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Student Learning Objective 3

Recognize the role of management in total quality management

Learning Objective D

Consider ethical decision in quality management

Content

Ethical behavior is particularly important in a total quality setting in which trust, integrity, and values figure prominently in everydaty human interactions.

Our discussion of ethics is influenced by the textbook material and the Code of Ethics for Engineers. Ethics are a reflection of our values and beliefs.

Resources for Learning Objective D are provided below:

  1. NSPE Code of Ethics for Engineers

Slide 25: Ethics Defined

There is no one definitive definition.

  • Inquiry into the nature and grounds of morality where morality is taken to mean moral judgments, standards, and rules of conduct

  • Ethics is study of human behavior within moral context

For engineers,

  • Engineers must perform under a standard of professional behavior that requires adherence to the highest principles of ethical conduct Source - NSPE, Code of Ethics for Engineers)

Slide 26: Guidelines for Determining Ethical Behavior

  • Test

    • Is it legal?

    • Is it balanced?

    • How will it make me feel about myself?

  • Figure 4-1: Tests of Ethical Behavior

    • Morning-After Test
    • Front-Page Test
    • Mirror Test
    • Role Reversal Test
    • Commonsense Test

Figure 4.1 from textbook

Slide 27: Trust and Total Quality

  • Figure 4-2: Elements of Total Quality That Depend on Trust
    • Communication
    • Interpersonal Relations
    • Conflict Management
    • Problem Solving
    • Teamwork
    • Employee Involvement and Empowerment
    • Customer Focus

Figure 4.2 from textbook

Slide 28: Values and Total Quality

  • Values are the deeply held beliefs that form the very core of who we are

  • Ethical behavior begins with values

  • Values that lead to ethical behavior are fairness, dependability, integrity, honesty and truthfulness

  • Values that lead to peak performance include achievement, contribution, self-development, creativity, synergy,quality and opportunity

Slide 29: Code of Ethics for Engineers

  • Fundamental Canons. Engineers, in the fulfillment of their professional duties, shall:

    1. Hold paramount the safety, health, and welfare of the public

    2. Perform services only in areas of their competence

    3. Issue public statements only in an objective and truthful manner

    4. Act for each employer or client as faithful agents or trustees

    5. Avoid deceptive acts

    6. Conduct themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically, and lawfully so as to enhance the honor, reputation and usefulness of the profession

Source: NSPE Code of Ethics