Question

With reference to the NSPE Code of Ethics, which one of the following statements is true regarding the ethical obligations of the engineers involved in the VW Emissions Cheating Scandal.
a. The VW engineers involved conducted themselves honorably, responsibly, ethically, and lawfully so as to enhance the honor, reputation, and usefulness of the profession.
b. As faithful agents and trustees of Volkswagen the engineers involved could not ethically report the emissions cheating violations to public authorities.
c. The VW engineers involved were ethically obligated to hold paramount the health, welfare and safety of the public even if their supervisors directed them to implement software and hardware that enabled cheating on the emissions testing software.
d. The VW engineers involved were not ethically obligated to report to their supervisors and to upper management the emissions cheating violations being implemented in the control system hardware and software.

Answer 1

Answer: c. The VW engineers involved were ethically obligated to hold paramount the health, welfare and safety of the public even if their supervisors directed them to implement software and hardware that enabled cheating on the emissions testing software.

Explanation: The National Society of professional Engineers, NSPE define the code of ethics which must guide engineers in their duty. These codes act as principles of personal conduct, towards the public and their employers.  

One of the areas covered by these codes is overriding importance of the safety and health of the public to any other factor. In addition, engineers are to avoid deception and maintain the reputation of their profession. These cannot be sacrificed for the financial gain of their employers or explained away by saying they are following the direction of their employers. While they have certain responsibilities to their employers, the health welfare and safety of the public is more important.