FACULTY of

ENGINEERING

GET 101 2024. Engineering In Society.

Presentation 4 - ENGINEERING CODE OF
CONDUCT & ETHICS

Engr. Halima Sadia Yakubu

[email protected]
&
Dr. Ifeyinwa Obianyo 1
[email protected]

14/07/2025
09:35 AM
1. INTRODUCTION TO
ETHICS

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1.
INTRODUCTION
What is a Profession?
is any occupation that provides means to earn
a living. In deeper sense, a profession involves:
1. Advanced Expertise.
• require sophisticated skills and
theoretical knowledge in exercising
judgment

2. Self-Regulation.
• Societies of professionals play major role
in setting standards
• for admission to the profession,
• drafting codes of ethics,
• enforcing standards of conduct, and
 1.
INTRODUCTION
What is a Profession?
3. Public Good.
• The occupation serves some important aspect of public
good.
• engineering toward technological solutions
• to problems concerning the public’s well-being,
safety, and health.

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1.
INTRODUCTION
What is Ethics?

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1.
INTRODUCTION
What is Ethics?
Ethics or moral philosophy
• is a branch of philosophy that involves
• systematising
• defending, and
• recommending
• concepts of right and wrong conduct.

Ethics seeks to resolve questions of human morality

• by defining concepts such as
• good and evil,
• right and wrong,
• virtue and vice,
• justice and crime 6
1.
INTRODUCTION
Ethical Behaviour

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1. ENGINEERING ETHICS
What is Morality?

Morality mainly concerns on right and wrong, good and

bad, the rules that ought to be followed.
This definition is incomplete, because there are nonmoral
as well as moral usages of these words.
Morality is about reasons centered in respect for other
people as well as ourselves.
Moral reasons, may involve being fair and just, respecting
peoples right, avoiding unnecessary offense, cheating and
dishonesty, caring, showing gratitude and empathy,
minimising damage to environment etc.

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1. ENGINEERING
ETHICS
What is Morality?
Moral reasons, may involve:
being fair and just,
respecting peoples
right,
avoiding unnecessary
offense, cheating and
dishonesty,
caring, showing gratitude and
empathy, minimising damage to
environment etc.
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1. ENGINEERING
ETHICS
Ethics vs. Morals
​ Ethics​ Morals​
What are they?​ Ethics refers to the set of rules Morals are an individual's
or principles provided by an personal beliefs about what is
external source (such as a right and wrong, based on their
profession, organization, or own values, upbringing,
society) that guide what is right religion, or culture.
and wrong in specific contexts.

Where do they come Social system - External​ Individual - Internal​

from? ​
Where do they come Ethics are often applied in Morals guide personal
from? ​ professional or social settings behaviour and choices,
(e.g., medical ethics, business regardless of external rules.
ethics)

Example A doctor following medical A person may personally

ethics might be required to believe (on moral grounds) that
respect patient confidentiality, lying is always wrong, even if a
even if they personally believe situation might ethically justify
the patient should share their it, like telling a small lie to avoid
condition with others. hurting someone's feelings. 10
1. ENGINEERING
ETHICS
Introduction.
Engineering Ethics
• is the field of applied ethics and system of moral
principles that apply to the practice of engineering
• The field examines and sets the obligations by engineers
• to society,
• to their clients, and
• to the profession

• It is closely related to subjects such as

• the philosophy of science,

• the philosophy of engineering,
and 12

• the ethics of technology.

1. ENGINEERING
ETHICS
Definition.
Definition of Engineering Ethics
• Engineering ethics is the study of moral values, issues and
decisions involved in engineering practice.
• The moral values take many forms, including responsibilities,
ideal character traits, social policies, and relationships
desirable for individuals and corporation engaged in
technological development.
• It includes a range of ethical considerations such as
• ensuring safety and reliability of engineering designs,
• protecting the environment,
• respecting intellectual property rights,
• and maintaining transparency and honesty
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in professional relationships with clients and colleagues.
1. ENGINEERING
ETHICS
Definition.
• Engineering ethics also involves a commitment to upholding
the public trust and serving the interests of society, even when
doing so may conflict with the economic or political interests
of individuals or organizations.
• It requires engineers to take into account, the potential
impacts of their work on people, the environment, and future
generations, and to strive to create solutions that promote
sustainable and equitable outcomes.
• Engineering Ethics is about
• ensuring that engineers use their technical skills and knowledge
to serve the greater good and advance human well-being,
• while upholding the highest standards of professional conduct
and integrity.
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1. ENGINEERING ETHICS
Overview.

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1. ENGINEERING ETHICS
Why Study Engineering Ethics?

Studying engineering ethics is important for several

reasons:
1.Professional Responsibility: As engineers, we have a
responsibility to design and create technologies that
are safe, reliable, and beneficial to society. By studying
engineering ethics, we learn how to recognize and
navigate ethical challenges that may arise in our work,
and how to make informed decisions that prioritize the
public good.
2.Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Many
professions have ethical codes of conduct that are
enforced through legal and regulatory frameworks. By
studying engineering ethics, engineers can better
understand the legal and regulatory requirements of
1. ENGINEERING ETHICS
Why Study Engineering Ethics?

3. Reputation and Trust: A strong reputation for

ethical conduct is essential for building trust with
clients, colleagues, and the public. By studying
engineering ethics, engineers can develop a
reputation for professionalism and integrity that
enhances their career prospects and contributes to
the overall success of their organizations.
4. Social Responsibility: Engineers play a crucial role in
shaping the future of our society, and must be aware
of the potential impacts of their work on people, the
environment, and future generations. By studying
engineering ethics, engineers can develop a deeper
understanding of their social responsibility and how to
promote sustainable and equitable outcomes in their
work.
1. ENGINEERING ETHICS
Why Study Engineering Ethics?

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 1. ENGINEERING
ETHICS
Why Study Engineering Ethics?
Engineering ethics should be studied because:
• Important
• in preventing grave consequences of faulty ethical
reasoning
• in giving meaning to engineers’ endeavors,
• Complex.
• It cannot be understood through casual observation.

