Engineers and Politics: Upholding Ethical Values

“When needed, my skill and knowledge shall be given without reservation for the public good.” This excerpt from “The Obligation of an Engineer” (1998), an ethical creed broadly accepted in the engineering community, demonstrates the emphasis engineers place on contributing their finest toward the enhancement of society. In this modern age of faxes, cell phones, and e-mails, it is often overlooked that engineers are responsible for the majority of the conveniences that the general public takes for granted. With a resume of accomplishments as diverse as safe drinking water and high-speed modems, it is essential that engineers uphold integrity and dignity in their work to protect consumers. Engineers can further expand their important role to society by applying their skills and principles to involvement in politics.

When filling a glass with tap water, most people don’t think about what an amazing feat of engineering it was to design the water treatment process. Average life expectancy has increased by over fifty percent in the United States since 1900 due primarily to safe drinking water (National Academy of Engineering 2000). Chlorine treatment has neutralized waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery that in the past ended many children’s lives (National Academy of Engineering 2000). There are also many obvious things associated with engineers, such as highways and bridges. Even the cell phones and high-speed internet that symbolize the information age are the results of engineers’ technical accomplishments. Although engineers’ contributions are so important to daily life, there are currently only four degree-holding engineers in the U.S. Senate (Galloway 2003). It is logical that the group most involved with the development of these modern technologies should also be significantly involved with how they are regulated and publicly funded.

Engineers have created “The Obligation of an Engineer,” ASCE’s Code of Ethics, (ASCE 1996) and many other creeds as a means to encourage integrity and credibility throughout the profession. Research failed to reveal a code of ethics for a politician that parallels any of these ethical codes. Whether or not there is an ethical code for politicians, one scandal such as Watergate is enough to create a negative image of them. The sense of dishonor occasionally associated with politicians is perhaps one reason engineers shy away from government participation. Some politicians in our country seem to have shifted away from the “good-hearted” revolutionaries that worked for freedom from tyranny and oppression. Our government has become infiltrated with trained bureaucrats who periodically use their skill to manipulate the populace to achieve gain for themselves and their campaign contributors. At first glance it seems incongruent that an honest engineer would associate with politicians. Unfair generalizations connected with politicians are not encouraging to engineers who desire to be involved in politics.

Contrary to the stereotypes, many politicians exhibit an extraordinary sense of commitment, dedication, and enthusiasm. A few individuals may give politicians a bad reputation; however, there are no valid reasons honest people shouldn’t become involved with politics and strive to make a difference. This is significant because engineers have a great deal to offer in all facets of politics and public service. Moreover, engineers have an obligation to further the interests of humankind, and the political arena is perfect for this. Because of their ethical principles, engineers will be held to higher standards than stereotypical, career politicians.

An advantage for engineers in politics that might be overlooked is an engineer’s ability to convey complex ideas to someone without a technical or engineering background. Since it is so important for engineers to be able to communicate ideas to their customers, speaking plainly is a necessity. Occasionally politicians have stumbled into predicaments by using manipulative wording. This can be avoided by straightforward, honest communication. Although politicians are considered to be more persuasive than engineers by many, engineers can also be persuasive if they need to be. Persuasion is just as easily accomplished by using facts in a responsible, up-front manner, and is more effective than bending the truth.

Persuasiveness is a good trait for an engineer in politics to have, but it is a skill that must be used with care. When put in powerful elected or appointed positions, some may be tempted to use that influence to promote personal interests, which can lead to ethical dilemmas. Government has an especially large impact on the civil engineering industry, since many civil engineering projects are publicly funded. The environmental aspect of civil engineering safeguards our drinking water facilities, maintains wastewater treatment plants, directs environmental pollution remediation, and monitors air pollution control systems. The structural element is responsible for designing structures such as power plants, dams, bridges, schools, residences, and industrial buildings. The transportation aspect designs our roads and highways. These scenarios, in which government and civil engineering intertwine, could lead to judgmental bias for engineers in politics.

For engineers-turned-politicians it is important not to get carried away with personal projects and an overall favoritism toward their respective engineering industry. Except for specific positions such as city planners or transportation advisors, running for office should not be motivated by hopes of promoting engineering projects. Engineers in politics have the same duty as every other engineer to uphold integrity, honor, and dignity while serving the public. The skills and knowledge acquired from being an engineer should be used to make wise, impartial decisions. An engineer’s background is definitely advantageous for deciding how public funds will be allocated to public works and other areas that will benefit society the most.

