Question

Engineer Johnson was employed to inspect an aged vacant building and prepare a report on its
structural condition before sale. He found some structural defects which, if not repaired, might lead
to collapse of the building. He then advised his client to carry out the necessary repair works
immediately. The client ignored the advice. In an email to Engineer Johnson, the client wrote,
“…… I pay for your service. The content of the report is my privileged information. You should
not reveal it to anyone without my consent……”. A week later, Engineer Johnson saw an
advertisement in the newspaper that the building had been put up for sale.

Engineer Johnson’s responsibilities to the relevant stakeholders conflicted with one another.
Identity the responsibilities and explain the conflict.

Answer 1

In general all Codes of Conduct for Engineers ,prescribe that :

i) They should hold above all the safety, health, and welfare of the public

ii) Act as faithful agents of their employer/client

iii) Not indulge in any deceptive acts

iv) To have responsible, lawful conduct and safeguard reputation of profession etc..

Now, in the present case the engineer has determined that the aged building has some serious structural defects which, if not repaired, might lead to collapse of the building. He then advised his client to carry out the necessary repair works.This way he is acting in a professional manner as stated in (iv) .

However his employer/client has told him not to divulge the contents of the report as it is his privileged information. As per (ii) above he has to obey his client/employer to act as faithful agent.

Since his non-divulgence may result in damage to safety ,health and welfare of public ( see(i) above)as the building may collapse in the ownership of new buyer resulting in serious injuries/death innocent of public personnel.

So the engineer is involved in a conflict of interest.

On one hand the engineer has to fulfil his responsibilites towards the public and the profession and on the other hand he has to be faithful to his employer/client.