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 1. ENGINEERING ETHICS
Why Study Engineering Ethics?

The direct aim is to:

• Increase the ability to deal effectively with moral
complexity in engineering.
• Empowering individuals to reason more clearly and carefully
• concerning moral questions,
• rather than inculcate any particular beliefs.
• The unifying goal is to increase moral autonomy
• Autonomy literally means “self-determining” or
“independent”
• viewed as the skill and habit of thinking rationally
• about ethical issues on the basis of moral concern.
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 1. ENGINEERING
ETHICS
Moral Dilemma or Ethical
Moral dilemmas or Ethical Conundrum
Conundrum
• are situations in which two or more moral obligations, duties,
rights, goods, or ideals come into conflict with one another
• occurs when a person faces a situation where they must choose
between two or more conflicting ethical principles, making it
difficult to determine the "right" course of action.
• A nurse discovers that a patient is terminally ill, but the patient's
family asks the nurse not to tell the patient the truth because
they believe it would cause unnecessary distress.
• The nurse faces an ethical conundrum:
• One ethical principle says the nurse should tell the truth
(honesty and transparency)
• Another ethical principle suggests respecting the family’s27

wishes (to avoid causing harm or distress to the patient).

1. ENGINEERING
ETHICS
Moral Dilemma or Ethical
Conundrum
• It is often difficult or impossible to formulate rules that
are absolute, that is, never have a justified exception.
• Even such basic principles as
• Do Not Lie, Do Not Steal, and
• Do Not Kill
have some permissible exceptions when
they conflict with more pressing moral duties

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1. ENGINEERING
ETHICS
Moral Dilemma or Ethical
Conundrum
• Resolving moral dilemmas involves good moral judgment

in weighing conflicting moral reasons, but frequently it

involves several related tasks:

1. conceptual clarification,

2. factual inquiries, and

3. resolution of interpersonal disagreements.

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1. ENGINEERING
ETHICS
Resolving Moral Dilemma
Can be done in the following way:
1. Conceptual clarification
• is the elucidation of moralideas
and morally relevant notions
• oral ideas contain areas of vagueness and
ambiguity that need to be dealt with.
2. Factual inquiries are:
• inquiries into the facts relevant to resolving particular moral
issues
engineering, scientific,
financial, or legal
matters,
as they are brought to
1. ENGINEERING
ETHICS
Resolving Moral Dilemma
3. Interpersonal disagreements are
• controversies among persons or groups
• about how to understand and resolve moral dilemmas.
• Ideally, either through mutually enriching perspective
or
• compromises.

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1. ENGINEERING
ETHICS
Steps in Controlling Moral
Steps in Confronting Moral Dilemmas
Dilemma
1. Identify the relevant moral factors and reasons
2. Gather all available facts that are pertinent to the
moral factors involved.
3. Rank the moral considerations in order of importance
as they apply to the situation.
4. Consider alternative courses of action as ways of
resolving the dilemma, tracing the full implications of
each
5. Talk with colleagues/friends, seeking their
suggestionsand alternative perspectives on the
dilemma.
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6. Arrive at a carefully reasoned judgment by weighing
1. ENGINEERING
ETHICS
Conflict of Interest
• A Conflict of Interest occurs when a person or organization
has competing interests or loyalties that could interfere
with making fair, objective decisions.
• Imagine a manager at a company is in charge of hiring a
contractor for a big project.
• If the manager’s brother owns a contracting business and
applies for the job, there’s a conflict of interest.
• The manager might be tempted to choose his brother’s
company, not because it's the best option, but because of
their family relationship.
• This could lead to biased decision-making, which may not
be in the best interest of the company.
• To avoid conflicts like this, the manager should disclose
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the relationship and perhaps step aside from the hiring
decision.
1. ETHICAL DECISION
MAKING
Introduction
There are two reasons people try to make ethical decisions:

1. They wish to make the world a better place for everyone

• in a single word, altruism

2. They wish to avoid unpleasant consequences,

•such as fines, incarceration, or loss of

job. In an ideal society, the second reason

would not exist
Almost all societies have developed rules, codes, and laws to
specify what is and is not acceptable behaviour, and
• the punishments that will be meted out when violations
occur. 36
1. ETHICAL DECISION
MAKING
We make Ethical Decisions Daily
We make ethical decisions daily:
• When you drive your car, doyou knowingly violate
the posted speed limit?
• When you unload the supermarket cart at your car,
• do you leave it in the middle of the parking lot, or
• spend the extra time to return it to the cart corral?
• You know that another student has plagiarised an
assignment
• do you rat him or her out?
• A person with a mental disability tries to converse with
you while waiting in a public queue
• Do you treat him or her with respect or pretend he
1. ETHICAL DECISION
MAKING
We make Ethical Decisions Daily
We make ethical decisions daily:
• In the Supermarket, a teenager’s mother tells her to put
back the package of ice cream she brought to the cart
• The teenager walks around the corner and places the
ice cream on the shelf with the soft drinks and
returns to the buggy
• Do you ignore this or approach the teenager and
politely explain that leaving a package of ice cream
in that location will cause it to melt thus increasing
the cost of groceries for everyone else, or
• do you replace it in the freezer yourself?
•

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1. ETHICAL DECISION
MAKING
We make Ethical Decisions Daily
We make ethical decisions daily:
• When going through a public door,
• do you make a habit of looking back to see if
releasing the door will cause it to slam in someone’s
face?
• You notice a highway Policeman lying in wait for speeders
• Do you flash your lights at other cars to warn them?
• A cashier gives you too much change for a purchase

• Do you correct the cashier?

