Accountability of Corporations and the Role of Engineers
Large corporations and manufacturers are always in the public eye, and in cases of accidents, they are held accountable. Richard De George, in his article, reviews the case and how Ford was accused of knowing of the issues but not reporting them. De George proves that despite engineers having a responsibility to prioritize the public’s health, the managers should make the final decision regarding the product and its risks. While analyzing the case of Ford, the author makes significant discoveries and provides the readers with some insights. The author’s main argument is that “engineers are required by their professional, ethical codes to hold the safety of the public paramount” (De George, 1981, p.6).
Conditions for Engineers to Disclose Safety Risks
The writer claims engineers can go public with the information if they meet the five conditions. The first condition is to see whether there is a risk of serious harm to the customer, and the second condition is to immediately speak with their superiors regarding the problem (De George, 1981). The third condition is that if there is no response from the superiors, it is necessary to contact the board of directors (De George, 1981). However, aside from these conditions, the author finds that only these steps can be sufficient. The credibility of evidence should be present to avoid any misunderstanding and not alarm superiors or the public with false information. Therefore, the fourth step should be to thoroughly document proof showing the veracity of the engineer’s position (De George, 1981).
Finally, the evidence must be objective and strong to prevent serious harm to the public (De George, 1981). Yet, in the end, the author argues that engineers do not make the final decisions. Managers must have the final say regarding costs and benefits and find a balance in the situation (De George, 1981). Thus, with these claims, the author shows caution regarding every action that should be taken to avoid panic or allegations.
Managers’ Final Decision on Product Risks
Hence, despite engineers’ obligations to prioritize the public’s health, managers should decide on the product and its hazards. According to the writer, engineers can disclose information to the public if they meet several requirements, including consulting with superiors, weighing the dangers, and providing credible evidence. However, managers must have the final say and strike a compromise regarding costs and benefits.
Reference
De George, R. T. (1981). Ethical responsibilities of engineers in large organizations: The Pinto case. Business & Professional Ethics Journal, 1(1), 1-14. Web.