The center, which was made available through a grant from the National Science Foundation, provides engineers with resources related to ethical problems in the workplace. The center also sponsored a conference on Ethics in Engineering and Computer Science, in Cleveland, Ohio, on March 21-24, 1999. The conference, which brought together engineers, ethics officers and scholars in engineering and computer ethics, was focused on how to foster and support the responsible practice of engineering. Engineering is an important and learned profession. As members of this profession, engineers are expected to exhibit the highest standards of honesty and integrity.
Engineering has a direct and vital impact on the quality of life for all people.
Individual State engineering registration boards, professional engineering organizations and collegiate engineering programs have also placed new emphasis on engineering ethics. At least seven states have included ethics and professional conduct issues as a portion of their examination process. Although it may sound trite, companies and their employees are simply driven by the bottom line. Compromises in quality and time can lead to lower project costs and, in the short term, increased business. And acting in an ethical manner, many times, can also lead to short-term profits.