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1. ETHICAL THEORIES
Introduction

• An ethical theory defines terms in uniform ways and links

ideas and problems together in a consistent manner.
• Several theories are considered:​
• Relativism​
• Utilitarianism​
• Duty ethics (or Deontology)
• Rights ethics​
• Virtue ethics​

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1. ETHICAL THEORIES
Relativism

• Ethical relativism asserts that there is no accepted,

universal definition of right and wrong.​
• In relativism, there are no absolute truths in ethics and
that what is morally right or wrong varies from person to
person or from society to society.​
• Ethics is relative to one's own society or organization.​
• For example, in some cultures, polygamy is acceptable
while in others, it is not

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1. ETHICAL THEORIES
Utilitarianism

• Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that determines right

from wrong by focusing on outcomes.​
• The idea is that an action is considered morally right if it
results in more overall good (or less harm) than any other
alternative.
• It is often referred to as the Greatest Happiness Principle.
• For example, the building of a dam is acceptable although
it disrupts the ecology and local household since it
benefits society with electricity, water for consumption
and other purposes and, avoiding floods.​
• It is the most common approach to moral reasoning used
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to justify military force or war.​

1. ETHICAL THEORIES
Duty Ethics

• Duty ethics (or deontological ethics) is an ethical theory

that says people should follow certain moral rules or
duties, regardless of the consequences.
• It focuses on doing the right thing because it’s the
morally correct action, not because of the outcome it
might lead to.
• Imagine you find a wallet with money inside.
• Duty ethics would say you should return the wallet to its
owner because it's your duty to be honest and follow the
rule of not stealing, even if you might need the money
yourself or think the owner has plenty.
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1. ETHICAL THEORIES
Rights Ethics

• Rights ethics is an ethical theory that focuses on respecting

and protecting the individual rights of people.
• It says that everyone has certain basic rights (like the right
to life, freedom, and privacy), and moral actions are those
that uphold these rights.
• The idea is that individuals should be treated with respect
and dignity because they have inherent rights that shouldn’t
be violated.
• If a person expresses their opinion on a topic, even if you
strongly disagree with them, rights ethics says that you
should respect their right to free speech.
• You may not agree with their view, but their right to express
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it must be upheld
1. ETHICAL THEORIES
Virtue Ethics

• Virtue ethics is an ethical theory that emphasizes

developing good character traits (virtues) like honesty,
kindness, and courage.
• Instead of focusing on rules (like duty ethics) or outcomes
(like utilitarianism), virtue ethics asks, "What kind of
person should I be?“
• The idea is that if you cultivate good virtues, you’ll
naturally make morally right decisions.
• Imagine you find a lost wallet. Instead of thinking about
rules (duty) or the consequences (outcome), virtue ethics
focuses on whether an honest or compassionate person
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would return it.
1. ETHICAL DECISION
MAKING
Making Ethical Decisions in a Professional
To Ship or Not to Ship
Setting
A quality assurance engineer must decide whether or not to
ship products that might be defective.

Time-Sharing Space
An intern at a power electronics startup faces unkind
comments from a fellow engineer. She suspects that her
colleague is prejudice toward female engineers.

Inhibited Reaction
A chemical engineering professor discovers that a colleague
has taken credit for his research.

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1. ETHICAL DECISION
MAKING
Making Ethical Decisions in a Professional
An Setting
inspector discovered faulty construction equipment and
applied violation tag, preventing its continued use. The
inspector’s supervisor, who is the construction manager,
viewed the case as a minor infraction of safety regulations
and ordered the tag removed so the project would not be
delayed. The inspector objected but he was threatened with
disciplinary action. The continued use of equipment led to
the death of a worker on a tunnel project.

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1. ETHICAL DECISION
MAKING
Making Ethical Decisions in a Professional
A chemical
Setting plant dumped wastes in a landfill. Hazardous
substances found their way into the underground water
table. The plant’s engineers were aware of the situation but
did not change the disposal method because their
competitors did it the same cheap way. Plant supervisors told
the engineers it was the responsibility of the local
government to identify any problems.

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1. ETHICAL DECISION
MAKING
Making Ethical Decisions in a Professional
TheSetting
ABC company began selling its latest high-tech product
before it had been fully checked out in beta tests, that is,
used on real applications by a group of knowledgeable users.
It was not ready for distribution, but clients were already
lured to this product by glossy advertising designed to win
the market by being first to capture clients’ attention.

These examples show how ethical problem arise most often

when there are differences of judgment or expectation.

• Engineering Ethical Case Studies can be found below:

• https://www.nspe.org/resources/ethics/ethics-resources/board
-ethical-review-cases
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2. CODE OF
CONDUCT/ETHICS

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2.CODE OF
ETHICS
Introduction
The world’s major religions all have brief codes of conduct
• Judaism, Christianity, and derivatives thereof have the
Decalogue, or Ten Commandments
• Islam has the Five Pillars
• Buddhism has the Noble Eightfold Path
• Bahá’í has 12 social principles
• In Hinduism, Grihastha dharma has four goals.

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2.CODE OF
ETHICS
Roles of Codes of Ethics
Professional codes of ethics consist primarily of principles
of responsibility that delineate how to promote the public
good.
The codes provide guidance and support for responsible
engineer, establish shared minimum standards, and play
additional important roles.
1. Shared Standard.

Great diversity of moral views

make it essential that profession establish explicit
standards;

2. Support.
Codes give positive support to those seeking to act
43
ethically;
2.CODE OF
ETHICS
Roles of Codes of
3. Guidance.
Ethics
Codes provide a positive stimulus for ethical
conduct and helpful guidance concerning main
obligations of engineers;
4. Inspiration.
Codes also provide stimulus (motivation) for ethical
conduct;
5. Education and Mutual Understanding.
Codes can be used by professional
societies and in the classroom
to prompt discussion and reflection on moral issues;
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2.CODE OF
ETHICS
Roles of Codes of Ethics
6. Deterrence and Discipline.
Codes can also serve as the formal basis for
investigating unethical conduct;
7. Contributing to the Profession’s Image.
Codes can presenta positiveimage to the public of
an ethically committed profession.

