While that tragedy may be an extreme example, it's clear that engineers have an exceptionally high ethical standard to meet. Herkert, who teaches a course on ethics in engineering, points to the Online Ethics Center for Engineering and Science as a prime example of the industry's new focus on the issue. 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.