professional practice and ethics notes and in breif

notes of PPLE as per PTU

1. Professional Practice, Law & Ethics PROFESSIONAL ETHICS SHUBHAM SHARMA Department of civil engineering BGIET, SANGRUR

2. Introduction of Ethics Ethics is defined as a moral philosophy or code of morals practiced by a person or group of people. Ethics is the study of what is right or wrong in human conduct. This is a branch of Philosophy which studies moral principles. Hence, Ethics is also known as Moral Philosophy. Ethics is very significant in the world of business. It is the study of morally appropriate behaviour and decisions, and examining what should be done. Ethics helps to mould and shape human behaviour. It aids employees to perform their roles.

3. Professional Ethics Professional Ethics are the guiding principles that are to be followed by or expected to be followed by the people in that profession. Every profession has its particular rules, regulations, or you could say principles. A person when choosing a job must know that specific profession. Ethics means principles of something. In different roles, they have ethics according to their knowledge about the situation, how people belonging to that profession should behave. Professional ethics is guidance for people working in a particular profession that tells them what they supposed to do and what they are not supposed to do while working there. Professional Ethics’ best example can be the one Doctors take. The Hippocratic Oath, taken by doctors when they are rewarded the degree in medicine. This oath is one of the ethics that have to follow before practicing medicine. And, every ethics differs depending upon the type of profession a person has.

4. PRINCIPLES OF PROFESSIONAL ETHICS Certain ethical principles are fundamental to all professions. The most prominent among them are: 1. HONESTY 2. TRUSTWORTHINESS 3. LOYALTY 4. BEING LAW-ABIDING 5. NO SINISTER MOTIVES 6. SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE 7. RESPECT 8. FAIRNESS TO ALL 9. ACCOUNTABILITY

5. CODES OF CONDUCT The codes of conduct for any profession are established by combining the before-mentioned ethics with professional skills. They outline the acceptable standards of behaviour, quality of service and social responsibility that every professional in the field has to follow. These codes of conduct also aim to safeguard the wellness of professionals and help them achieve their expectations without compromising on things like work-life balance, quality of work and personal and professional development. There are a lot of benefits that professional skills-based codes of conduct offer to various stakeholders.

6. Business Ethics Business ethics is the study of appropriate business policies and practices regarding potentially controversial subjects including corporate governance, insider trading, bribery, discrimination, c orporate social responsibility, and fiduciary responsibilities. Business ethics are the values a company upholds throughout its operations. Common ethical considerations include human rights, the environment, anti-corruption, and labour rights. Business ethics is a practice that determines what is right, wrong, and appropriate in the workplace. Business ethics is often guided by laws, and keep companies and individuals from engaging in illegal activity such as insider trading, discrimination and bribery. However, other principles can influence how employees treat one another, corporate social responsibility and relationships with clients and vendors. The purpose of business ethics is to ensure a consistent moral attitude within the company, from executive-level management to new hires. It helps to ensure everyone is treated with respect, fairness and honesty.

7. Importance of business ethics in the workplace Improved employee retention- Strong business ethics often encourage managers to show appreciation for an employee’s hard work. Stronger collaboration- Team members who practice business ethics have respect for one another and work well together. More effective leadership- when a manager follows business ethics, they’re more likely to treat employees well. As a result, teams are more inclined to follow their lead. Increased professional value- when you have a positive attitude toward your work and those you work with, you can increase the quality of your work.

8. Corporate Ethics Corporate ethics can be defined in several ways: conceptually, operationally, officially, and actually. Conceptual arguments about the definition of organizational ethics focus on questions of stakeholder status and are defined by two theories, stakeholder theory and social contracts theory. Operational approaches to increasing ethical behaviour in organizations may be more or less proactive and are structured around organizational mission and legal compliance. Official ethical standards articulated by organizational leaders may include ethical codes, but they are arguably less important than actual ethical expectations, which are closely intertwined with organizational culture.

9. CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Corporate social responsibility is traditionally broken into four categories: environmental, philanthropic, ethical, and economic responsibility . Environmental responsibility refers to the belief that organizations should behave in as environmentally friendly a way as possible. Reducing pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, the use of single-use plastics, water consumption, and general waste Increasing reliance on renewable energy, sustainable resources, and recycled or partially recycled materials. Ethical responsibility is concerned with ensuring an organization is operating in a fair and ethical manner. Philanthropic responsibility refers to a business’s aim to actively make the world and society a better place. Economic responsibility is the practice of a firm backing all of its financial decisions in its commitment to do good in the areas listed above.

