Older engineers, in particular, find job security in competition with ethical in

Question

Older engineers, in particular, find job security in competition with ethical instinct. Consider the dilemma of an older PE, in the shadow of a comfortable retirement, who was confronted by a new general manager of the plant in which he was employed as a facilities engineer. In consideration of plans for a plant expansion, the general manager insisted that the PE reduce footings and structural steel specifications below standards of good practice. The PE was told to choose between his job and his seal on the plans.

Should the PE try to keep his job and approve the plans as insisted upon by his general manager or stand his ground (refuse to sign off on the sub-standard plans) even though he might lose his job?

Explanation / Answer

The PE should stand his ground (refuse to sign off on the substandard plans) because reducing the specifications below standard of good practice will cause a reduction in quality, that further reduces in customer dissatisfaction and defamation of the company/organization which is against the ethical values.

By doing so, he may loose his job but he will never be embarrassed in his life for doing an unethical practice.

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