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2.CODE OF
ETHICS
Abuse of Codes of
Ethics
• Abuse of Code of Ethics refers to situations where someone
misuses or violates the rules and guidelines outlined in a
code of ethics, which is meant to promote integrity, fairness,
and professionalism.

• When codes are not taken seriously within a profession, it

will increase public cynicism about the profession.

One of the worst abuse of engineering codes can occur:

when honest moral effort on the part of individual

engineers is restricted by an attempt to preserve the
profession’s public image and protect the status quo.

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2.CODE OF
ETHICS
Abuse of Codes of Ethics
Some specific examples of Abuse of Code of Ethics are:

• Deliberate violation: Ignoring or breaking ethical rules for

personal gain, such as using confidential information
improperly.

• Manipulation of rules: Twisting the rules to justify unethical

actions, like exploiting loopholes in the code.

• Selective application: Applying the ethical guidelines to

others but not following them personally or using them to
unfairly target specific people.

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2.CODE OF
ETHICS
Limitation of Codes of
•Ethics
Refers to the boundaries or weaknesses in the
effectiveness of a code of ethics.
• While codes of ethics are meant to guide behaviour, they
have certain limitations that can make them less effective
in real-world situations.
• Codes are no substitute for individual responsibility in
grappling with concrete dilemma.
• Most codes are restricted to general wording and
contain substantial areas of vagueness.
• They may not be able to straightforwardly address all
situations.
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 2.CODE OF
ETHICS
Limitation of Codes of
• Ethics
Lack of enforcement: A code of ethics may exist, but if there are no
mechanisms to enforce it, people may ignore it without facing
consequences.
• Ambiguity: Ethical codes can sometimes be vague or unclear, leaving
room for different interpretations, which can make it difficult to know
exactly what the right action is in a given situation.
• Inflexibility: A code of ethics may not cover every possible scenario,
especially in complex or rapidly changing environments, leaving
people unsure of how to act.
• Cultural differences: Ethical codes often reflect the values of a
particular group or society, so they might not be applicable or
respected in different cultural or international contexts.
• Conflict with personal values: Individuals might have personal beliefs
or values that conflict with the professional code of ethics, leading
49 to
challenges in following the guidelines.
2. ETHICAL DECISION
MAKING
Ethical Corporate Climate
An ethical climate is a working environment conducive
to morally responsible conduct.

Within corporations, it is produced by:

• a combination of formal organisation and policies,
• informal traditions and practices, and
• personal attitudes and commitments.

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2. ETHICAL DECISION
MAKING
Ethical Corporate Climate
Features of an ethical corporate climate:

1. Ethical values must be widely acknowledged and

appreciated by mangers and employees alike.

Responsibilities to all constituencies of the

corporation are affirmed – not only to stockholders but
also, to customers, employees of the corporation.
2. The use of ethical language is applied and
recognized as a legitimate part of corporate
dialogue, e.g.

include a statement of ethical responsibilities in job

descriptions of all layers of management.

3. Top management must set a moral tone, in words, in 51

policies, and by personal example.
2. ETHICAL DECISION
MAKING
Moral Responsibility
Moral judgments are involved
whenever moral responsibility is ascribed
to individuals or corporations,
but judgments may be various types.

They might ascribe;

1. A virtue

2. Obligations
3. General moral capacities

4. Liabilities and accountability for actions

5. Blameworthiness or praiseworthiness
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2. ETHICAL DECISION
MAKING
Ethical Corporate Climate
There are two other conceptsof responsibility that
should not be confused with moral responsibility in any of
its five preceding.
1. Causal responsibility consists simply in being a cause of
some event.
• Refers to the idea that a person or thing directly caused
something to happen. It answers the question: Who or what
made this event occur?
• People can be causally responsible for an event without
necessarily being morally responsible for it.
• For example, If a person spills water on the floor and
someone else slips and falls because of it, the person who
spilled the water is causally responsible for the accident.
Their action (spilling the water) directly caused the other 53
person to slip.
2. ETHICAL DECISION
MAKING
Ethical Corporate Climate
2. Legal responsibility means being held accountable under
the law for an action or its consequences.
• It is when the law requires someone to answer for
something that happened.
• If a driver runs a red light and crashes into another car,
the driver is legally responsible for the accident. The law
says drivers must obey traffi c signals, and by breaking
that rule, the driver can be fined, sued, or face other
legal consequences for the damage and injuries caused.

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 2. ETHICAL DECISION
MAKING
Ethical Corporate Climate
Causal vs. Legal vs. Moral Responsibility
Let us consider the following scenario: A person drives their car too
fast in a neighbourhood and accidentally hits someone crossing the
street.
• Causal Responsibility: The driver is causally responsible because
their action (driving too fast) directly caused the accident. It
answers the question: Who or what caused the event to happen?
• Legal Responsibility: The driver is legally responsible because
speeding in a neighbourhood is against traffic laws. The law
holds them accountable for the accident and any damage or
injury they caused. The driver could face fines, legal action, or
other penalties.
• Moral Responsibility: The driver is morally responsible if their
action was considered wrong from an ethical or moral
standpoint. For example, if the driver knew that speeding 55in a
residential area was dangerous but did it anyway, others might
2. ETHICAL DECISION
MAKING
Four Step Procedure
• Some ethical decisions are clear-cut
• It is unethical to kill someone because you do not like his
or her hat
• Unfortunately, many real-world decisions that we must
make are far from “black and white” issues
• There is no proven algorithm or set of rules that one can
follow
• to guarantee that the most ethical decision possible
is being made in any particular situation
• Developed procedures that can guide us in considering
questions with ethical ramifications
• A four-step procedure is recommended 56
2. ETHICAL DECISION
MAKING
Four Step Procedure - Step 1
Step 1 - Determine What the issues are and Who might be
affected by the various alternative courses of action that might
be implemented.