10. Engineering ethics Engineering ethics is the field of applied ethics and system of moral principles that apply to the practice of engineering. The field examines and sets the obligations by engineers to society, to their clients, and to the profession . As a scholarly discipline, it is closely related to subjects such as the philosophy of science, the philosophy of engineering, and the ethics of technology. An engineer with ethics can help the society in a better way. Engineering Ethics is the study of decisions, policies and values that are morally desirable in engineering practice and research.

11. Code of Ethics for Engineers Engineers, in the fulfilment of their professional duties, shall: Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public. Perform services only in areas of their competence. Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner. Act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees. Avoid deceptive acts. Conduct themselves honourably, responsibly, ethically, and lawfully so as to enhance the honour, reputation, and usefulness of the profession.

12. Personal Ethics Personal ethics is a category of philosophy that determines what an individual believes about morality and right and wrong. Personal ethics is the code of ethical guidelines that guide you in your personal life. They often develop from your core values and work ethic . Your personal ethics can, and likely will, contain common ethical guidelines that other people share, but they will vary in their level of importance and how to maintain them. This is usually distinguished from business ethics or legal ethics. Personal ethics can affect all areas of life, including family, finances and relationships.

13. Why are personal ethics important? A person’s personal ethical principles are important for several reasons, including that they: Allow leaders to more effectively lead their teams. Instil a sense of trust and support in leaders. Give individuals a solid basis of which to determine the most appropriate action in any given situation. Improve the decision-making process. Set a standard of behaviour. Support motivation.

14. Examples of personal ethics Many people view honesty as an important ethic. . This ethic transfers from an individual’s personal life into their professional life and ensures they are truthful in all scenarios. Loyalty is another common personal ethic that many professionals share Integrity refers to a person’s commitment to upholding their moral principles in any situation. People with integrity are reliable, responsible, and hold themselves accountable for their actions. People with sound personal ethics demonstrate respect for those around them both at work and in their personal lives. They respect others’ autonomy, rights, and interests, and do not discriminate based on someone’s religion, sex, or race. People who are selfless put others first and do not act in selfish or self-serving ways. Someone with a strong moral code is willing to take responsibility for their actions and make changes or amends when necessary.

15. Code of ethics as defined in the website of institution of engineers (India) Ethical codes are adopted by organizations to assist members in understanding the difference between ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ and in applying that understanding to their decisions. An ethical code generally implies documents at three levels : Codes of business ethics, codes of conduct for employees, and codes of professional practice. Ethical codes are often adopted by management, not to promote a particular moral theory, but rather because they are seen as pragmatic necessities for running an organization in a complex society in which moral concepts play an important part. INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS INDIA Practice his profession with integrity, conscience, dignity and honour and follow the best traditions of the profession.

16. Hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the people and the protection of the environment and promote health and safety within the work place. Offer services, advise on or undertake engineering assignments only in the areas of his competence and furnish information of his qualifications and experience to concerned clients. Uphold and maintain confidentiality and respect for secrets confided in him by the clients, employers and employees in connection with any professional work undertaken by him. Keep informed and updated in his area of professional activity and strive to provide opportunities for professional development of his subordinates. Conduct without consideration of caste, creed, sex, social status and shall not perform and act against the interest of the nation. Present clearly to all concerned the possible consequences of ignoring, overruling or discarding technological and engineering decisions or judgments without proper justification. Not directly or indirectly injure the professional reputation of another Corporate Member. Not accept any unauthorized commission, discount, allowance or profit direct or indirect to himself in connection with any work under his charge or for any professional business entrusted to him. Not act in a manner which may injure the reputation or the image of the Institution or may cause damage to the Institution financially or otherwise

17. Profession A Profession is a disciplined group of individuals who adhere to ethical standards and who hold themselves out as, and are accepted by the public as possessing special knowledge and skills in a widely recognised body of learning derived from research, education and training at a high level, and who are prepared to apply this knowledge and exercise these skills in the interest of others. The term professional refers to anyone who earns their living from performing an activity that requires a certain level of education, skill, or training. There is typically a required standard of competency, knowledge, or education that must be demonstrated (often in the form of an exam or credential), as well as adhering to codes of conduct and ethical standards. Types of professionals include : Teacher, Technician, Labourer, Engineer, Lawyer, Psychologist, Pharmacist, Research Analyst and Programmer.

