Interpretation h)

The reputation of a practicing engineer is equivalent to the brand image created by corporations. It is intangible, requires significant effort to create and can be destroyed relatively easily. Operating with honesty and integrity requires that we do not make false and malicious statements about another professional or professional entity. (There are legal issues associated with libel as well, but our concern here is the ethical component.) Indiscriminate criticism implies that facts are missing or limited factual knowledge is extended to a much broader criticism. Such criticism could be construed as libel with resulting legal action. However, if we have factual knowledge that another’s work is substandard or incorrect, Canon 1 may require public exposure of such knowledge.

Professional courtesy (a Due Care or Good Works model) suggests that the engineer (or firm) being critiqued should be notified.