Engineers’ Code of Ethics: Importance, Canons, and Challenges

Engineers’ Code of Ethics 1
ENGINEERS’ CODE OF ETHICS
Student Name
Student ID
Email
Date

Engineers’ Code of Ethics 2
Engineers’ Code of Ethics
1. Introduction
Our role as engineers in the society cannot be overemphasized [1]. We are
professionals who make decisions that have huge impacts on people’s day-to-day life
[2]. We are responsible for planning, designing, construction, manufacturing, operation
and maintenance of different structures and products that are used by people every
day, all over the world [3]. As a result, our work should benefit humanity and avoid or
minimize any likelihood of causing harm to the people or the environment [4]. Engineers
possess great power to bring real change to the society. However, the great power goes
together with great responsibility [5]. This is where the code of ethics becomes very
crucial in engineering. The code of ethics basically entails the attributes of conduct and
morals of engineers both as individuals and as professionals. Most societal problems
have numerous possible solutions and therefore it is the responsibility of engineers to
make the best decisions based on integrity, honesty, equity, justice and without bias. In
general, engineers should perform their duties by strictly observing the upmost
principles of morals and ethical conduct [6].
2. Canons of Engineers’ Code of Ethics
Engineers’ code of ethics has five fundamental canons [7]. First, engineers should
consider the health, safety and welfare of the general public when making decisions and
also comply with sustainable development principles. This means that engineers should
always give health, safety and well-being of people and environment a top priority in
their decisions and actions [8]. Second, engineers should only perform services in fields

Engineers’ Code of Ethics 3
of their competence. This means that engineers should only accept and perform
engineering assignments which they have adequate knowledge and competence. Third,
engineers should ensure that any public statements they issue are true and objective.
This means that before engineers share information with the public in form of public
statements, reports, testimony, etc., they should ensure that the information is true and
not exaggerated for whatever reasons.
Fourth, engineers should act for every client or employer as faithful trustees or
agents, and should avoid potential or identified conflicts of interest. It means that
engineers have to be open, loyal, truthful and faithful to their clients or employers as
long as they are working for and/or with them. This can be achieved through disclosure
of any relevant information, not accepting or soliciting any “gifts” from parties dealing
with the employer or client, using clients/employer’s confidential information
appropriately and not accepting any other professional employment with their current
clients/employer’s consent. Fifth, engineers should shun away from deceptive acts. This
means that engineers should not secure work or contracts through false means such as
using fake qualifications, giving bribes or competing unfairly. They should also not
falsely or maliciously injure their colleagues’ professional reputation, employment or
prospects, or criticize the work of other engineers indiscriminately. Sixth, engineers
should act in a manner that upholds and improves the integrity, dignity and honor of the
engineering profession by avoiding corruption, bribery, fraud, dishonest and improper
utilization of resources.
In 2017, engineers’ code of ethics was updated and three more canons were added
to make them eight canons [9]. Therefore the seventh canon is that engineers should