Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions at IIT

Preamble

Engineers, scientists and technologist 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 confidence of colleagues, employees, clients and the public. This IEEE Code of Ethics represent such a standard of professional co9nduct for IEEE members in the discharge of their responsibilities to employers, to clients, to the community and to their colleagues in the Institute and other professional societies. In order to protect and enhance the image and reputation of IEEE, its members, and the profession they represent, members must always conduct themselves in a manner reflecting the highest level of ethical conduct, honesty and openness.

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 stating claims or estimates from available data;

3. Undertake technological tasks and accept responsibility only if qualified by training or experience, or after full disclosure to their employers 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 employers and clients:

1. Act as faithful agents or trustees for their employers or clients in professional and business matters, provided such 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, until such information is properly released, provided such actions conform with other parts of this Code;

3. Inform their employers, clients, professional societies or public agencies or private agencies of which they are members or to which they may make presentations, of any circumstances 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.