Unit - 18

Basics of Professionalism

Q1) What is facilities management? What are the core skills required for it?

A1) Facilities management consists of a range of disciplines and services to ensure the functionality, comfort, safety and efficiency of a built environment — buildings and grounds, infrastructure and real estate.

It includes:

These are the 11 core competencies of facility management:

Q2) What is an HSE system? What is its importance in the construction business?

A2) It goes without saying that every job comes with at least some level of risk, however, some industries are more prone to dangers than others. The construction industry is certainly one of the more hazardous workplaces, but the vast majority of its associated risks can be avoided with proper health and safety measures.

HSE - Health, safety and environmental measures play a vital role in minimizing the number of risks on a construction site and, as such, they should be implemented from the start. When managers fail to introduce these health and safety measures, it’s very easy for risks to rise and for accidents to occur as a result.

Importance of HSE in Construction

By failing to address health and safety issues, by implementing the relevant measures and making sure the team is knowledgeable in what constitutes proper health and safety procedures, a construction business stands at risk of a fair few issues.

Firstly, the business could lose a significant amount of man hours and productivity, which can sorely affect the profitability of the company. When health and safety measures aren’t followed, injuries and illnesses are more likely to occur which, in turn, reduces the amount of time these employees are able to work on site, therefore lessening the productivity and profitability of the construction business.

There’re also the issues faced from a legal standpoint. By failing to implement and maintain the proper health and safety measures, a construction business is at risk of breaking the law and facing fines from the HSE. More severe cases can also result in the company being banned from operating, as well as being sued by employees or passers-by who have been affected by the lack of health and safety measures.

Some construction businesses have had their memberships or accreditations from industry bodies confiscated, when they have failed to abide by health and safety law. As a result, the business’ reputation is left in tatters and it’s very unlikely that it will receive anywhere near as much business as it had done in the past.

With so many risks associated with the construction industry, it makes perfect sense for any and all sites to implement and adhere to proper health and safety protocol. This involves regular risk assessments, analysis of any dangers presents and the necessary steps to minimise or eradicate these threats.

Q3) What are the measures to implement HSE systems in construction industries to prevent calamities?

A3) HSE Measures to Protect the Workforce

In an ever-changing environment, construction sites often require employees to work at a height, handle heavy loads, operate large machinery and work with rough materials, to name a few. By having proper health and safety measures in place and by making sure the workforce is aware of these measures, risks associated with these working conditions can be reduced significantly.

Statistics from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) found that the construction industry is responsible for a third of fatal injuries that occur in the workplace, as well as 10% of other major work-related injuries. Injuries and fatalities typically occur as a result of workers falling from a height, being struck by moving objects, crushed by vehicles or machinery, or during an excavation.

Construction workers are also susceptible to work-related illnesses, including vibration white finger, carpal tunnel syndrome, occupational deafness and dermatitis. These illnesses develop as a result of the use of vibrating tools, inhaling dust and being exposed to excessively loud noises for long periods of time. Occupational cancers are another risk associated with working in the construction industry, after exposure to asbestos and silica, for example.

Although the risks are many, a great deal of them can be significantly reduced, simply by ensuring the correct health and safety processes are in place on any and all construction sites. These processes will offer vital information of the risks involved and how to avoid them, giving managers and workers the knowledge and information, they need to safely get the job done.

HSE Measures to Protect Passers-by

The responsibility of construction managers doesn’t end at protecting their workforce – it’s their job to protect the wellbeing of any members of the public passing by the construction site.

When health and safety measures haven’t been introduced to a construction site, there are a whole host of dangers that can occur, as we have discussed already in the post. These dangers can affect passers-by almost as easily as they can the team on the construction site, which is another reason for why it’s vital that proper measures are not only put in place, but are followed by everyone on the site.

Q4) What is the scope and characteristics of technical writing?

A4) Technical writing is a complex form of communication that requires extensive knowledge of the technical concepts within manuals and instructional documents. Technical writers take complicated information and create materials that are easy to read for different audiences.