Step 2 - Consider the effects of alternative courses of action from

different perspectives

Step 3 - Correlate

perspectives Step 4 - Act

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2. ETHICAL DECISION
MAKING
Four Step Procedure - Step 1
Step 1 - Determine What the issues are and Who might be
affected by the various alternative courses of action that
might be implemented.
• The issues (What) can refer to
• personal freedom,
• national security,
• quality of life,
• economic issues,
• fairness, and equality

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2. ETHICAL DECISION
MAKING
Four Step Procedure - Step 1
Step 1 - Determine What the issues are and Who might be
affected by the various alternative courses of action that
might be implemented.

• We will refer to the Who as stakeholders

• The term stakeholders (Who)
• an individual
• a group of people
• an institution
• a natural system
• among other things.
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2. ETHICAL DECISION
MAKING
Four Step Procedure - Step 2
Step 2 - Consider the effects of alternative courses of
action from different perspectives
• Here, we look at three perspectives:
1. consequences,
2. intent, and

3. character.

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2. ETHICAL DECISION
MAKING
Four Step Procedure - Step 2
Perspective 1: Consequences
• How the various stakeholders will be affected by each
alternative plan being contemplated?
• In addition, attempt to assign a relative level of
importance (weight) to each effect on each stakeholder
• an action that might affect millions of people
adversely is almost always more important than
• an action that would cause an equivalent level of
harm to a dozen people.

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2. ETHICAL DECISION
MAKING
Four Step Procedure - Step 2
Perspective 2: Intent
• The intentions of the person doing the acting or deciding
• sometimes called the “rights” perspective
• actions based on good intentions can sometimes yield bad
results, and vice versa,
• the intent perspective avoids this possible pitfall by not
considering the outcome at all, only the intentions
• Is the action I am taking something that I believe
everyone should do?
• Do I believe that this sort of behaviour should be
codified in law?
• Would I like to be on the receiving end (the victim)
of this action?
2. ETHICAL DECISION
MAKING
Four Step Procedure - Step 2
The Perspective 3: Character
• Character is the inherent complex of
attributes that determines a person’s moral and
ethical actions and reactions
• This perspective considers the character of a person who
takes the action under consideration
• There are different ways of thinking about this
• Would a person of good character do this?
• If I do this, does it enhance or degrade my character?
• Would a person you revere as a person of
unimpeachable character (whoever that might be)
take this action?
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2. ETHICAL DECISION
MAKING
Four Step Procedure - Step 3
Step 3 - Correlate perspectives
• Look back at the results of considering the issues from
the three perspectives
• all three perspectives will lead to the same or a similar
conclusion
• When this occurs, you have a high level of confidence
that the indicated action is the best choice from an
ethical standpoint
• If the three perspectives do not agree, you may wish to
reconsider the question.

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2. ETHICAL DECISION
MAKING
Four Step Procedure - Step 3
Step 3 - Correlate perspectives
• If the three perspectives do not agree, you may wish to
reconsider the question
• It may be helpful to discuss the issue with people
whom you have not previously consulted in this
matter
• Did you omit any factors?
• Did you properly assign weights to the various aspects?
• Upon reconsideration, all three perspectives may
converge.
• If you cannot obtain convergence of all three perspectives,
• no matter how hard you try to make sure you left 65
nothing out,
2. ETHICAL DECISION
MAKING
Four Step Procedure - Step 4
Step 4 - Act
• This is often the hardest step of all to take, since ethical
action often requires courage
• The whistle-blower who risks losing his or her job
• the elected official standing up for what she knows to
be right even though it will probably cost her the next
election, or
• risking the ridicule of your friends because you refuse
to go along with whatever questionable activities
they are engaging in for “fun.”
• Ask yourself the question:
• Do I have the courage to do what I know is right?”
66
2. ETHICAL DECISION
MAKING
Examples
1. Should all Nigerian children be fi ngerprinted when
entering kindergarten and again each third year of Primary
and Secondary school? Identify the stakeholders and
consequences

2. Should you download music illegally over the Internet?

3. Your friends are deriding another student behind her back
because she comes from a poor family and does not have
good clothes. Do you:
a. Join in the criticism?
b. Ignore it, pretend it is not happening, or simply walk
away?
c. Tell your friends that they are behaving badly and
insist that they desist? 67
2. ETHICAL DECISION
MAKING
Examples
4. Your company has been granted a contract to develop the
next generation of electronic cigarette, also known as a
“nicotine delivery system,” and you have been assigned to
the design team
• Can you in good conscience contribute your expertise
to this project?

68
3. PLAGIARISM

3
3. PLAGIARISM
Introduction - What is
Plagiarism?

70
3. PLAGIARISM
Introduction - What is
Plagiarism?

71
3.
PLAGIARISM
Definition
• Plagiarism is the "wrongful appropriation" and "stealing
and publication" of another author's "language, thoughts,
ideas, or expressions" and the representation of them as
one's own original work
• Considered academic dishonesty and a breach of journalistic
ethics
• subject to sanctions such as penalties,suspension,and
even expulsion from school or work
• Plagiarism is not in itself a crime, but can constitute
copyright infringement
• In academia and industry, it is a serious ethical offense.
• Plagiarism is not defined or punished by law, but rather by
• commercial entities
institutions
• • publishing companies72
professional associations
3. PLAGIARISM
Introduction - What is
Plagiarism?

73
3. PLAGIARISM
Plagiarism vs. Copyright Infringement

• Plagiarism and copyright infringement

overlap to a considerable extent
• Plagiarism is an ethical violation where someone uses
another's work without giving proper credit, while copyright
infringement is a legal violation involving the unauthorized use
of copyrighted material.
• Plagiarism can occur even with non-copyrighted work, focusing
on the lack of attribution, whereas copyright infringement
centres on violating the legal rights of creators.
• Plagiarism may result in academic or reputational
consequences, while copyright infringement can lead to legal
penalties.
• Proper attribution can resolve plagiarism, but it doesn't
prevent copyright infringement if permission isn't granted.74
3.
PLAGIARISM
Introduction
Did you know?
• There are Internet services available that will accept a
document and search the web for exact or similar content
• There are programs that will scan multiple documents and
search for exact or similar content
• Prior to the romantic movement of the eighteenth century,
• European writers were encouraged not to be inventive
without good reason and to
• carefully imitate the work of the great masters
of previous centuries.

