Difference between revisions of "Ethical Behavior"
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Revision as of 23:53, 6 June 2011
A systems engineer’s knowledge and skills do not alone account for competency; engineers must practice within a framework of ethical and professional conduct. This section outlines the issues and elements of such conduct.
Definitions
Common definitions of “ethics” include:
1. a system of moral principles. 2. the rules of conduct recognized in respect to a particular class of human actions or a particular group, culture, etc.: e.g. medical ethics; Christian ethics; [engineering ethics]. 3. moral principles, as of an individual: e.g. His ethics forbade betrayal of a confidence. 4. The discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation. [1-3 from: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/ethics 4 from Merriam Webster Dictionary] “Moral”, in turn, is commonly defined as: 1. Of or relating to principles of right and wrong in behavior 2. Conforming to a standard of right behavior. [Merriam Webster Dictionary]
Social, Legal, and Historical issues
Data Confidentiality and Security, Surveillance and Privacy
Issues related to privacy, confidentiality, and the security of individual information place special responsibility on the systems engineers who develop products that deal with such issues.
Contracts and Liability, Intellectual Property, Freedom of Information
Systems are typically developed in a society that has laws concerning contracts, intellectual property (copyrights, trademarks, and patents), freedom of information, and employment law. A systems engineer must be aware of such laws and be governed in their practice by the requirements and restraints of those laws. Typically the system requirements include legal and regulatory requirements that may not be stated in the system requirements document or provided by the customer. It is the systems engineer's responsibility to know and apply these laws and regulations.
Historical Developments, and Gender, Minor, and Cultural Issues
Since systems engineers develop and maintain products used by humans, it is important that they understand the historical and cultural aspects of their profession and the related context in which their products will be used. System engineers need to be aware of societal diversity and always act without prejudice or discrimination.
Codes of Ethics and Professional Conduct
Responsibilities to Society
All engineers who create products and services for society’s use have an obligation to perform in a professional manner. Because of the criticality and scope of many systems, systems engineers have special responsibility. The consequences of poorly designed systems or services that are delivered in an improper manner can have calamitous effects on society and do not serve the public good. The INCOSE Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct states the systems engineers have a responsibility to “Guard the public interest and protect the environment, safety and welfare of those affected by engineering activities and technological artifacts.” (INCOSE 2006)