Distinguishing Between Ethical and Normative Behaviors in Engineering: A Delphi Study

This Work-in-Progress Research Paper describes an ongoing research study to identify ethical behaviors in engineering. We use Delphi procedures for collecting and analyzing data across multiple rounds with the ultimate goal of distinguishing ethical behaviors from other normative behaviors in engineering. Ethical behaviors are an increasingly prominent type of learning goal in engineering ethics education, but ethical behaviors are challenging to define and assess. Promoting ethical behaviors first requires a shared understanding of what behaviors are considered ethical in engineering. While scholars have debated what counts as ethical engineering, this study adopts an empirical approach to understanding what is ethical by asking experts in engineering ethics how ethical behaviors differ from other normative behaviors in engineering. We use a Delphi process to develop consensus on ethical behaviors in engineering among a panel of 27 academics and practicing engineers. Through iterative rounds of questionnaires, the panelists offer their insights and perspectives, interrogate opinions of other panelists, and offer responses when they disagree with the positions of peer panelists. Results of the Delphi process will include understanding the types of normative behaviors that are commonly agreed upon as ethical or non-ethical in nature, as well as identifying areas of disagreement among the panel. This work aims to provide clarity around what constitutes ethical engineering practice, with implications for scholars and educators interested in engineering ethics.