Week 12 Article Flashcards
What is the main research question of “This Happens All The Time; Organizations, Rationalization, and Ethical Dilemmas in Engineering” by Adams (2020)?
How do organizational structures and rationalization impact ethical conduct among engineers in Canada?
What is “rationalization” in the context of professional work?
An emphasis on efficiency and measurability that results in uniform procedures, management by metrics, and less independence for professionals
What were the main sources of ethical pressure reported by engineers in interviews?
Top management
cost-cutting expectations
tight deadlines
clients seeking quick results
How does rationalization threaten ethical conduct?
It prioritizes efficiency and profits over safety and public interest, encouraging shortcuts and unethical behavior
What is “client capture”?
When professionals feel pressured to prioritize client interests over ethical obligations due to financial dependency
Why might organizational controls not always promote ethical behavior?
Because some organizations value efficiency and profitability over ethical standards and public safety
