Ethics Flashcards
Give an example of something that is lawful but unethical and something that is ethical but unlawful
- Most lying or cheating on your partner
- Physicians all agree to charge the same low prices
- Other suitable examples will be acceptable so long as clear cut
List four reasons for a company to behave ethically
- Lead by example and challenges other organisations to do better
- Sense of pride in the company
- Improves staff moral
- Attracting and retaining staff
- Improves company image
- Helps in negotiations
- Improves relationships with suppliers, customers but also competitors
List the three approaches to ethics
- Virtue ethics
- Consequential ethics
- Deontological (duty-based) ethics
List the three approaches to ethics and give a brief explanation of each
- Virtue ethics - What kind of person do I want to be? What virtues bring me closer to this goal; which vices prevent me from achieving it?
- Consequential ethics - What impact is my behaviour having on the world? Am I doing more good than harm. Actions aim to bring about the greatest good to the greatest number of people
- Deontological (duty-based) ethics -Having duties to others based on ethical principles. What duties do I owe? How do I decide between conflicting duties?
Give five examples of when a ‘gift’ might be considered a bribe
- Intent to ‘induce improper conduct’
- ‘Disproportionate’ to the scale of business
- Just before, after or during a tendering process
- Seeking gifts from companies that you do not currently do business with
- Regular gifts
- Cash
- Gifts for family members
- Gifts to public officials
List the four key ethical principles which the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Engineering Council have determined should apply to all professional engineers
- Accuracy and Rigour
- Honesty and Integrity
- Respect for life, law and the Public Good
- Responsible leadership
The Royal Academy of Engineering and the Engineering Council have established four key ethical principles that apply all to professional engineers. One such principal is ‘Accuracy and Rigor’. Expand on what they mean by this and give three different examples.
‘Professional Engineers have a duty to ensure that they acquire and use wisely and faithfully the knowledge that is relevant to the engineering skills needed in their work…’
- Act with care and competence
- Perform services only in areas of current competencies
- Keep knowledge and skills up to date
- Assist others to develop engineering knowledge/skills
- Not knowingly mislead or allow others to mislead about engineering matters
- Present and review engineering evidence, theory and interpretation honestly, accurately and without bias
- Identify and evaluate and, where possible, quantify risks
The Royal Academy of Engineering and the Engineering Council have established four key ethical principles that apply all to professional engineers. One such principal is ‘Honesty and Integrity’. Expand on what they mean by this and give three different examples
‘Professional Engineers should adopt the highest standards of professional conduct, openness, fairness and honesty’
- Be alert to the ways your work affects others
- Respect everyone’s rights and reputations
- Avoid deceptive acts
- Take steps to prevent corrupt practices or professional misconduct
- Declare conflicts of interest
- Reject bribery or improper influence
- Act for each employer or client in a reliable and trustworthy manner
The Royal Academy of Engineering and the Engineering Council have established four key ethical principles that apply all to professional engineers. One such principal is ‘Respect for life, law and public good’. Expand on what they mean by this and give three different examples
‘Professional Engineers should give due weight to all relevant law, facts and published guidance, and the wider public interest’
- Ensure that all work is lawful and justified
- Minimise and justify and adverse effect on society or on the natural environment for your own or succeeding generations
- Take due account of the limited availability of natural and human resources
- Hold paramount the health and safety of others
- Act honourably, responsibly and lawfully
- Uphold the reputation, standing and dignity of the profession
The Royal Academy of Engineering and the Engineering Council have established four key ethical principles that apply all to professional engineers. One such principal is ‘Respect for life, law and public good’. Expand on what they mean by this and give three different examples
The Royal Academy of Engineering and the Engineering Council have established four key ethical principles that apply all to professional engineers. One such principal is ‘Accuracy and Rigor’. Expand on what they mean by this and give three different examples
‘Professional Engineers should aspire to high standards of leadership in the exploitation and management of technology’
or
‘You will hold a privileged and trusted position in society and are expected to demonstrate that you are seeking to serve wider society and be sensitive to public concerns’
- Be aware of the issues that engineering and technology raise for society
- Listen to the aspirations and concerns of others
- Actively promote public awareness and understanding of the impact and benefits of engineering achievement
- Be objective and truthful in any statement made in your professional capacity
