Ethics in Construction Engineering Management
Ethics in Construction Engineering Management
Ethics in Construction Engineering Management
Engineering Management
• Definitions
• Codes of Professional Ethics
• Models of Behaviors
• Basic Case Studies
Ethics Defined
• A concept or study of morality within a
context established by
– cultural values,
– professional values,
– social norms,
– and accepted standards of behavior.
Definitions
• Values
– Beliefs which guide direct and motivate opinions,
attitudes, and moral obligations
• Ethics
– The study of good and bad, of moral duty, and
moral obligation
• Ethical Standards
– Principles of conduct, how people ought to behave
in a certain situation
So What are Morals?
• Beliefs based on what someone’s
conscience suggests is right or wrong,
rather than on what is legal or illegal.
COMPANY’S ROLE
• Create an Ethical Environment
– Promotes, expects, and rewards ethical
behavior
– Conducts all external dealings in an ethical
manner
Code of Professional Ethics
• Code of Professional Ethics for the Construction
Manager (CMAA)
(http://cmaanet.org/code-of-ethics)
• Code of Ethics by ASCE
(http://www.asce.org/inside/ethics.cfm)
• Code of Ethics by AGC
(http://www.agc.org)
• Code of ethics by U.S. Department of Transportation –
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
(http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/construction/cqit/ethcguid.cfm)
Construction Management Association of America
Code of Professional Ethics
As a professional engaged in the business of providing
construction management services, and as a member of
the CM profession, I agree to conduct myself in my
business in accordance with the following:
1. Client Service. I will serve my clients with honesty, integrity,
competence, and objectivity, establishing a relationship of
trust and confidence and furnishing my best skills and
judgment consistent with the interests of my client.
2. Representation of Qualifications. I will only accept
assignments for which I am qualified by my education,
training, professional experience and technical
competence, and I will assign staff to projects in
accordance with their qualifications and commensurate with
the services to be provided.
Construction Management Association of America
Code of Professional Ethics
3. Standards of Practice. I will furnish my services in a
manner consistent with the established and accepted
standards of the profession and with the laws and
regulations which govern its practice.
4. Fair Competition. I will build my professional
reputation on the basis of my direct experience and
service provided, and I will compete fairly and
respectfully with my professional colleagues.
5. Conflicts of Interest. I will seek to avoid any and all
conflicts of interest and will immediately acknowledge
any influences and offer to withdraw from any
assignment when any actual conflict exists which
may impair my objectivity or integrity in the service of
my clients.
Construction Management Association of America
Code of Professional Ethics
6. Fair Compensation. I will negotiate fairly and openly
with my clients in establishing a basis for
compensation, and I will charge fees and expenses
that are reasonable and commensurate with the
services to be provided and the responsibilities and
risks to be assumed.
7. Release of Information. I will release public
statements that are truthful and objective, and I will
keep information and records confidential when
appropriate and protect the proprietary interests of
my clients and professional colleagues.
Construction Management Association of America
Code of Professional Ethics
8. Public Welfare. I will not participate in any racial, sexual
or political discrimination related to any assignment I may
undertake. I will avoid any conduct that would be
considered unethical or will interfere or conflict with any
laws, statutes or regulations, and I will uphold the safety,
health and welfare of the public in the performance of my
professional duties.
9. Professional Development. I will continue to develop my
professional knowledge and competency as a
practitioner, and I will contribute to the advancement of
CM practice as a profession by fostering research and
education and through the encouragement of
subordinates and fellow practitioners.
Construction Management Association of America
Code of Professional Ethics