Code of Ethics Situational Flashcards
Scenario 1: Environmental Report Misrepresentation
A mining company hires Engineer A to assess the environmental impact of a mining project. The company pressures Engineer A to downplay the negative environmental effects in the report to gain faster approval. Engineer A submits an incomplete report with exaggerated positive environmental benefits to appease the company.
Violations:
1. Article III, Rule 4: The Mining Engineer must not render a professional opinion or report without supporting facts and competent analysis.
2. Article III, Rule 5: The Mining Engineer must not issue exaggerated or sensational reports that may harm public welfare.
3. Article IV, Rule 3: The Mining Engineer should not promote the interest of an employer if it is contrary to public policy or ethical obligations.
Scenario 2: Conflict of Interest in Mining Project
Engineer B is working for a government agency responsible for overseeing mining operations. At the same time, Engineer B is a silent partner in a private mining company that has applied for a government permit. Engineer B fails to disclose this relationship to their employer and participates in the approval process for the mining company’s application.
Violations:
1. Article II, Rule 9: The Mining Engineer in government service must work for the interest of the government and must not use their position for profit.
2. Article IV, Rule 5: The Mining Engineer must disclose any personal interest in any mining organization or mineral property.
3. Article IV, Rule 7: The Mining Engineer must not engage in professional services for clients with conflicting or adverse interests.
Scenario 3: Plagiarism of Colleague’s Work
Engineer C, working on a mining project, uses large portions of a research paper authored by a colleague without giving proper credit. The paper is presented to the company’s management as Engineer C’s original work. The management is impressed, leading to Engineer C being promoted for the work.
Violations:
1. Article VI, Rule 3: The Mining Engineer must give full recognition to colleagues’ professional work and must refrain from plagiarism.
2. Article VI, Rule 4: The Mining Engineer must accord proper credit to associates, subordinates, or partners who contributed to the work.
3. Article VI, Rule 5: The Mining Engineer must not use their professional status to unfairly compete with colleagues.
Scenario 4: Neglect of Safety Standards
Engineer D is overseeing a mining site where safety measures are not being properly enforced. Workers have reported faulty equipment, but Engineer D dismisses the concerns to keep production on schedule. A minor accident occurs, injuring a worker, but Engineer D does not report it to the relevant authorities.
Violations:
1. Article III, Rule 1: The Mining Engineer must prioritize the safety and welfare of people in the pursuit of their profession.
2. Article V, Rule 4: The Mining Engineer must provide safety measures for employees and maintain the operational efficiency of equipment.
3. Article III, Rule 3: The Mining Engineer must report to proper authorities any actions that are prejudicial to public safety.
Scenario 5: Unethical Promotion and Advertising
Engineer E has started a consulting business and distributes flyers that exaggerate their expertise and achievements. The flyers claim that Engineer E has personally managed some of the largest mining projects in the country, which is not true. Engineer E also suggests that their services can guarantee quick approvals from regulatory bodies, implying unethical influence.
Violations:
1. Article III, Rule 8: The Mining Engineer must not issue exaggerated or false advertisements about their work or expertise.
2. Article IV, Rule 7: The Mining Engineer must not use professional services to promote unethical practices or false promises.
3. Article I, Rule 1: The Mining Engineer must maintain the dignity and honor of the profession at all times.
Scenario 6: Failure to Disclose Hazardous Conditions
Engineer F conducts a geological survey on a mining site and discovers unstable ground conditions that could lead to landslides. However, to avoid costly mitigation measures and delays, Engineer F withholds this information from the client and proceeds with excavation activities.
Violations:
1. Article III, Rule 1: The Mining Engineer must prioritize the safety and welfare of the public.
2. Article III, Rule 4: The Mining Engineer must not issue a report without full disclosure of the facts and limitations.
3. Article IV, Rule 2: The Mining Engineer must protect the interest of the client and provide professional advice that ensures safety.
Scenario 7: Acceptance of Unethical Compensation
Engineer G is hired by a mining company to evaluate potential mineral deposits. In exchange for issuing a favorable report that exaggerates the potential of the deposits, Engineer G receives expensive gifts and undisclosed compensation from the company.
Violations:
1. Article IV, Rule 9: The Mining Engineer must not receive favors from persons or organizations with pending transactions.
2. Article III, Rule 5: The Mining Engineer must not issue exaggerated or false reports that could mislead others.
3. Article IV, Rule 5: The Mining Engineer must disclose personal interests that may affect professional responsibilities.
Scenario 10: Unethical Use of Client’s Confidential Information
Engineer J works for a mining client and gains access to confidential geological data. After completing the project, Engineer J shares this data with a competitor in exchange for financial compensation, violating the trust and confidentiality agreement with the original client.
Violations:
1. Article IV, Rule 6: The Mining Engineer must not divulge confidential information received during employment.
2. Article IV, Rule 9: The Mining Engineer must not place themselves under obligation to a third party that conflicts with the client’s interests.
3. Article VI, Rule 5: The Mining Engineer must not use their professional status for unfair competition or personal gain.
Scenario 8: Exploitation of Workers’ Rights
Engineer H manages a mining operation where workers are required to work excessive hours without proper compensation or safety measures. Some workers are also denied basic benefits such as healthcare and overtime pay, in violation of labor laws. Engineer H prioritizes cost-cutting over workers’ welfare.
Violations:
1. Article V, Rule 3: The Mining Engineer must obey all labor laws, including those on work hours, wages, and terms of employment.
2. Article V, Rule 1: The Mining Engineer must be concerned with the welfare of employees and ensure their rights are protected.
3. Article V, Rule 4: The Mining Engineer must provide safety measures to protect workers.
Scenario 9: Manipulation of Data for Mining Permit
Engineer I is tasked with preparing the environmental compliance documentation for a mining project. To expedite the approval process, Engineer I manipulates environmental data, making it appear that the project’s impact on local ecosystems is minimal when, in fact, the area is highly vulnerable to damage.
Violations:
1. Article III, Rule 5: The Mining Engineer must not issue false or sensational reports that harm the public or environment.
2. Article IV, Rule 3: The Mining Engineer must not advance interests that are contrary to law or ethical obligations.
3. Article II, Rule 3: The Mining Engineer must contribute their expertise to projects that serve the common good.
