Construction Ethics & Professional Practice Flashcards

According to the AIC Code of Ethics, what is a constructor's primary professional obligation when a conflict arises between client interests and public safety?

Answer: Prioritize public safety above client interests

The AIC Code of Ethics mandates that constructors place public safety, health, and welfare above all other considerations, including client interests.

Which of the following best defines 'conflict of interest' in construction professional practice?

Answer: A situation where a constructor's personal interests could improperly influence professional judgment

A conflict of interest occurs when a constructor has personal, financial, or other interests that could compromise or appear to compromise their professional judgment.

A subcontractor offers a project manager tickets to a major sporting event during contract negotiations. Under ethical guidelines, the project manager should:

Answer: Decline the gift to avoid any appearance of impropriety

Ethical guidelines require constructors to avoid gifts or gratuities that could influence, or appear to influence, procurement decisions.

What is the ethical obligation of a constructor who discovers that a competitor obtained a contract through bribery of a public official?

Answer: Report the misconduct to the appropriate authorities

Ethical professional practice requires constructors to report known illegal conduct, including bribery, to the appropriate authorities.

Which principle underlies the concept of 'responsible bidding' in construction ethics?

Answer: Bidding only on projects for which the constructor is qualified and can perform competently

Responsible bidding requires that constructors only compete for work they have the qualifications, capacity, and resources to perform successfully.

The AIC defines 'professional competence' in construction as requiring:

Answer: Maintaining the skills and knowledge necessary to perform contracted services at an acceptable standard

Professional competence requires ongoing maintenance of the skills, knowledge, and judgment necessary to deliver construction services to an acceptable standard.

When a constructor becomes aware that a project's structural design may be deficient, the most ethically appropriate first step is to:

Answer: Immediately notify the engineer of record and the owner in writing

Promptly notifying the engineer of record and owner in writing ensures the design professional can evaluate and resolve the concern before it becomes a safety hazard.