Technical writers create documents, user guides and other written materials for technical products and services. They use their technical writing skills to communicate, provide easily digestible instruction manuals to help audiences understand specialized topics, such as how to use complex features of software programs and applications. Technical writers may work for one company or provide freelance services for multiple organizations.

Scope and Characteristics of Technical Writing

Technical writing involves drafting and writing technical communications used in occupational fields. The scope of technical writing extends to the following industries:

To qualify as technical writing, a communication must include at least one of the main characteristics:

A technical writer shares information through writing in a professional atmosphere. Many of the details provided by technical writers are complex, so the process of writing involves analysing the information and presenting it in a way easy for anyone reading it to understand, even someone who does not have a lot of experience with the topic. The rise in e-learning has also created a need for content that allows people to learn subjects through online training courses.

Technical writers are most commonly known for creating user and help manuals, although they work on many other documents and pieces. In this role, you might help create product specifications and descriptions, reports, press releases, white papers, data sheets and business proposals. Many organisations rely on technical writers to produce job descriptions.

Q5) How can one enhance their technical writing skills in order to become a successful technical writer?

A5) Writing is the core skill of a technical writer but by no means the only skill.  Below are the fundamental skills required for technical writing and ways to enhance them:

1. Writing Abilities

As a technical writer, you must be able to write in a clear and compelling way. Technical writing is a little different from other writing in that it’s not meant to be entertaining, not many people read technical writing for fun. It’s to-the-point and this is important.

Great technical writing is focused on the requirement of the audience and it should be tailored to their specific context. Technical writing must emphasize the channel of communication between you as the writer and your intended audience.

2. Capacity for Empathy

Empathy is one of the core technical writing skills. Empathy is a skill and hence, can be developed.

Empathy is your ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and imagine what it is like to be them. It may be one of the most important skills for a technical writer to have.

Use your empathetic abilities to guide your writing and recreate your user’s mindset and situation. One of the most important tasks of a technical writer is often to be a bridge between users and the rest of the company.

Step outside your own biases to experience someone else’s perspective. Build empathy by really trying to imagine what it is like to be your user.

Ask yourself, what causes them pain? What makes them happy?

3. Research Skills

Research skills are the most fundamental skills found in a good technical writer’s skillset, which is the ability to gather and interpret information. A technical writer must be able to critically review the information, and decide what’s worth including in writing.

You must formulate a potential question or framework before beginning research. You should be able to assign the correct weight of importance to the different types of data you encounter, and be able to interpret the meaning of what’s in front of you. How does new intel relate into the larger context?

Ask yourself, how can I find out the answer to this question? What do I know already? What is missing?

4. Problem Solving/Troubleshooting Skills

Finding problems and fixing them is part of the documentation process. Technical writers are experts at using search engines to find out answers. Problem solving means finding innovative ways to tackle a problem and come up with a suitable solution.

Problems are the foundation of the technical writer’s role – if you find a problem, you must document it. You have to be able to anticipate potential problems for users and provide a solution in your documentation.

Sometimes the problem is so great it actually constitutes a bug in the software or problem with the product itself.  Another key skill for technical writers is being able to distinguish between normal quirks and serious flaws.

5. Interviewing Subject Matter Experts

Interviewing Subject Matter Experts for documentation is an important skill to be possessed by all technical writers.

Interviews can be divided into several stages:

You have to be able to identify the information you need from the SME and elicit that information in a polite, respectful way. You need the skills to put someone at ease, but also to keep them on track for the interview.

6. Networking & Communication Skills

Building relationships with colleagues makes the job of a technical writer much easier. A technical writer is the bridge between the user and the rest of the company.

It’s the technical writer’s job to know about everyone’s role at the company. You never know when you might need to call on someone for their input for documentation.