75
3. PLAGIARISM
Forms of
Plagiarism

90
3. PLAGIARISM
Forms of
Plagiarism
According Turnitin there are 10 main forms of plagiarism that
-

students commit:
1. Submitting someone's work as their own
2. Taking passages from their own previous work without adding
citations
3. Re-writing someone's work without properly citing sources
4. Using quotations, but not citing the source
5. Interweaving various sources together in the work without citing
6. Citing some, but not all passages that should be cited
7. Melding together cited and uncited sections of the piece
8. Providing proper citations, but fails to change the structure and
wording of the borrowed ideas enough
9. Inaccurately citing the source
10.Relying too heavily on other people's work. Fails to bring
3. PLAGIARISM
Forms of
Plagiarism

92
3. PLAGIARISM
Forms of
Plagiarism

93
4. ENGINEERING
CREED

3
4. ENGINEERING
CREED
Introduction
• Various engineering organisations
have thus developed codes of conduct
specific to the profession
• Code of Ethics for Engineers developed by
the National Society of Professional Engineers
(NSPE)
• the Engineer’s Creed and
• the Fundamental Canons of the Code

95
4. ENGINEERING
CREED
Engineers' Creed
As a Professional Engineer, I dedicate my professional
knowledge and skill to the advancement and betterment of
human welfare. I pledge:
• To give the utmost of performance
• To participate in none but honest enterprise
• To live and work according to the laws of man
and the highest standards of professional conduct
• To place service before profit,
• the honor and standingof the profession
before personal advantage, and
• the public welfare above all other considerations In
humility and with need for Divine Guidance,
• I make this 96

pledge.
4. ENGINEERING
CREED
Engineers' Creed

97
4. ENGINEERING
CREED
Fundamental Canons
• Engineers is an important and learned 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
• Accordingly, the services provided by engineers require
• honesty
• impartiality
• fairness, and equity, and
• Must be dedicated to the protection of the
public health, safety, and welfare
• Engineers must perform under a standard of professional
behaviour 84

• that requires adherence to the highest principles of

4. ENGINEERING
CREED
Fundamental Canons
Engineers, in the fulfilment of their professional duties,
shall
1. Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the
public
2. Perform services only in areas of their competence

3. Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful

manner

4. Act for each employer or client as faithful agents or

trustees

5. Avoid deceptive acts

6. Conduct themselves honourably, responsibly, ethically,

85

and lawfully so as to enhance the honour, reputation, and

4. ENGINEERING
CREED
Rules of Practice 1
Rule 1 - Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of
the public
1. If engineers' judgment is overruled
under circumstances that endanger
life or property,
• they shall notify their employer or client and
such other authority as may be appropriate
2. Engineers shall approve only those engineering
documents that are in conformity with applicable
standards
3. Engineers shall not reveal facts, data, or information
• without the prior consent of the client or employer
• 86
except as authorised or required by law or this Code
4. ENGINEERING
CREED
Rules of Practice 1
Rule 1 - Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of
the public
4. Engineers shall not permit the use of their name or
associate in business ventures with any person or firm
• that they believe is engaged in fraudulentor
dishonest enterprise
5. Engineers shall not aid or ab et the unlawful
practice of engineering by a person or firm
6. Engineers having knowledge of any alleged violation of
this Code
• shall report thereon to appropriate professional
bodies and public authorities, and
• cooperate with the proper authoritiesin 87
furnishing such information or assistance as
4. ENGINEERING
CREED
Rules of Practice 2
Rule 2 - Engineers shall perform services only in the areas
of their competence
1. Engineers shall undertake assignments
• only when qualifiedby education or
experience in the specific
technical fields involved
2. Engineers shall not
• affix their signatures to any plans or documents
dealing with subject matter in which they lack
competence,
• nor to any plan or document not
prepared under their direction and
control 88
4. ENGINEERING
CREED
Rules of Practice 2
Rule 2 - Engineers shall perform services only in the areas
of their competence
3. Engineers
• may accept assignments and assume responsibility
• for coordination of an entire project and
• sign and seal the engineering
documents for the entire project
• provided that each technical segment is signed and
sealed only by the qualified engineers who
prepared the segment.

89
4. ENGINEERING
CREED
Rules of Practice 3
Rule 3 - Engineers shall issue public statements only in an
objective and truthful manner.
1. Engineers shall be objective and truthful in
• professional reports, statements, or testimony
• include all relevant and pertinent information
• reports etc should bear the date indicating when it was
current

2. Engineers may express publicly technical opinions

• founded upon knowledge of the facts and
competence in the subject matter

90
4. ENGINEERING
CREED
Rules of Practice 3
Rule 3 - Engineers shall issue public statements only in an
objective and truthful manner.
3. Engineers shall issue no statements, criticisms, or
arguments
• on technical matters that are inspired or paid for by
interested parties
• unless they have prefaced their comments by
• explicitly identifying the interested parties on
whose behalf they are speaking, and
• by revealing the existence of any interest the
engineers may have in the matters.

