Ethics Case

Ethics Case

Case A

Facts:

Client Y has reviewed and realized that the information regarding construction of buildings and its progress has been disclosed in the market among competitors. Client Y has claimed that Engineer A is responsible for protecting clients' confidential information and he is obliged to ensure that the progress report has not been viewed by the workers and other company's employees. As a project manager, Engineer A has been held responsible for this unethical conduct and Client Y has requested Engineer A to justify this unethical act.

The conflict between Client Y and Engineer A is based on the fact that the client handed over company's confidential information regarding project management and construction to the Engineer A but he did not protect his client's information. On the other hand, Engineer A has claimed that he did not conduct such an unethical behavior and he does not know how the information has been leaked out in the open market.

Question:

Is Engineer A responsible for safeguarding the confidential information provided by Client Y?

References:

Section III.4. - Code of Ethics: Engineers shall not disclose, without consent, confidential information concerning the business affairs or technical processes of any present or former client or employer, or public body on which they serve.

Section III.7- Code of Ethics: Engineers who believe others are guilty of unethical or illegal practice shall present such information to the proper authority for action.

Section III. 9 (d) - Code of Ethics: Engineers' designs, data, records, and notes referring exclusively to an employer's work are the employer's property. The employer should indemnify the engineer for use of the information for any purpose other than the original purpose.

 

Discussion:

The case highlights the most common ethical issues that most of engineers face in their project management. Engineers are responsible for protecting work related information ...