You need the confidence to go after the information that you need and asking for favours and getting people to do things is easier if you lay the groundwork beforehand

To improve networking and communication, a technical writer must give five minutes of their time and foster community connections. Identify key influencers within the company who may be able to get you access to other colleagues, and befriend them.

7. Editing Skills

Editing documents an essential part of a technical writer’s job. Most technical writing is more about editing than it is actual writing. The editing process involves the rectification of grammar, spelling, and overall presentation of your documentation.

Even though one could benefit from a professional proof reader, one can also learn to proofread by themselves.

A writer can get too close to his or her work during the writing process. If you can, leave your documentation for a day before you review it for editing. If you’re pushed for time, change the font or colour of the document can help you see it with fresh eyes.

8. Technical Proficiency

The type and level of technical skill you need will vary, depending upon the technical writer. The more important part of a technical writer's job is translating that functionality into clear and useful help documentation.

Various tasks may require different levels of technical proficiency, and some technical writing roles will even require an engineering degree. Many technical jobs also require development experience.

9. Visual Presentation Skills

Technical writers may also specialize in producing technical illustration, but the more general technical writer can still benefit from developing his or her design skills.

A lot of documentation now-a-days is internet-based, and the internet is a naturally visual medium. Being able to include a diagram or attractive picture with your documentation can help with comprehension and take it to the next level. Video formats are often considered to be better.

You need to be mindful of presenting your written and visual content in an accessible way for screen readers, but visual content can go a long way to engaging your audience.

Q6) How to highlight creativity and innovative skills in job interview and resume?

A6) Because creativity is a skill specific to certain industries such as engineering and other sciences, try to demonstrate your creative skills during your job search. You can incorporate your creative nature into every stage of the process, from your resume to interviews. Here are some suggestions for highlighting creativity skills:

Creativity Skills for a Resume

Highlighting your creativity and innovative skills on your resume is a good idea no matter the job title, level or industry. You can do by using bullet points under your professional experience section or in a separate skills section. Reread the job description to prioritize relevant skills the employer is looking for. For example, if the job description states that the ideal candidate is able to quickly solve problems under pressure, consider when you’ve used creative thinking skills to navigate complex issues and come up with solutions to solve them. Here’s an example of using creative skills on a resume in a professional experience bullet point:

Creative skills may also be listed in a separate skill section which might look like this:

Creativity Skills for a Job Interview

In a job interview, listen for behavioural questions that are designed to highlight creative and innovative thinking. Here are some examples:

Consider how you might answer questions like these to explain your practical use of creative skills before the interview. Consider using the STAR method to address behavioural questions like these. Be sure to use specific examples and emphasize how the company benefited from your solutions.

Q7) Give some examples of innovative skills in the workplace.

A7) Creativity and Innovation is a valuable workplace skill because it can be a useful tool for developing new ideas, increasing efficiency and devising solutions to complex problems. While creativity and innovation may come naturally in certain forms, it is a skill that can be learned and developed over time.

Creativity is the ability to think about a task or a problem in a new or different way, or the ability to use the imagination to generate new ideas. Similarly, Innovation enables you to solve complex problems or find interesting ways to approach tasks. If you are creative, you look at things from a unique perspective. You can find patterns and make connections to find opportunities. There is some risk involved with being creative, but you can show you are self-motivated to try things that have not been done before.

Examples of Creativity and Innovative Skills

There are several kinds of skills that you can practice to become more creative in the workplace. Used in combination, they can be effective in helping you think differently about a problem or a task. They include:

Making Connections

If you are innovative, you can find connections between different ideas and use those connections to solve problems. Often these connections happen when you aren’t actively thinking about the problem or task. Something you read or something someone says connects with the problem and you see it in a new way. Being in a different environment or experiencing something for the first time can also create connections that help you view tasks differently.

Asking Questions

Being creative sometimes allows you to challenge accepted or conventional wisdom. There may be times when the reason is no longer relevant, but everyone is used to doing it that way. This will provide you an opportunity to look for better ways to do that task or revise the procedures to make them more relevant.

