Spiro Agnew and Construction Kickbacks (ethic case study) - Essay Example

Matz responded by giving kickbacks to Agnew for every contract they were awarded. Matz faces no criminal prosecution for cooperating with the prosecution. Most contracting firms could no longer win contracts unless they participated in such activity in Maryland. Through their complains, ‘whistle blowing’, the Spiro Agnew and Construction kickbacks are revealed. Although this practice was common in Maryland, it is unacceptable. The fundamental canons in Engineer Ethics Code states that engineers hold paramount the welfare of the public as they perform their professional duties and be done in areas of competence.

They should also build professional reputation on merit of their services and compete fairly with others. This practice is unfair since there is no fair competition for contracts. Whistle blowing is the best action. The engineer should alert relevant persons on the legal or moral corruption. This is a controversial issue that is challenging because of repercussions that the engineer might face. The legal body together with good political will help in such like situations. Competitive bidding creates a level play ground for contractors participating in a bidding competition.

For this case, competitive bidding could not have solved the problem because of misuse of office by the politicians and engineers as well (Fleddermann, 2011). 4.14 What is the ethical status of a campaign contribution given to a politician to secure future business? Is this a bribe? Is it the same as a kickback? Perhaps line drawing would help answer this question. Many times, kickbacks are offered from an appreciation point of view after award of a contract. It is secretly given, mostly in terms of money for a particular assistance or work given.

Unlike bribe which is given before a service is rendered. Campaign contribution given by a contractor to a politician to secure future business is a bribe since it is used to