18. Professionalism professionalism is the way you conduct yourself at work to represent both yourself and your company in a positive way. It includes standards for behaviour that might be mandated in an employee handbook, like adhering to a certain dress code, as well as traits that are harder to pin down but still valuable to being professional in the workplace. Characteristics of Professionalism Competence As a professional, you get the job done – and done well. Your abilities match the requirements of your role, and you often produce results that exceed expectations. Knowledge Professionalism involves developing detailed, up-to-date knowledge, which is often highly specialized

19. Conscientiousness Professionalism involves being reliable, setting your own high standards, and showing that you care about every aspect of your job. Integrity Integrity is what keeps professional people true to their word. It also stops them compromising their values, even if that means taking a harder road. Respect Professionalism means being a role model for politeness and good manners to everyone, not just those you need to impress. Emotional Intelligence To be a true professional you need to stay professional even under pressure. This takes strategies for managing your emotions, plus a clear awareness of other people's feelings. Confidence Well-founded confidence reassures and motivates other people, boosting your ability to influence and lead. It also pushes you to take on new challenges, because you don't fear damaging your professional reputation .

20. Professional responsibility Professional responsibility is the area of legal practice that encompasses the duties of attorneys to act in a professional manner, obey the law, avoid conflicts of interest, and put the interests of clients ahead of their own interests. Professional ethics provides us means to solve certain ethical problems related to a certain profession, in this case, health care. Professional ethics is usually presented as guidelines and rules, but it can be demanding to apply these to complex situations, that call for sensitivity to circumstances and the individuals in question. Thus, professional ethics cannot be only about abiding by the rules, but constant awareness to the rights and needs of the clients or patients, and critical thinking in the cross-fire of ethics, rules, conventions and difficulties of social interaction.

21. Professional ethics Professional ethics provides us means to solve certain ethical problems related to a certain profession. Professional ethics is usually presented as guidelines and rules, but it can be demanding to apply these to complex situations, that call for sensitivity to circumstances and the individuals in question. Professional ethics is a continuous process; it is a way of reviewing behaviour against constantly changing standards.

22. Conflicts of interest Conflict of interest is a term used to describe a situation where someone's personal interests or loyalties might influence their actions or decisions in a way that could be seen as biased or unfair. It's important to be aware of and manage conflicts of interest to maintain fairness and integrity in various contexts, such as business, politics, and even personal relationships. A conflict of interest occurs when an entity or individual becomes unreliable because of a clash between personal (or self-serving) interests and professional duties or responsibilities. People can easily become biased (have an unfair preference) because of small things like friendship, food, or flattery, or they may be influenced to make a decision because of the potential to gain power, prestige, or money. Conflicts can occur when an individual makes or influences a decision and does so for some personal gain that may be unfair, unethical, or even illegal.

23. Three Common Types of Conflicts of Interest . Nepotism Nepotism happens when an individual in charge of a hiring process chooses to award a job offer to someone in their own family or with whom they have a personal relationship. In this case, the individual’s duty to their employer may conflict with their loyalty to a family member. Self-dealing Self-dealing involves a conflict of interests between an individual’s fiduciary duties (legal obligation to the client) and financial interests (desire for personal financial gain). Business Relationships Many conflicts of interest stem from personal business interests.

24. Examples of Conflicts of Interest at Work Hiring an unqualified relative to provide services your company needs. Representing a family member in court Starting a business that competes with your full-time employer Advising a client to invest in a company owned by your spouse

25. difference between a gift and a bribe BRIBES GIFTS A bribe is an offer or receipt of any money, gift, loan, fee, reward or other advantage to or from any person as an inducement to act, or omit to act, in a way which is dishonest, illegal or a breach of trust. A gift is something of value, either goods or services, that is given without the expectation of return. Are made in secret, as they are neither legally nor morally acceptable Are made openly and publicly as a gesture of friend- ship or goodwill Are often made indirectly through a third party Are made directly from donor to recipient Encourage an obligation for the recipient to act favourable toward the donor Come with no expectation of a future favour for the donor