Making Observations

Observing the world around you will allow you to discover fresh way of doing things. Watching how other people accomplish their tasks can inspire you to think of ways to help them be more efficient. The way someone approaches a task might give you ideas of how to help someone else who performs a similar task. Paying close attention to how people use products or services can help you see how well they function, and then you can devise ways to improve them.

Networking

When we are creative, we can usually enjoy diverse company and networking with people who are unlike themselves. Being around people from different backgrounds can expose you to new ideas and inspire creative thinking. Talking and working with people who view the world differently can help you gain new perspectives when approaching your work.

Experimenting

Bringing out your creativity may help you experiment. Irrelevant of how unconventional a task may be, a creative person is willing to test it and see if it works. They see failure as an opportunity to learn and improve. Keep working at a problem, adjusting and rethinking your ideas until you find a solution, to develop this skill.

Q8) How can one improve their creative and innovative skills in the workplace?

A8) There are a number of activities and exercises you can try that can help improve your creativity. These include:

Try the circle challenge: Draw twenty circles, then set a stopwatch for thirty seconds. Before the timer ends, make each circle into a unique picture. This exercise forces you to think about the same thing in different ways. Repeat it periodically to see how your thoughts change over time.

Use a sketchpad: As well as exercising creativity, drawing or writing down ideas can help you process information. If you are listening to a presentation, you could sketch something relevant to what you are hearing. This can help you remember the things being said.

Read regularly: Reading is just one way to mentally exercise. For example, exploring fiction novels can introduce you to interesting creative concepts such as complex worlds, storylines, puzzles and characters. Another easy way to practice mentally challenging games and puzzles is by using an app on your phone or other mobile device.

Write: Try recording your thoughts in a journal at the end of each day. Writing encourages you to think critically about your daily experiences and ideas. Finding ways to apply critical and analytical thinking is a great way to exercise your mental abilities.

Exercise: Taking care of your physical and mental health can help put you in an optimal position to practice and apply creative thinking. Adding regular exercise, if even for 20-30 minutes two to three times per week, is one way to be your best self at work.

Creativity and Innovation skills in the Workplace

Some workplaces are creative due to the nature of the industry. Many a times your workplace will not be a naturally creative environment, even then there are things you can do to practice creativity:

Choose Diversity: If allowed with the choice, choose to be on a team of people who are not like you. Surrounding yourself with people who have different perspectives can broaden your own point of view and inspire new ways for you to do your work.

Change Your Process: Make a change to the way you normally do things. Perhaps there is a particular task you have always done a certain way. Ask yourself why you do it that way. If there is no good reason why, try doing it differently.

Draw Your Work: No matter the task at hand, whether a project, idea or a task, describe it in a picture or a series of pictures. Being particularly artistic is not required for this to be a helpful practice.

Change Your Environment: Changing the space around you can stimulate you to think in fresh ways about your work. This might involve reorganizing your office space or even moving to a different office. If you are limited with how you can rearrange your office space, consider decorating it and then periodically redecorating it. Not only is decorating a creative exercise, but the change can help you think creatively in your work.

Listen to Music: If your situation permits, play music while you work. Music helps many people increase their creativity. Even if it doesn’t directly affect your creativity, it can improve your mood, which may put you in a more creative frame of mind.

Q9) What are some fundamental techniques to adapt to become a successful entrepreneur?

A9) Below are the techniques or characteristics to be adopted to become a successful entrepreneur:

1. Creativity

Becoming an entrepreneur starts with an idea. You need to see opportunities, find innovative ways to do things and bring solutions to the public.

To improve your creativity, develop habits that support the creative system. Think about what makes you feel creative, such as music, meeting people, reading or some other activity. Dedicate a specific part of your day to find inspiration for new solutions. During this part of the day, start by doing what inspires you, then let your mind flow. You can make a list of ideas and select some to pursue.

