Construction Ethics & Professional Practice Flashcards

Under the AIC's ethical standards, how should a constructor handle confidential project information obtained from a previous client?

Answer: Keep it strictly confidential and never use it to the detriment of the former client

Constructors are ethically obligated to maintain confidentiality of client information indefinitely, not just during the project.

A constructor realizes mid-project that the cost will significantly exceed the original estimate. The ethical course of action is to:

Answer: Notify the client immediately with updated cost projections and cause analysis

Transparency and timely disclosure of cost overruns is an ethical obligation; clients must be informed promptly so they can make informed decisions.

Which of the following best describes 'fee splitting' and why it is considered unethical in construction?

Answer: Paying undisclosed referral fees to secure work, which creates hidden conflicts of interest

Undisclosed fee splitting creates hidden conflicts of interest and violates the principle of transparency owed to clients.

AIC members are expected to pursue continuing education primarily because:

Answer: Ongoing learning maintains the competence necessary to serve clients and the public responsibly

The AIC expects members to pursue continuing education to maintain and expand the competence required to practice responsibly and ethically.

In construction professional practice, 'bid shopping' after award is generally considered unethical because it:

Answer: Undermines subcontractor trust and the integrity of the competitive bidding process

Bid shopping after award breaks the implicit trust of the competitive process and discourages subcontractors from submitting their best prices.

A constructor who provides false information on a project progress report to the owner is violating which fundamental ethical principle?

Answer: Honesty and integrity

Providing false information directly violates the core ethical principle of honesty and integrity that underpins all professional relationships.

What does the AIC's concept of 'stewardship' in professional practice primarily refer to?

Answer: Responsible use of resources, including financial, human, and environmental resources

Stewardship in AIC professional practice encompasses responsible management of all resources — financial, human, material, and environmental — entrusted to the constructor.