Question

Elliot works as an engineer at Master Robotics, one of whose clients is E-Corp, a large industrial conglomerate. Master Robotics has performed multiple projects over a period of several years for this client, and a new project has just started with an expectation to last at least 2 more years. One day Elliot is called by Angela, an E-Corp employee with whom he has not previously worked. She explains that an expensive failure at one of E-Corp’s plants has become a serious embarrassment for the company, and the corporate board of directors has demanded that an external board of review be formed to analyze the problem, suggest solutions, and make its findings public (including to E-Corp’s shareholders) in no more than 6 months. Angela has seen Elliot’s LinkedIn profile and believes that his personal expertise would be very valuable on the external board. During the phone conversation Angela tells Elliot, "I understand that you work for Master Robotics. Let’s try to keep the potential confusion to a minimum. So, let’s hire you as an independent contractor – like a side job – for your work on the external review board. That way no one has to doubt your motivations."

Which of the following engineering ethical principles should be used to determine Elliot’s decisions on how to proceed? (select all that apply)A. Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public.B. Engineers shall issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner.C. Engineers shall perform services only in the areas of their competence.D. Engineers shall act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees.E. Engineers shall uphold and enhance the honor, integrity, and dignity of the profession.

Answer 1

The engineering ethical principles should be used to determine Elliot’s decisions on how to proceed are expressed in statement D - Engineers shall act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees.

Step-by-step explanation:

It is generally expected of an employee to be faithful to his/her employer. Therefore, Elliot should remain faithful to His company. Hence, statement D is applicable (Engineers shall act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees).

Thus, only statements D applies to the scenario described in the question - all the other statements are incorrect.