CNST 420 - Chapter 21 Questions

In general, to whom do codes of ethics apply?

Codes of ethics apply to all those individuals who ascribe to them. While a professional group may adopt a code of ethics, in practice it is only those individuals who accept the code that are guided by it

What guidelines might be followed regarding the acceptance of gifts offered to public officials? To private citizens?

For public officials, the acceptance of any type of gift is generally considered to be opposed to public policy. When gifts are offered to private citizens, the issue becomes more clouded. From an ethical perspective, the acceptance of a gift by a private citizen should not obligate the individual in any way or unduly influence any future actions of that individual. Even if a gift may not be intended to influence an individual's judgement and if the receipt of a gift does not influence the judgement of the recipient, the mere appearance of the gift transfer may be an action to be avoided in some instances. Some private individuals may elect to accept no gifts because of the appearance of such an act. Others may base their actions on their perception of the intent of the gift and their personal response or reaction to it.

What guidelines may be used to determine whether a particular action is ethical?

Guidance as to whether an action is ethical or not may rest on whether any of the following questions is answered in the affirmative ○ Is anyone being unjustly harmed by the action ○ Is anyone's judgement unduly influenced by the action? ○ Is an unfair advantage gained by the action? ○ Is unfair deception being employed by the action? Is the action dishonest?

Why do professionals sense the need for a code of ethics?

Law is considered to establish minimally acceptable behavior. Some professions consider the law to be inadequate in that the profession is regarded as needing higher standards of behavior. Thus, where the law is inadequate to define appropriate behavior, codes of ethics can be effective as a means of providing guidance for the appropriate behavior of the members of a particular profession. The codes of ethics that are adopted from a unified document that all members of the profession can then use. If ethical standards were of the established informally, without formal adoption of a written document, members of the profession would have greater difficulty in surmising the acceptable standards of behavior.

What distinguishes morals from ethics?

Morals tend to define appropriate behavior for a society while ethics relate to the appropriate behavior of professionals in work settings. Thus, morals relate more to social behavior while ethics relate to professional behavior. Morals are generally understood by a social group and need not be reduced to writing. Ethical standards, on the other hand, are specifically drafted for a professional group.

Examine the codes of ethics of the AIC, CMAA, and ABC. What are the similarities and the primary differences between these codes of ethics?

Similarities ○ They are all focused on a commitment to perform in a fair and honest manner when working with others in the execution of their duties Differences ○ CMAA code of ethics has all statements beginning with "I will..." while the other codes are less personal in form ○ ABC consists of 8 statements that are focused on ensuring fairness and integrity when dealing with either the owner, designer, subs, or employees. The CMAA and AIC codes are less focused on specific parties than they are on maintaining fairness, honesty, integrity, and professionalism in all business activities ○ The CMAA and AIC codes state that the individual will be supportive of further research and education The AIC states that the public interest must be seriously considered when performing their duties

Describe the procedures that could be adopted in the construction industry that would help reduce the occurrence of at least some unethical practices.

Trade associations could pay a vital role in getting members to adopt a code of ethics for the association. Subcontractor groups could agree that initiating pre-bid bid shopping is unethical. General contractors could agree that post-bid shopping is unethical. Post-bid bid shopping, possibly the more damaging form of bid shopping, could be further curtailed if subcontractors agreed to share information about general contractors who used this practice. Bids could be withheld from such general contractors or bids that are submitted to such general contractors could be inflated.