Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions at IIT

Forward
Honesty, justice and courtesy form a moral philosophy which, associated with mutual interest among men, constitutes the foundation of ethics. The engineer should recognize such a standard, not in passive observance, but as a set of dynamic principles guiding his conduct and way of Life. It is his duty to practice his profession according to these Canons of Ethics.

As the keystone of professional conduct is integrity, the engineer will discharge his duties with fidelity to the public, his employers and clients, and with fairness and impartiality to all. It is his duty to interest himself in public welfare, and to be ready to apply his special knowledge for the benefit of mankind. He should uphold the honor and dignity of his profession and avoid association with any enterprise of questionable character. In his dealings with fellow engineers he should be fair and tolerant.

Professional Life

SEC. I. The engineer will cooperate in extending the effectiveness of the engineering profession by interchanging information and experience with other engineers and students and by contributing to the work of engineering societies, schools, and the scientific and engineering press.

SEC. 2. He will not advertise his work or merit in a self-laudatory manner, and he will avoid all conduct or practice likely to discredit or do injury to the dignity and honor of his profession.

Relations with the Public

SEC. 3.The engineer will endeavor to extend public knowledge of engineering, and will discourage the spreading of untrue, unfair and exaggerated statements regarding engineering

SEC. 4.He will have due regard for the safety of life and health of public and employees who may be affected by the work for which he is responsible.

SEC. 5. He will express an opinion only when it is founded on adequate knowledge and honest conviction while he is serving as a witness before a court, commission or other tribunal.

SEC. 6. He will not issue ex parte statements, criticisms or arguments on matters connected with public policy which are inspired or paid for by private interests, unless he indicates on whose behalf he is making the statement.

SEC. 7. He will refrain from expressing publicly an opinion on an engineering subject unless he is informed as to the facts relating thereto.

Relations with Clients and Employers

SEC. 8. The engineer will act in professional matters for each client or employer as a faithful agent or trustee.

SEC. 9. He will act with fairness and justice between his client or employer and the contractor when dealing with contracts.

SEC. 10. He will make his status clear to his client or employer before undertaking an engagement if he may be called upon to decide on the use of inventions, apparatus, or any other thing in which he may have a financial interest.

SEC. 11. He will guard against conditions that are dangerous or threatening to life, limb or property on work for which he is responsible, or if he is not responsible, will promptly call such conditions to the attention of those who are responsible.

SEC. 12. He will present clearly the consequences to be expected from deviations proposed if his engineering judgment is overruled by non-technical authority in cases where he is responsible for the technical adequacy of engineering work.

SEC. 13. He will engage, or advise his client or employer to engage, and he will cooperate with other experts and specialists whenever the client's or employer's interest are best served by such service.

SEC. 14. He will disclose no information concerning the business affairs or technical processes of clients or employers without their consent.

SEC. 15. He will not accept compensations, financial or otherwise, from more than one interested party for the same service, or for services pertaining to the same work without the consent of all interested parties.

SEC. 16. He will not accept commissions or allowances, directly or indirectly, from contractors or other parties dealing with his client or employer in connection with work for which he is responsible.

SEC. 17. He will not be financially interested in the bids as or of a contractor on competitive work for which he is employed as an engineer unless he has the consent of his client or employer.

SEC. 18. He will promptly disclose to his client or employer any interest in a business which may compete with or affect the business of his client or employer. He will not allow an interest in any business to affect his decision regarding engineering work for which he is employed or which he may be railed upon to perform.

Relations With Engineers
SEC. 19. The engineer will endeavor to protect the engineering profession collectively and individually from misrepresentation and misunderstanding.

SEC. 20. He will take care that credit for engineering work is given to those to whom credit is properly due.

SEC. 21. He will uphold the principle of appropriate and adequate compensation for those engaged in engineering work, including those in subordinate capacities, as being in the public interest and maintaining the standards of the profession.

SEC. 22. He will endeavor to provide opportunity for the professional development and advancement of engineers in his employ.

SEC. 23. He will not directly or indirectly injure the professional reputation, prospects or practice of another engineer. However, if he considers that an engineer is guilty of unethical, illegal or unfair practice, he will present the information to the proper authority for action.

SEC. 24. He will exercise due restraint in criticizing another engineer's work in public, recognizing the fact that the engineering societies and the engineering press provide the proper forum for technical discussions and criticism.

SEC. 25. He will not try to supplant another engineer in a particular employment after becoming aware that definite steps have been taken toward the other's employment.

SEC. 26. He will not compete with another engineer on the basis of charges for work by underbidding, through reducing his normal fees after having been informed of the charges named by the other.

SEC. 27. He will not use the advantages of a salaried position to compete unfairly with another engineer.

SEC 28. He will not become association in responsibility for work with engineers who do not conform to ethical practices.
Prepared by Engineers' Council for Professional Development
and adopted by Board of Directors, National Society of Professional Engineers Oct. 28, 1946