7.8 IEEE Code of Ethics
We, the members of the IEEE, in recognition of the
importance of our technologies in affecting the
quality of life throughout the world, and in
accepting a personal obligation to our profession,
its members and the communities we serve, do
hereby commit ourselves to the highest ethical and
professional conduct and agree:
- to accept responsibility in making decisions
consistent with the safety, health, and
welfare of the public, and to disclose
promptly factors that might endanger the
public or the environment;
- to avoid real or perceived conflicts of
interest whenever possible, and to disclose
them to affected parties when they do exist;
- to be honest and realistic in stating claims
or estimates based on available data;
- to reject bribery in all its forms;
- to improve the understanding of technology;
its appropriate application, and potential consequences;
- to maintain and improve our technical
competence and to undertake technological
tasks for others only if qualified by training
or experience, or after full disclosure of
pertinent limitations;
- to seek, accept, and offer honest criticism
of technical work, to acknowledge and correct
errors, and to credit properly the
contributions of others;
- to treat fairly all persons regardless of
such factors as race, religion, gender,
disability, age, or national origin;
- to avoid injuring others, their property,
reputation, or employment by false or
malicious action;
- to assist colleagues and co-workers in their
professional development and to support them
in following this code of ethics.
Changes to the IEEE Code of Ethics will be made
only after the following conditions are met:
- Proposed changes shall have been published in
THE INSTITUTE at least three (3) months in
advance of final consideration by the Board of
Directors, with a request for comment, and
- All IEEE Major Boards shall have the
opportunity to discuss proposed changes prior
to final action by the Board of Directors, and
- An affirmative vote of two-thirds of the
votes of the members of the Board of Directors
present at the time of the vote, provided a
quorum is present, shall be required for
changes to be made.
