Is It Good Business to Be a Citizen Engineer?

by Brent A. Campbell, (M.ASCE), Transportation Engr.; CH2M Hill, Seattle, WA,


Serial Information: Civil Engineering—ASCE, 1991, Vol. 61, Issue 10, Pg. 54-55


Document Type: Feature article

Abstract:

When does community involvement cloud the engineer's judgment? Does the engineer have to sacrifice business success in the name of public service? The first canon in the ASCE Code of Ethics states: Engineers shall hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of the public in the performance of their professional duties. Being active in community affairs allows the engineer to directly serve the safety, health and welfare of the public and improve the quality of life for generations to come. Community service helps the engineer to rebuild our infrastructure, develop leadership skills and understand the impacts of his or her work. Also, according to top engineers, as their careers progress, financial prosperity becomes less important as a measure of success. Community service can also lead to conflicts of interest, however, when this commitment intersects with the engineer's paid work.

Subject Headings: Public health and safety | Safety | Standards and codes | Public services | Professional societies | Professional practice | Professional development

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