NSPE Code of Ethics vs. Other Engineering Codes Essay

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This report examines the similarities and differences between NSPE code of ethics and other engineering codes.

Similarities between NSPE code of ethics and ASME

Both of them are similar in construction of Fundamental principles that precede the canons.

There is no explicit reference provided on attitudes towards security or poverty in both codes (Catalano 6).

Both codes require engineers to ensure health, welfare and safety of the public as provided by the first principle.

Differences between NSPE code of ethics and ASME

NSPE	ASME
Engineers are required to give credit to whom it is due.	There is no strict requirement of giving credit to anyone.

Similarities between NSPE code of ethics and AiChE

Engineers should use their skills to ensure health, welfare and safety of the public as provided by the first principle.

Engineers are supposed to uphold the dignity, integrity and honor of the profession.

Differences between NSPE code of ethics and AiChE

NSPE	AiChE
Engineers are not obliged to protect their environments as they perform their duties. There is no requirement of serving with impartiality or fidelity as stated in the code. The main emphasis is on serving the public. The goal is to enhance the welfare of the public.	Engineers are required to protect their environments as they perform their duties. Engineers to serve both their employer and clients with impartiality or fidelity in addition to serving the public. The goal is to enhance prestige and competence of the profession.

Similarities between NSPE code of ethics and IEEE

Both codes require the decisions made by engineers to be consistent with the public welfare, health and safety.

Differences between NSPE code of ethics and IEE

NSPE	IEEE
It mentions privacy and confidentiality in the profession. Engineers focus on the public and there is no mentioning of environment.	It does not mention privacy and confidentiality in the profession. Engineers report any factor likely to endanger the public or environment.

Similarities between NSPE code of ethics and INCOSE

Both codes state that the interest of the public in terms of health and welfare should be upheld by engineers (“Code of Ethics for Engineers” par. 1).

Both codes require acceptance of one’s responsibility for action and consequences of the results obtained.

Differences between NSPE code of ethics and INCOSE

NSPE	INCOSE
It requires enhancement of the welfare of the public without mentioning environment. The goal is to enhance health and welfare of the public.	Apart from protecting the public welfare, it also requires protection of the environment. The goal is to ensure that prudent system engineering measures are implemented.

Similarities between NSPE code of ethics and ASCE

Engineers should enhance the health, welfare and safety of the public as provided by the first principle of NSPE code.

There is no explicit reference has been provided on attitudes towards security or poverty (Catalano 6).

Differences between NSPE code of ethics and ASCE

NSPE	ASCE
Does not mention environment in the code	Mentions environment in its code

Similarities between NSPE code of ethics and ACM

Both codes require full acceptance of the assigned responsibility by engineers.

Members are supposed to articulate social responsibility of their organization in both codes.

Both codes emphasize on the welfare and health of the public.

Differences between NSPE code of ethics and ACM

NSPE	ACM
There is no requirement for engineers to create an opportunity for other users to learn about computing systems.	It requires engineers to create an opportunity for other users to learn about computing systems (Bowyer 8).

I never knew that both IEEE and ACM code of ethics had require all members to give credit to whom it is due. There are many instances in which a conflict of interest can lead to violation of this item No. 1.6, found in the ACM Code of ethics.

For example, any kind of plagiarism is a violation of the intellectual property rights which is stated in the ACM code. It can lead to payment of damages to a maximum of $150,000 (“Plagiarism Policy” par. 9). Therefore, good knowledge and practice of these codes is very important for all members.

Works Cited

Bowyer, Kevin 2009, Ethics and Computing. Web.

Catalano, George 2008, Introducing Ethics in Bioengineering. Web.

Code of Ethics for Engineers 2011. Web.

Plagiarism Policy, 2010. Web.

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