PROPOSED CODE OF ETHICS AND STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE OF THE ETHIOPIAN SOCIETY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERS

1. INTRODUCTION

The code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice of a professional society, besides their literal interpretation, signify voluntary assumptions by members, on the commitments of self-discipline above and beyond the requirements of the law. Their target is to maintain high level of ethics and public service and to declare that - in return for the confidence that the public places in them - the members accept the obligation to conduct their practice in a way that will be of benefit to the public. They give employers or clients, here-after employers, a basis or confidence that members will serve them in accordance with professional standards of competence, objectivity and integrity.

In broad terms, the Code of a Mechanical Engineers Society expresses the standards of professional conduct expected of mechanical engineers or mechanical engineering firms in their relationships with prospective employers, colleagues, members of allied professions and the public. The Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice are mandatory in character. They serve as basis for disciplinary action when the conduct of a member falls below the required standards. They also have attributes that are aspirational in character and represent objectives and standards of good practice to which members of the society subscribe.

The Society enforces the Code of Ethics and standards of practices by receiving and investigating all complaints of violations and by taking disciplinary action against any member who is found to be guilty of code violation.

The reliance of employers on members of the Society is expected to impose an obligation on the profession to maintain high standards of integrity and competence. To this end members of the Society have basic responsibilities to place the interests of employers and prospective employers ahead of their own, maintain independence of thought and action as well as hold the affairs of their employers in strict confidence. They have also the obligation to strive continually to improve their professional skills, observe and advance professional standards of the mechanical engineering field, uphold the honor and dignity of the profession and maintain high standards of personal conduct. In recognition of the public interest and their obligation, members of the Ethiopian Society of Mechanical Engineers, here-after the Engineers, have agreed to comply with the following codes and practices.

II. CODE OF ETHICS

1. Basic Responsibilities to Employers

1.1 The Engineers will, at all times, place the interests of employers ahead of their own and serve them with integrity, competence and independence.

1.2 They will guard as confidential all information concerning the affairs of employers that they gather during the course of professional engagements; and will not take personal, financial, or other advantage of material or inside information coming to their attention as a result of the professional relationship with employers; nor will they provide the basis on which others might take such advantage.

1.3 They will serve two or more competing employers in any known adversary relationship, on sensitive problems only with their employers' knowledge.

1.4 They will inform employers of any relationships, circumstances, or interests that might influence their judgment or the objectivity of their services.

2. Arrangements with Employers

2.1 The Engineers will present their qualifications for serving employers solely in terms of their competence, experience and standing.

2.2 They will accept only those engagements they are qualified to undertake and which they believe will provide real benefits to employers.

2.3 They will not accept an engagement of such limited scope that they cannot serve the employer effectively.

2.4 They will, before accepting an engagement, confer with the employer in sufficient detail and gather sufficient facts to gain an adequate understanding of the scope of work to be performed.

2.5 They will not serve as employer under terms and conditions that might impair heir objectivity, independence, or integrity; and they will reserve the right to withdraw if conditions beyond their control develop to interfere with the successful conduct of the engagement.

3. Fees

3.1 The Engineers will charge fees which are commensurate with the nature of services performed and the responsibility assumed. An excessive charge abuses the professional relationship and discourages the public from utilizing the services of the Society. On the other hand, adequate compensation is necessary in order to enable the Engineers to serve employers effectively and to preserve the integrity and independence of the profession. Determination of the reasonableness of a fee requires consideration of many factors, including the nature of the services to be performed; the time required; the experience of the professional, ability, and reputation; the degree of responsibility to be assumed; and the benefits that accrue to the employer. Wherever feasible, the Engineers will agree with the employer in advance on the fee or fee basis.

3.2 They will neither accept nor pay fees or commissions to others for employers referrals or enter into any arrangement for franchising their practice to others. Nor will they accept fees, commissions, or other valuable considerations from individuals or organizations for recommending equipment, supplies, or services in the course of their service to employers.

III. CODE OF CONDUCT AND STANDARD PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES

The Engineers subscribes to the conducts and practices enumerated hereunder:

1. Will not advertise in a blatant or commercial manner;

2. Will not calculate remuneration on any basis other than the agrees professional scale of fees;

3. Will not pay or accept payment for the introduction of employers, except in accordance with recognized and generally accepted professional practice in the country concerned;

4. Will not do anything which does not accord with the statutes of the profession;

5. Shall continue their professional development throughout their career and shall provide opportunities for the professional development of those members under their supervision;

6. Shall act in professional matters for each employer or clients as faithful agents or trustees, and shall avoid conflict of interest;

7. Shall build their professional reputation on the merit of their services and shall not compete unfairly with others;

8. Shall associate only with reputable persons or organizations;

9. Shall issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner;

10. Shall hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public in the performance of their professional duties;

11. Shall recognize their responsibility to their profession to share with their colleagues their methods and techniques they utilize in serving their employers.

12. Will not make offers of employment to professionals on the staff of the allied firms without first informing them;

13. Will not solicit employees of clients for employment by them or by others without the knowledge of the employer; and

14. Will respect the professional reputation and practice of other mechanical engineers (members or non-members). This does not however, relieve them from the moral obligation to expose unethical conduct of fellow members of the profession to the proper authorities.