2. Passion

Passion is what drives entrepreneurs. They usually love what they do, and this helps them invest their time in their projects.

To become a more passionate entrepreneur, focus on the meaning of your work. Remember that you contribute to finding solutions that will help many people. Knowing that your commitment makes an impact may give you the drive you need to continue when doubt settles in or when the business gets difficult. Passion is what keeps you focused on your objective.

3. Motivation

Motivation is the will to accomplish certain things. Entrepreneurs are driven to make their business a success and push themselves.

To increase motivation, you can start by setting small goals. Small goals can help you reach larger ones and encourage you to aim higher. Recognize the work already accomplished and celebrate your results, even minor ones. Also, keep a positive mindset. Turn your mind away from negativity and daily obstacles to focus on what you want to achieve and the positive aspects of your life.

4. Product or service knowledge

Entrepreneurs know what they have to offer and to whom they can sell it. Clearly define the category of products or services you sell and how they provide value to consumers. Also, study your target clients to make sure you answer their needs. This will allow you to improve your offer continuously so you can stay on top of industry trends.

To increase the positive impact of this knowledge, you should continually learn about your market, understand what people need and know the features that differentiate you from competitors. Talk with your clients and use their feedback. With this information, you can adjust your position when necessary.

5. Ability to network

The ability to connect with people and to recognize opportunities for partnership is crucial to successful entrepreneurship. Meeting new people might facilitate access to resources or knowledge that your business needs. It allows you to learn from the success of others, promote your services or goods and meet new clients.

To improve your networking skills, you must try to build genuine relationships. You likely have a business goal in mind, but approach people with the objective of a human connection, just like making new friends. If you meet someone who could benefit another person in your network, connect them. Not only will you help someone, but they will probably remember you and want to return the favor.

6. Self-confidence

Entrepreneurs believe they can achieve their goals. They may have doubt, but they persevere through it. They are ready to invest the necessary work because they are confident, they can create something better than what already exists.

Self-confidence is essential because it allows you to feel better and makes it easier to overcome challenges, take risks and be persistent. Therefore, it contributes to your success overall.

To improve your self-confidence, you can use the technique of visualization. Visualize yourself as the person you want to be and visualize your business at a stage you would be proud of. You can also practice affirmation by saying uplifting statements about your accomplishments. These techniques can help to change the way you see yourself positively.

7. Optimism

Entrepreneurs are dreamers with a plan in place: They see the positive side of the situation and always move forward. Optimism supports creativity, so it helps business leaders finding new ideas for their products or services and increases their chances of success.

To develop your optimism, you can consider challenges as opportunities to grow instead of problems that could stop you. Keep the end goal in mind, and don't dwell on past issues.

8. Vision

Entrepreneurs have vision. They see a big picture they wish to accomplish, which fuels their efforts and pushes them to do more. Moreover, vision is what defines the culture and identity of an organization. Not only does it keep entrepreneurs energized, but it allows them to motivate others and keep them working towards the company's success.

To improve your entrepreneurship vision, you can implement a daily action plan. Prioritizing your tasks can keep you from feeling overwhelmed and help you stick to your vision. Also, listen to or read uplifting content to fortify your mind and stay focused on your purpose.

9. Goal mindset

Entrepreneurs are goal oriented. They know what they want to achieve, set a goal and work toward that objective. Determination is vital to overcome possible challenges, and it also inspires trust from the people who work with you.

To become more goal-oriented, you can start by identifying what you want to accomplish and clarifying your vision of the future. Then, set a goal with a timeline to guide your actions. This will allow you to witness your progression and help keep you committed to your goal.

10. Risk-taking

Entrepreneurs are ready to take risks. They plan for the unknown so they can make calculated decisions that are profitable for them and their business.

To increase your risk-taking abilities, you can start considering your journey as a learning process, including the possible failures. You must keep your goal in mind and commit to persevering.