26. Environmental Breaches Environmental crime refers to the violation of laws intended to protect the environment and human health. These laws govern air and water quality and dictate the ways in which the disposal of waste and hazardous materials can legally take place. TYPES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CRIME Littering improper waste disposal Oil spills Destruction of wetlands Dumping into oceans, streams, lakes, or rivers Groundwater contamination Improperly handling pesticides or other toxic chemicals Burning garbage Improperly removing and disposing of asbestos Falsifying lab data pertaining to environmental regulations Smuggling certain chemicals, such as CFC refrigerant Bribing government officials Committing fraud related to environmental crime

27. Environmental Health Environmental health refers to limiting health hazards in the workplace. This involves examining an environment to identify potentially hazardous agents and putting measures in place that protect workers. In a work environment, employees can face numerous health risks, including those outlined in the following sections. Biological hazards come from organisms, including people, animals and plants, and threaten human health. Examples of biological hazards include Mold, sewage, blood and bodily fluids. These dangers can result in diseases and allergic reactions and limit employees’ ability to carry out their work. Chemicals can be toxic, corrosive, flammable and combustible. As such, they can pose health risks to workers and become hazards if workers inhale, ingest or absorb them through their skin Physical hazards include activities or natural substances in a work environment that pose health risks. Extreme temperatures, poor air quality, excessive noise and radiation in the workplace can all harm workers, potentially causing respiratory problems, hearing loss and cancer, among other problems.

28. Negligence The term Negligence is derived from the Latin word negligentia, which means ‘failing to pick up’. In the general sense, the term negligence means the act of being careless and in the legal sense, it signifies the failure to exercise a standard of care which the doer as a reasonable man should have exercised in a particular situation. Negligence, in law, the failure to meet a standard of behaviour established to protect society against unreasonable risk. The failure to exercise the level of care toward another person that a reasonable or prudent person would exercise under similar circumstances. This “failure to exercise care” encompasses both a person’s actions and the failure to act.

29. Vigil Mechanism The Vigil Mechanism extends to anyone who has and reports insider knowledge of illegal activities occurring in an organization. It can be employees or directors, who somehow becomes aware of illegal activities taking place in a business either through witnessing the behaviour or being told about it. The revealed misconduct may be classified in many ways; for example, a violation of a law, rule, regulation and/or a direct threat to public interest, such as fraud, health/safety violations, and corruption. The Mechanism defines a specific process to be followed for escalation of information regarding the wrongful or unethical practice. Vigil Mechanism is thus an internal framework on access to the appropriate designated authority, by persons who wish to report on unethical or improper practices. This Mechanism is intended to create a platform for alerting the management of the company or those charged with the Governance of the company about potential issues of serious concern, by ensuring confidentiality, protection and expedient action.

30. Whistle blowing A whistleblower is a person, who could be an employee of a company, or a government agency, disclosing information to the public or some higher authority about any wrongdoing, which could be in the form of fraud, corruption, etc. Whistle blowing basically is done by an employee where he finds that the ethical rules are broken knowingly or unknowingly and an imminent danger for the company, consumers or the public. When an employee is working in an organization is part of the group where the decisions are made and executed. When a former or the existing employee of the organization raise his voice against the unethical activities being carried out within the organization is called as whistle blowing and the person who raise his voice is called as a whistle blower.

31. Types of Whistle Blowing Internal Whistle Blowing: An employee informs about the misconduct to his officers or seniors holding positions in the same organization. External Whistle Blowing: Here, the employee informs about the misconduct to any third person who is not a member of an organization, such as a lawyer or any other legal body. Most often, the employees fear to raise a voice against the illegal activity being carried out in the organization because of following reasons:Threat to life, Lost jobs and careers, Lost friendships, Resentment among workers, Breach of trust and loyalty.

32. protected disclosure A protected disclosure is a qualifying disclosure that is made by a worker that they reasonably believe shows serious wrongdoing within the workplace. This will typically relate to some form of dangerous or illegal activity that the person has witnessed at work, where they “blow the whistle” to either their employer directly, a member of senior management or the appropriate regulatory body. Subject to the disclosure satisfying all of the relevant statutory requirements under the Employment Rights Act (ERA) 1996, the worker will be protected by law from any form of unfair treatment at work, including dismissal, because they have reported past, present or even potential wrongdoing.

33. THANKYOU THANKYOU