Ethics is a cornerstone of professional construction practice. This assignment is to help students to gain a better understanding of ethics standards through a real-life case study. This assignment is also an assessment of your written communication skills. Please take the time to write well to ensure a high grade.
Instruction
Read the attached Ethic Case Study and reference any code of ethics adopted by any professional or trades organization to answer the following questions:
Q1. What is the main ethical issue in the case study? Describe any circumstances to help the reader to fully appreciate the issue.
Q2. What caused the issue/problem in the first place?
Q3. What are Engineer A’s obligations under the circumstances?
Evaluation
| Criteria | points |
| I. Technical Merit (7 points) | |
| · Q1 & Q2 (300 words minimum) | /3 |
| · Q3 (500 words minimum) | /4 |
| II. Writing skill (3 points) | |
| · Use of appropriate grammar & spelling | /1.5 |
| · Logic structure & development of ideas | /1.5 |
| TOTAL | /10pt |
Confidentiality – Becoming Aware of Technical Information Important to the Public Health and Safety
Situation:
Engineer A performs an investigation of a recent structural failure in connection with services provided to Attorney B for Client C. Engineer A signs a confidentiality agreement by which Engineer A is prohibited from disclosing any of the conclusions reached in connection with the cause of the structural failure without the consent of Client C.
Early during the litigation process, Attorney B negotiates a settlement agreement for Client C. As part of the settlement agreement, Attorney B and Client C agree that all investigative reports, including the work performed by Engineer A, will be sealed and remain strictly confidential forever. Engineer A believes that his investigation has identified a significant technical issue that, if communicated more broadly in the technical literature, could prevent future structural failures.
Code of Ethics References:
· Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public.
· If engineers’ judgment is overruled under circumstances that endanger life or property, they shall notify their employer or client and such other authority as may be appropriate.
· Engineers are encouraged to participate in civic affairs; career guidance for youths; and work for the advancement of the safety, health, and well-being of their community.
· Engineers shall not disclose, without consent, confidential information concerning the business affairs or technical processes of any present or former client or employer, or public body on which they serve.