91
4. ENGINEERING
CREED
Rules of Practice 4
Rule 4 - Engineers shall act for each employer or client as
faithful agents or trustees.
1. Engineers shall disclose all known or potential conflicts of
interest
• that could influence or appear to influence their
judgment or
• the quality of their services

2. Engineers shall not accept compensation, financial or

otherwise,
• from more than one party for services on the same
project, or
• for services pertaining to the same project
92
• unless the circumstances are fully disclosed and
agreed to by all interested parties
4. ENGINEERING
CREED
Rules of Practice 4
Rule 4 - Engineers shall act for each employer or client as
faithful agents or trustees.
3. Engineers shall not solicit or accept financial or other
valuable consideration
• directly or indirectly, from outside agents
• in connection with the work for which they are
responsible

4. Engineers in public service as members, advisors, or

employees
• of a governmental or quasi-governmental body or
department
• shall not participate in decisions with respect to
services 93

• solicited or provided by them or their organisations

4. ENGINEERING
CREED
Rules of Practice 4
Rule 4 - Engineers shall act for each employer or client as
faithful agents or trustees.
5. Engineers shall not solicit or accept financial or other
valuable consideration
• directly or indirectly, from outside agents
• in connection with the work for which they are
responsible

6. Engineers in public service as members, advisors, or

employees
• of a governmental or quasi-governmental body or
department
• shall not participate in decisions with respect to
services 109

• solicited or provided by them or their organisations

4. ENGINEERING
CREED
Rules of Practice 4
Rule 4 - Engineers shall act for each employer or client as
faithful agents or trustees.
7. Engineers shall not solicit or accept a contract
• from a governmental body on which a principal or
officer
• of their organisation serves as a member.

11
0
4. ENGINEERING
CREED
Rules of Practice 5
Rule 5 - Engineers Engineers shall avoid deceptive acts.

1. Engineers shall not

• falsify their qualifications or
• p ermit misrep resentation of their or their
associates' qualifications
• misrepresent or exaggerate their responsibility in or
for the subject matter of prior assignments
• Brochures or other presentations incident to the
solicitation of employment shall not misrepresent
pertinent facts
• concerning employers, employees, associates, joint
venturers, or past accomplishments.
111
4. ENGINEERING
CREED
Rules of Practice 5
Rule 5 - Engineers Engineers shall avoid deceptive acts.

2. Engineers shall not

• offer, give, solicit, or receive, either directly or indirectly,
• any contribution to influence the award of a
contract by public authority, or
• which may be reasonably construed by the public as
having the effect or intent of influencing the
awarding of a contract.
• offer any gift or other valuable consideration in order to
secure work
• pay a commission, percentage, or brokerage fee in order
to secure work
• except to a bona fide employee or
retained by 11
2
• bona fide established commercial or marketing
them.
4. ENGINEERING
CREED
Professional Obligations 1
Obilgation 1 - Engineers shall be guided in all their
relations by the highest standards of honesty and integrity
1. Engineers shall acknowledge their errors and shall not distort
or alter the facts
2. Engineers shall advise their clients or employers when they
believe a project will not be successful
3. Engineers shall not accept outside employment
• to the detriment of their regular work or interest
• they will notify their employers first

98
4. ENGINEERING
CREED
Professional Obligations 1
Obligation 1 - Engineers shall be guided in all their
relations by the highest standards of honesty and integrity
4. Engineers shall not attempt to attract an
engineer from another employer by false or misleading
pretences
5. Engineers shall not promote their own interest at the
expense of the dignity and integrity of the profession.

99
4. ENGINEERING
CREED
Professional Obligations 2
Obligation 2 - Engineers shall at all times strive to serve
the public interest.
1. Engineers are encouraged to
• participate in civic affairs
• career guidance for youths; and
• work for the advancement of the safety, health, and
well-being of their community
2. Engineers shall not complete, sign, or seal plans and/or
specifications that are not in conformity with applicable
engineering standards.

100
4. ENGINEERING
CREED
Professional Obligations 2
Obligation 2 - Engineers shall at all times strive to serve
the public interest.
2. Engineers shall not
• complete, sign, or seal plans and/or specifications
• that are not in conformity with applicable
engineering standards
• If the client or employer insists on such
unprofessional conduct,
• they shall notify the proper authorities and
• withdraw from further service on the project

101
4. ENGINEERING
CREED
Professional Obligations 2
Obligation 2 - Engineers shall at all times strive to serve
the public interest.
3. Engineers are encouraged to
• extend public knowledge and appreciation of
engineering and its achievements

4. Engineers are encouraged to

• adhere to the principles of sustainable development 1

in order to protect the environment for future

generations

102
4. ENGINEERING
CREED
Professional Obligations 2
Obligation 2 - Engineers shall at all times strive to serve
the public interest.
5. Engineers shall
• continue their professional development
throughout their careers and
• should keep current in their specialty fields by
• engaging in professional practice,
• participating in continuing education courses,
• reading in the technical literature, and
• attending professional meetings and seminars.

103
4. ENGINEERING
CREED
Professional Obligations 3
Obligation 3 - Engineers shall avoid all conductor
practice that deceives the public.
1. Engineers shall avoid the use of statements containing a
material misrepresentation of fact or omitting a material fact
2. Consistent with the foreg oing , eng ineers may
ad vertise for recruitment of personnel
3. Consistent with the foregoing,
• engineers may prepare articles for the lay or technical
press,
• but such articles shall not imply credit to the author
for work performed by others.

104
4. ENGINEERING
CREED
Professional Obligations 4
Obligation 4 - 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
1. Engineers shall not, without the consent of all interested
parties, promote or arrange for new employment or
practice in connection with a specific project for which the
engineer has gained particular and specialized knowledge
2. Engineers shall not, without the consent of all interested
parties, participate in or represent an adversary interest in
connection with a specific project or proceeding in which
the engineer has gained particular specialized knowledge
on behalf of a former client or employer.
105
4. ENGINEERING
CREED
Professional Obligations 5
Obligation 5 - Engineers shall not be influenced in their
professional duties by conflicting interests
1. Engineers shall not accept financial or other considerations,
• including free engineering designs,
• from material or equipment
suppliers for specifying their product

2. Engineers shall not

• accept commissions or allowances, directly or
indirectly,
• from contractors or other parties dealing with clients or
• employers of the engineer in connection with work
for which the engineer is responsible 106
4. ENGINEERING
CREED
Professional Obligations 6
Obligation 6 - Engineers shall not attempt to obtain
employment or advancement or professional engagements
by untruthfully criticising other engineers, or by other
improper or questionable methods

1. Engineers shall not

• request, propose, or accept a commission on
a contingent basis
• und er circumstances in which their jud g ment
may b e compromised
2. Engineers in salaried positionsshall accept part-time
engineering work
• only to the extent consistent with policies of the
employer and in accordance with ethical considerations
107
4. ENGINEERING
CREED
Professional Obligations 6
Obligation 6 - Engineers shall not attempt to obtain
employment or advancement or professional engagements
by untruthfully criticising other engineers, or by other
improper or questionable methods
3. Engineers shall not, without consent,
• use equipment, supplies, laboratory, or office
facilities of an employer
• to carry on outside private practice.

