Professional Ethics in Construction and Engineering

3 The Significance and Relevance of Ethics

The character ethic, which I believe to be the foundation of success, teaches that there are basic principles of effective living, and that people can only experience true success and enduring happiness as they learn and integrate these principles into their basic character.

Stephen R. Covey

3.1 Introduction to the Chapter

This chapter of the book is specifically focused on the overriding question of why ethics is so important to society. As context it will attempt to define what ethics are but, in this pursuit, will articulate the ongoing dilemma of the different definitions of ethics. Such differentiation could pose a problem in the quest to understand and interpret what constitute ethics and ethical practices. Furthermore, as a foundation for the discussion on ethics, the origins and history of ethics will be explored from the philosophies and teachings of Socrates in the fifth century BC to modern-day doctrines on ethical frameworks. In this regard, historical theories will be explained and contextualised as the basis for ethical teaching over the centuries.

The chapter will also delve into the area of why ethics are important and will discuss the goals and benefits for individuals, organisations and society at large from ethical principles and values. In this regard, examples of unethical practices in the construction industry will be specifically discussed and the consequential effects and fall out from these in terms of reputational ...