Chartered and professional engineers in New Zealand play an important role that focuses on public safety, trust, and shaping a better future. At the heart of this responsibility lies engineering ethics.
This is the essential framework guiding decisions and actions, ensuring operations are conducted with integrity and competence.
This article explores the practical application of engineering ethics in NZ, exploring real-life scenarios and highlighting the resources available to help navigate complex situations.
The Engineering New Zealand Code of Ethical Conduct is an important guide that members of Engineering New Zealand commit to annually, outlining the high standards of behaviour expected in the engineering profession. Understanding its principles is crucial for every practising engineer in New Zealand.
Common Ethical Dilemmas
While clarity is always the aim, the reality of engineering practice often presents complex ethical challenges. Some common dilemmas include:
- Conflicts of Interest: Situations where personal interests (financial or otherwise) could influence professional judgment.
- Competence and Due Care: Undertaking work beyond one's expertise or failing to exercise a reasonable standard of skill and care.
- Honesty and Integrity: Misrepresenting qualifications or failing to be truthful in reports and communications.
- Confidentiality: Improperly disclosing sensitive client or employer information.
- Reporting Breaches: Knowing when and how to report unethical conduct by other engineers.
Engineering New Zealand regularly publishes upheld complaints and disciplinary decisions, which serve as valuable learning opportunities for the profession. These cases offer concrete examples of how the Code of Ethical Conduct is applied in real-world scenarios.
Real Ethical Cases in New Zealand
The cases below demonstrate how the principles outlined in the Code of Ethical Conduct are applied in practice. Each example highlights the ethical considerations at stake, the outcomes of disciplinary proceedings, and the broader implications for professional accountability within the engineering community.
-
Misrepresentation of Competence:
One notable case involved a student engineer who misrepresented herself as a chartered professional engineer, signing off on seismic assessments and producer statements.
This resulted in the maximum fine from Engineering New Zealand and a conviction in the District Court, highlighting the severity of misrepresenting competence and the potential damage to public trust.
-
Failure in Supervision and Due Diligence
A particularly significant case with severe consequences was that of Alan Reay concerning the design of the CTV building, which collapsed during the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, leading to 115 deaths.
A Disciplinary Committee found that Dr. Reay, whose firm was responsible for the design, failed to provide adequate supervision to the engineer who carried out the design work. The designing engineer lacked the necessary experience for such a complex structure.
Engineering New Zealand's "Learning from disciplinary decisions" series provides anonymised case studies, expert commentary, and practical advice to help engineers avoid similar risks. These resources are invaluable for understanding how ethical principles translate into everyday practice.
Addressing Ethical Dilemmas
What can be done when an engineer is faced with an ethical dilemma?
Know the Code
Engineers should thoroughly familiarise themselves with the Engineering New Zealand Code of Ethical Conduct. Keeping a copy accessible and referring to it regularly is advisable.
Seek Advice
Complex ethical issues should not be resolved in isolation. Discuss your concert with trusted senior colleagues or mentors, or contact Engineering New Zealand for guidance.
Identify and Manage Conflicts of Interest
Identify potential conflicts and disclose them to relevant parties. Develop a clear plan to manage any actual or perceived conflicts.
Recommended Course
Engineering Ethics: Case Studies in Espionage
This course explores boundary-pushing behaviour around corporate espionage and intellectual property theft.
Act Within Your Competence
Only undertake work for which the necessary skills and experience are possessed.
Recommended Course:
Engineering Ethics: Case Studies in Theft Through Fraud
Focuses on fraudulent conduct within engineering, such as financial deception, falsified documentation, and asset misappropriation.
Document Your Decisions
Keep clear and contemporaneous records of decisions and the reasoning behind them, especially in complex or contentious situations.
Prioritise Safety and Public Interest
When in doubt, the safety, health, and welfare of the public should be the priority consideration.
Recommended Course:
Engineering Ethics: Case Studies in Bribery
Learn how to recognise and resist unethical incentives through real-world bribery scenarios. Understand the legal and professional consequences of crossing ethical lines in procurement, approvals, or project funding.
Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
Engage in ongoing learning, not just in technical areas but also in ethics and professionalism. NZ Engineers CPD offers a library of courses to expand your knowledge.
Recommended Course
CPD Custom Package for Engineers
This package offers access to an extensive library of courses, including ethics, technical skills, and professional development, enabling learners to build a tailored bundle that meets both compliance requirements and personal learning goals.
Conclusion
The engineering profession is constantly evolving, with new technologies, societal expectations, and environmental challenges. The commitment to engineering ethics must also evolve and strengthen.
By actively engaging with the Code of Ethical Conduct, learning from past engineering ethics cases in NZ, and developing a culture of open discussion about ethical dilemmas, the engineering profession in New Zealand can continue to be one that is trusted, respected, and dedicated to the highest standards of practice.
It is the responsibility of all engineering professionals to uphold these standards in daily work. Individual actions collectively define the integrity and future of engineering in New Zealand.