108
4. ENGINEERING
CREED
Professional Obligations 7
Obligation 7 - Engineers shall not attempt to injure,
maliciously or falsely, directly or indirectly, the professional
reputation, prospects, practice, or employment of other
engineers. Engineers who believe others are guilty of
unethical or illegal practice shall present such information
to the proper authority for action

1. Engineers in private practice

• shall not review the work of another engineer for
the same client,
• except with the knowledge of such engineer, or
• unless the connection of such engineer with
the work has been terminated

109
4. ENGINEERING
CREED
Professional Obligations 7
Obligation 7 - Engineers shall not attempt to injure,
maliciously or falsely, directly or indirectly, the professional
reputation, prospects, practice, or employment of other
engineers. Engineers who believe others are guilty of
unethical or illegal practice shall present such information
to the proper authority for action

2. Engineers in governmental, industrial, or educational employ

• are entitled to review and evaluate the work of other
engineers when so required by their employment
duties
3. Engineers in sales or industrial employ are
• entitled to make engineering
comparisons of represented products with
110
products of other suppliers.
4. ENGINEERING
CREED
Professional Obligations 8
Obligation 8 - Engineers Engineers shall accept
personal responsibility for their professional activities,
provided, however, that engineers may seek
indemnification for services arising out of their practice for
other than gross negligence, where the engineer's interests
cannot otherwise be protected
1. Engineers shall conform with Federal and State registration
laws in the practice of engineering
2. Eng ineers shall not use association with a non
Eng ineer, a corporation, or partnership as a "cloak" for
unethical acts.

111
4. ENGINEERING
CREED
Professional Obligations 9
Obligation 9 - Engineers shall give credit for engineering
work to those to whom credit is due, and will recognise the
proprietary interests of others.
1. Engineers shall, whenever possible,
• name the person or persons who may be individually
responsible for designs, inventions, writings, or
other accomplishments

2. Engineers using designs supplied by a client recognise that

• the designs remain the property of the client and may
not be duplicated by the engineer for others
without express permission

112
4. ENGINEERING
CREED
Professional Obligations 9
Obligation 9 - Engineers shall give credit for engineering
work to those to whom credit is due, and will recognise the
proprietary interests of others.

3. Engineers,
• before undertaking work for others
• in connection with which the
engineer may make
improvements, plans, designs, inventions, or
• other records that may justify copyrights or
patents,
• should enter into a positive agreement regarding
ownership
113
4. ENGINEERING
CREED
Professional Obligations 9
Obligation 9 - Engineers shall give credit for engineering
work to those to whom credit is due, and will recognise the
proprietary interests of others.
4. 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.

114
5. SOCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY

3
 5. SOCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY
•
Introduction
is an ethical framework and suggests that an entity,
• be it an organization or individual,
• has an obligation to act for the benefit of society at large
• Social Responsibility refers to the ethical obligation of
individuals, organizations, or governments to act in ways that
benefit society as a whole, not just their own interests.
• It involves taking into account the impact of decisions and
actions on others and contributing to the welfare of the
community, environment, and economy.
• A trade-off may exist between
• economic development, in the material sense, and the
• welfare of the society and environment
• Social responsibility means sustaining the equilibrium between
the two 116
5. SOCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY
Introduction
• It pertains not only to business organisations
• but also, to everyone whose any action impacts the
environment.
• This responsibility can be
• passive,
• by avoiding engaging in socially harmful acts, or
• active
• by performing activitiesthat
directly advance social goals.
• Social responsibility must be intergenerational since the
actions of one generation have consequences on those
following. 117
5. SOCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY
Who Does It Affect?
• Social responsibility affects individuals, communities,
organisations (companies), and governments, as each
has a role to play improving the welfare of society.
• Personal Social Responsibility (PSR): Involves
individuals making ethical choices in their personal lives
(e.g., treating others fairly, supporting community efforts).
• Governmental Social Responsibility: Ensures that
governments pass laws and enforce policies that protect
the environment, promote public health, uphold human
rights, and ensure equitable access to resources

118
5. SOCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY
Who Does It Affect?
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Refers to
businesses integrating social and environmental concerns
into their operations, often through:
• Philanthropy: Donations to causes or charities.
• Environmental Responsibility: Reducing waste,
pollution, or supporting sustainability initiatives.
• Ethical Business Practices: Ensuring fair trade,
labour rights, and consumer protection.
• Community Engagement: Supporting local
communities through employment, education, or
health initiatives

119
 5. SOCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY
Key Pillars
• Environmental Responsibility: This includes reducing pollution,
conserving natural resources, and promoting sustainability.
Organizations might adopt practices like recycling, energy
efficiency, or using eco-friendly materials to reduce their ecological
footprint.
• Ethical Responsibility: Involves acting in fairness and integrity,
ensuring that actions do not harm others. It includes practices like
respecting workers' rights, ensuring fair wages, and maintaining
transparency with consumers. The goal is to operate in a way that
aligns with ethical standards.
• Economic Responsibility: Promoting economic fairness and
avoiding exploitation. Refers to contributing to economic well-being
in a way that promotes fairness. This means avoiding exploitation,
supporting local communities, and contributing to economic
stability. It emphasizes creating long-term value rather than just
short-term profits.
• Legal Responsibility: Organizations and individuals must comply 120
ANY
QUESTION?

139
122
 NEXT
TOPIC
IS

Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs)

123