whose behalf they are made.

Relations with Employers and Clients

2.1 The Engineer will act in professional matters as a faithful agent or trustee for each employer or client.

2.2 He will act fairly and justly toward vendors and contractors, and will not accept from vendors or contractors, any commissions or allowances, directly or indirectly.

2.3 He will inform his employer or client if he is financially interested in any vendor or contractor, or in any invention, machine, or apparatus, which is involved in a project or work of his employer or client. He will not allow such interest to affect his decisions regarding engineering services which he may be called upon to perform.

2.4 He will indicate to his employer or client the adverse consequences to be expected if his engineering judgment is over-ruled.

2.5 He will undertake only those engineering assignments for which he is qualified. He will engage or advise his employer or client to engage specialists and will cooperate with them whenever his employer's or client's interests are served best by such an arrangement.

2.6 He will not disclose information concerning the business affairs or technical processes of any present or former employer or client without his consent.

2.7 He will not accept compensation-financial or otherwise-from more than one party for the same service, or for other services pertaining to the same work, without the consent of all interested parties.

2.8 The employed engineer will engage in supplementary employment or consulting practice only with the consent of his employer.

Relations with Engineers

3.1 The Engineer will take care that credit for engineering work is given to those to whom credit is properly due.

3.2 He will provide a prospective engineering employee with complete information on working conditions and his proposed status of employment, and after employment will keep him informed of any changes in them.

3.3 He will uphold the principle of appropriate and adequate compensation for those engaged in engineering work, including those in subordinate capacities.

3.4 He will endeavor to provide opportunity for the professional development and advancement of engineers in his employ or under his supervision.

3.5 He will not injure maliciously the professional reputation, prospects, or practice of another engineer. However, if he has proof that another engineer has been unethical, illegal, or unfair in his practice, he should so advise the proper authority.

3.6 He will not compete unfairly with another engineer.

3.7 He will not invite or submit price proposals for professional services, which require creative intellectual effort, on a basis that constitutes competition on price alone. Due regard should be given to all professional aspects of the engagement.

3.8 He will cooperate in advancing the engineering profession by interchanging information and experience with other engineers and students, and by contributing to public communication media, to the efforts of engineering and scientific societies and schools.