Engineering careers are intellectually demanding and time consuming, which may make it difficult to commit free time and energy to political involvement. However, the political process allows engineers to apply their talents in a variety of ways, regardless of how much time is disposable to them. It is easy to start small by attending citizens’ groups or town meetings. Another opportunity is volunteering for a public works committee. A background in civil engineering can be very beneficial for this because civil engineers have a previous knowledge of construction processes. Engineers who are inspired to run for public office are also extremely vital to our society. The ability to evaluate problems and generate creative solutions is what engineers do best. Engineers often have a superior understanding of current scientific issues compared to career politicians. This becomes crucial when creating legislation for emissions guidelines, drinking water standards, and many other regulations.

A prime example of an engineer improving society through involvement in politics is Frederick Salvucci’s contribution to Boston’s Central Artery/Tunnel project, otherwise known as “The Big Dig.” As Massachusetts secretary of transportation, Salvucci played a large role in getting the project on track. When the original Central Artery was built in the 1950s, neighborhoods were demolished and the city was cut off from the waterfront by the elevated highway. Salvucci combined his technical expertise as a civil engineer with his political position to help promote the CA/T project. It will solve many of Boston’s traffic problems and increase its aesthetic appeal, all without inconveniencing the residents of Boston. When completed, the depressed Central Artery will alleviate the congestion on I-93 through downtown Boston while avoiding the demolition of a single residence (Salvucci 2003). Although this is a very simplified explanation of an extremely complex undertaking, it illustrates how the involvement of engineers in government can be very valuable. Salvucci’s devotion to the Boston community—to improve the city while avoiding disruption of daily life—is very admirable. His ethical practices in engineering and government are commendable.

The purpose of ASCE’s Code of Ethics (ASCE 1996) is to set guidelines to maintain the honesty, integrity, and dignity of the civil engineering profession; however, the code's Fundamental Principles can apply directly to engineers turned politicians. The Fundamental Principles can serve as reminders of the responsibility to uphold their reputation as instruments for the enhancement of human welfare in an ethical manner. The first fundamental principle states that engineers must “use their knowledge and skill for the enhancement of human welfare and the environment.” This has major implications in government, specifically that an engineer in office should strive to create regulations, public policies, and economic budgets to protect public and environmental welfare while at the same time furthering progress. The second fundamental principle states that engineers have the duty of “being honest and impartial and serving with fidelity the public, their employers and clients.” In the field of politics this means not misleading the public. It means making decisions based solely on the benefits they would have on society, not on partisan alliance or outside influence. The third fundamental principle states that engineers must “strive to increase the competence and prestige of the engineering profession,” which can be accomplished by being involved with politics. Any position of leadership comes with prestige and responsibility. This is beneficial to the reputation of all engineers because it publicly demonstrates the integrity and leadership ability that engineers exhibit. The fourth fundamental principle calls for engineers to “support the professional and technical societies of their disciplines.” Although this does not directly relate to politics, it is still relevant because professional societies are important groups whose members’ expertise and talents deserve to be represented in public office. Engineers involved in politics and their respective professional societies provide an excellent line of communication between the two.

There are many ways in which engineers can contribute to the political process. They bring a strong code of ethics, effective communication skills, and complex problem solving ability. In addition, there are many ways in which engineering and politics parallel each other. Engineer and politician Herbert Hoover once said:

Engineering is a great profession. There is the fascination of watching a figment of the imagination emerge through the aid of science to a plan on paper. Then it moves to realization in stone or metal or energy. Then it brings homes to men or women. Then it elevates the standard of living and adds to the comforts of life. This is the engineer’s high privilege (Hoover 1951).

Engineers should follow his example and extend the fascination of the design process to include ideas that emerge within government to form laws and regulations. Politicians can also bring safety to men and women, which can elevate the standard of living and add to the comforts of life. Engineers have the gift of complex problem solving. They have the ability to assess situations while efficiently and effectively producing sensible results. As a dignified and educated assemblage of men and women, engineers have much to offer to our society. Engineers that are active in politics have a great opportunity to help build the future.