It is necessary, therefore, for each Architectural Engineer to assess his or her own level of knowledge and skill in a certain area to determine if sufficient qualification is present to undertake the work at hand safely and competently. If such qualification is not present, then the work must not be undertaken. Normally, an Architectural Engineer will practice only in the discipline in which he or she is registered, e.g. structural engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, etc. However, branches and specialties exist withing these disciplines and tangential fields arise along side these disciplines for which an individual may or may not be qualified. Technology evolves at a rapid pace, and so it is incumbent upon the Architectural Engineer to keep current through continuing education, reading technical journals and trade publications, and participating in the activities of professional societies.
Bribery can undermine one's judgement regarding issues of safety, health, and welfare of the public.
Therefore, given the gravity of the consequences, all bribery must be avoided. Even if we could imagine a case where such judgement would not be tainted, the individual being bribed is incapable, by definition, of making such a determination objectively. Furthermore, bribery has other detrimental effects on the profession such as unfair competition. An oft-cited difficulty in the discussion of bribery involves how to do business in cultures in which expensive gifts and large gratuities are offered and expected as standard business practice. If all NSAE members refrain from such practices then fair competition is maintained.