Thomas Franz
ME 333T
Code of Ethics: A Bare Necessity
In the last few years the benchmark of ethical standards has dramatically
increased regarding businesses and professions, raising the question Is a code of
ethics really necessary?. Michael Davis asks this question in his essay Thinking
like an Engineer. He explains how all over the world engineering is establishing a
code of ethics to guide their respective workers. This is most simply to create a
more efficient business by outlining a professions duties and moral standards.
However, there are many overlooked reasons why it is essential to continue this
trend of strengthening ethical standards and even more important for engineers. A
strong code of ethics helps promote solid business relationships while establishing
definitive accountability for employees and management.
A code of ethics can help improve business relations outside the company
itself. Every day engineers work outside of their own entity, whether it is other
businesses or the general public. Having ethical values constructs an understanding
of how yourself and other people do their jobs so that there is no misunderstanding
down the road. It can help dictate the handling of contract negotiations so that two
businesses can trust each other to follow through with their promises and do so in a
way that is acceptable to both parties. This ensure not only efficient business, but
opens up opportunities to keep working with them in the future. The general public
is also important to consider when running a business. The media today is as
prevalent as ever before. Business scandals and conspiracies have brought business
all the way to the ground. These businesses did not have a strong code of ethics for
their people and the work they create. It is necessary to have these guiding
principles to know what is ethically permissible and what is not. It can be the
difference between a thriving business or a failed one.
Furthermore, the reputation of the business is created from their code of
ethics. Engineers need to be held accountable for their work as every decision they
make can affect their business positively or negatively. These engineers need to
know what is ethically permissible so that there is no confusion when they make a
mistake. Without standards in place, it is tough to hold an employee responsible for
their actions that impact the business in a negative way. By implementing these
standards, it can be ensured that most of the decisions that an engineer makes will
positively affect the business as a whole.
A code of ethics promotes business relationships and accountability within
the work place. Michael Davis in Thinking like an Engineer states that with a code
of ethics established every engineer has a fairness to do his part as an engineer.
Strong business relationships, clear accountability and efficiency are essential
components for a business to prosper. This proves that for a business to operate in
a successful manor it is necessary to implement a code of ethics as the foundation
of your business.
