Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions at IIT

It is the consensus of the Committee that the fifteen Rules of Ethical Conduct as contained in the report of the Ethical Practices Committee, under Chairmanship of Allison C, Neff, to the Board of Directors on June 8-10, 1950, are very good, indicating considerable thought; also that this should be regarded as a growing project, subject to the inclusion of additional rules as future conditions and problems indicate to be necessary.

The fifteen Rules of Ethical Conduct are as follows:

No. 1- It is unethical for an employed engineer to solicit or accept other employment to the detriment of his regular work or interest of his employer,
No. 2 - An engineer in independent or private practice may be employed by more than one party when the interests of the several parties do not conflict,
No. 3 - An engineer should not undertake work which he believes will not be successful, without first advising his client of his opinion,
No. 4- An engineer should not undertake work at a fee that will not permit a satisfactory professional performance,
No. 5 - It is unethical for an engineer to use plans and specifications prepared by manufacturers, sales agencies, supply houses, or patentees, except to the extent that such plans and specifications pertain only to the production of said manufacturer, sales agency, supply house, or patentee,
No, 6 - It is unethical for an engineer, employed by a public body, industry, or educational institution to use the instruments, office facilities or laboratory equipment owned by such public body, industry or educational institution to compete with engineers in private or independent practice or commercial testing laboratories without payment for the use of such instruments, facilities or equipment at the current rates,
No. 7 - It is unethical for an engineer to offer or to pay, either directly or indirectly , any commission in order to secure work, exclusive of securing salaried positions through employment agencies,
No. 8 - Professional work should come to the engineer on the basis of experience and reputation. Solicitation by lobbying, criticism of competitors, or self-laudation is degrading to the profession and unethical,
No. 9 - Advertising matter in the form of calendars, rulers, blotters, paper knives and similar gifts, irrespective of value, is undignified and is condemned,
No. 10 - Advertising in lay publications should be discouraged. Advertising in professional or technical journals is permissible. All advertising should be limited to dignified professional cards which list the name and address of the engineer and they type of work he renders. Listings in directories of general circulation, such as city and telephone directories under special heading indicating the type of professional services offered, are proper, but such listings should not be in bold face type or display.
No. 11 - It is unprofessional for an engineer to undertake professional work for which he is not qualified,
No. 12 - Engineering plans and specifications should be definite and specific. They should define the exact requirements clearly and should admit of no double meaning,
No. 13 - An engineer should not use association with a non-engineer, a corporation or partnership as a cloak for unethical acts, but must accept responsibility for his professional acts,
No. 14 - It is unethical for any engineer to accept remuneration from either an employee or employment agency for giving employment,
No. 15 - An engineer who is in sales or industrial employ is entitled to institute engineering comparisons with the products offered by a competitor, but should avoid aspersions upon the character, standing or ability of such competitors.

It is recommended that these fifteen Rules of Ethical Conduct be adopted, and that this be considered a growing project, subject to the inclusion of additional rules from time to time as necessary.