It is essential to take some risks to differentiate from your competition and allow your business to succeed. Once you know how you can manage risk and grow from disappointments, you may become more comfortable with challenging yourself.

11. Persuasiveness

Entrepreneurs know their business and how to talk about it to people. They need to persuade others to believe in their idea.

To improve your persuasion skills, learn about your listeners and adapt to their personality. You can share a story to reach them on an emotional level and show your passion. If people can relate to your story, it creates a connection that can grow into loyalty, which is essential for your business success. Another tip is to share your accomplishments and rely on facts to support your arguments and convince people.

12. Decision-making

Entrepreneurs need to make quick decisions and take action for the success of their business.

To improve your decision-making skills, you can inform yourself to understand better the problems you try to solve. Assess the impact of the decision you need to make, and allow a corresponding amount of time to decide. You can also narrow your options to ease the process of making a decision.

13. Tenacity

Entrepreneurs overcome challenges. They persevere through difficulties and hold on to their goals and dreams.

To improve your tenacity, you can write down your goals and read them every day. You can choose role models and remember great figures of history who had to persevere through failure before they achieved success.

14. Money management

Entrepreneurs need to understand the financial situation of their business. Even if they hire a specialist like an accountant, they are the decision-maker and must know their situation to run the business successfully.

You can improve your basic money management skills by preparing a budget and committing to it and investing available funds rather than spending them. You can also acquire more financial knowledge by taking classes or training programs.

15. Adaptability

When they start a business, entrepreneurs often need to multitask. Flexibility in your schedule, as well as in your thinking, is crucial to continue growing in challenging situations.

To increase your adaptability, you can approach all activities with an open mind and stay ready to change your ways if necessary. Try new methods and welcome new trends to foster your ability to adapt.

Q10) What is Entrepreneurship? What are the various avenues for entrepreneurship for a civil engineer?

A10) Entrepreneurship can be defined as the process by which individuals or a group of individuals (entrepreneurs) exploit a commercial opportunity, either by bringing a new product or process to the market, or by substantially improving an existing good, service, or method of production. This process is generally organized through a new organization (a start-up company), but may also occur in an established small business that undergoes a significant change in product or strategy (see below on growth).

An entrepreneur is a person who organizes the means of production to engage in entrepreneurship, often under considerable uncertainty and financial risk. Entrepreneurs may partner with other entrepreneurs to jointly found companies (co-founders), or with an existing organization (e.g., corporate or university spin-outs).

Entrepreneurship as a Civil Engineer

There are a number of areas that a civil engineer can conquer while becoming a successful entrepreneur. Some of them are as follows:

Q11) What are the various types of entrepreneurships?

A11) Entrepreneurship is the overall process of developing, launching and running a business consisting of many different types of entrepreneurships.

Below are the various types of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs:

Large company entrepreneurship is when a company has a finite amount of life cycles. This type of entrepreneurship is particular to advanced professionals who knows how to sustain innovation. They are often a part of a large team of C-level executives. Large companies promptly create new services and products depending on consumer preferences to meet market demand. Small business entrepreneurship may evolve into large company entrepreneurships when the organization rapidly grows. This can also happen when a large company acquires them. Companies such as Microsoft and Google are instances of this kind of entrepreneurship.

B.    Scalable Start-up Entrepreneurship

In this type of entrepreneurship, the entrepreneurs believe that their company can make a difference in the world. They often acquire their capital from venture capitalists and hire specialized employees. Scalable start-ups look for things that are missing in the market and create solutions for them. They seek rapid expansion and big profit returns. Examples of scalable start-ups are Facebook, Instagram and Uber.

C.   Social Entrepreneurship

This type of entrepreneurship involves an entrepreneur who wants to solve social problems with their products and services. Their main goal is to make the world a better place. They don't work to make big profits or wealth. Most of the time, these kinds of entrepreneurs tend to start as non-profits or companies that dedicate themselves to working toward social good.

D.   Innovative Entrepreneurship

Innovative entrepreneurs are individuals who are constantly trying to come up with new ideas and inventions. They evolve ideas and execute them as business ventures. Innovators tend to be very motivated and passionate people. They find ways to make their products and services unique and stand out from other things on the market. Entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates are examples of innovative entrepreneurs.

E.    Hustler Entrepreneurship

Individuals who are willing to work hard and put in constant effort are considered hustler entrepreneurs. They often lack capital in their start-ups and work toward growing a bigger business with hard work. Their aspirations are what motivates them, and they are willing to do what it takes to achieve their goals. They do not give up easily and are willing to experience challenges to get what they want. For example, a hustler entrepreneurship would be willing to cold call many people in order to make one sale.

F.    Imitator Entrepreneurship

Imitator entrepreneurships are entrepreneurs who use others' business ideas as inspiration but work to improve them. They intend to make certain products and services better and more profitable. An imitator is a combination between an innovator and a hustler. They are willing to think of new ideas and work hard, yet they start by imitating others. Individuals who are imitators have a lot of self-confidence and determination. They can learn from others' mistakes when making their own business.

G.  Buyer Entrepreneurship

A buyer entrepreneurship is a type of entrepreneurship where an individual uses their own wealth to fuel their business ventures. They tend to use their fortunes to buy businesses that they think will be successful. They identify and acquire promising and up and coming businesses. Then after the acquisition process is complete, they make management or structural changes they feel are necessary. Their objectives include growth of the businesses they acquire and expansion of their profits. This kind of entrepreneurship involves much less risk compared to other types of entrepreneurships because they are purchasing already well-established companies.

Q12) What is the purpose of professional ethics?

A12) The purpose of professional ethics and the Code of Conduct is threefold:

- to increase professional and ethical consciousness among engineers and their sense of ethical responsibility;

- to guide engineers in making more informed ethical choices; and

- to help the Engineering profession itself function at the fullness of its potential.

As professionals, engineers commit themselves to supporting and acting in accordance with ethical guidelines covering the following six main areas:

1. Competency

2. Integrity

3. Public Interest

4. Environment

5. Dignity of the Profession

6. Administrative

Q13) What is professional ethics? What do you understand but the term “Code of Conduct”?

A13) Ethics is defined as a branch of philosophy concerned with the meaning of all aspects of human behaviour. Professional ethics therefore, can be described as principles that govern the behaviour of a person or group in a business environment.

Similar to values, professional ethics provide rules on how an individual should act towards other individuals and institutions in such a professional environment. And unlike values, professional ethics are, more often than not, a defined set of rules, which a particular group of people use. Meaning all those in a particular group will use the same professional ethics, even though their values may be unique to each person.

Professional Ethics and Code of Conduct

The norm system governing and regulating professional behaviour is professional ethics. Certain common principles underlie professional codes and bodies, e.g., Medical and Dental Council, Police Service Code of Conduct, Estate Agents Code of Conduct. Codes may not be exhaustive and may not include all the rules and regulations that apply to every situation. The contents therefore have to be viewed within the framework of company policies, procedures and the requirements of the law.

In our society ethical concerns have escalated in the past few years and have been raised at government level. Organisations have hot lines for employees to anonymously report unethical behaviour. In our field of engineering issues of fairness have been legislated and we have a Code of Conduct in place. The question of ethical practice, however, covers broad ground and encompasses everything we do as professionals and the way we behave towards each other and our clients.

Practising engineers must become aware of their ethical responsibility towards the client as well as being on the lookout for possible areas where ethical concerns could arise.

Professionals need to understand what values are and examine their own value system which determines their interactions. What pitfalls regarding business and professional ethics face Professionals and what standards of integrity do they need to be aware of and adhere to, i.e., what ideals should they strive towards?

Most codes have common fundamental principles which boil down to four universal fundamental principles:

1. Respect for People’s Dignity and Rights

2. Responsible Practice

3. Integrity in Relationships

4. Responsibility