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Chapter Policies
Ethics Policy
of the EERI Northern California Chapter
Professional Conduct and Ethics Policy
Draft Version 4 June 22, 2002
This draft policy sets forth key principles of professional conduct and ethical standards as guidance for members of the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute Northern California Chapter (EERI–NC). EERI–NC commits its members to adhere to this policy. The Board of Directors shall advise all new members of this Chapter Policy in addition to EERI National’s Conflict of Interest Policy and convey that violations may lead to the imposition of sanctions including termination of membership.
A) Professional Competence: Members will strive to maintain the highest levels of competence in their chapter activities, will recognize the limitations of their expertise, and undertake only those tasks for which they are qualified by education, training or experience.
B) Integrity and Professional Responsibility: Since the keystone of professional conduct is integrity, members will discharge their duties with fidelity, fairness, tolerance and impartiality to all. Each member will uphold the honor and dignity of his or her profession and avoid any enterprise of questionable character. While endeavoring always to be collegial, members will not let the desire to be collegial outweigh their shared responsibility for ethical behavior.
C) Social Responsibility: In meeting with the public, members will first identify themselves as volunteers working on behalf of the EERI-NC Chapter in the public’s interest. Secondarily, members may also describe their professional or educational status and other affiliations to convey their special qualifications. It is each member’s duty to apply his or her specific knowledge and skills for the benefit of the public. Members will try as hard as possible to work within established social systems and cooperate in extending the public’s knowledge and the effectiveness of earthquake-related sciences and professions by interchanging information and experiences through dialogues with the public. Members will use the media constructively, not to circumvent social systems or disrespect stakeholders.
D) Conflicts of Interest: Conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts can arise when members’ direct personal or financial interests, marketing, or solicitation of services or products prevent them from performing Chapter activities in an unbiased manner. Members will be alert to situations that might cause a conflict of interest and take appropriate actions to prevent conflicts or perceived conflicts. In such situations, members will disclose the potential for any conflicts of interest and allow other members without direct or perceived conflicts of interest to carry on the Chapter’s activities. Members are encouraged to participate in Chapter activities that may result in widespread and indirect benefits to earthquake-related scientific, professional, government and business interests.
E) Violations: If any member identifies a potential violation of this policy, such violation will be brought to the immediate attention of any member of the EERI-NC Chapter Board of Directors. For particularly egregious violations, the Board may appoint an ad hoc committee to review the matter and recommend actions to the Board. The Board will determine appropriate actions, if any, that may include warnings, formal reprimands, or terminations of membership from the Chapter.
Q: Who can speak on behalf of EERI's Northern California Chapter and when?
A: Committees should designate representatives including Chairpersons to
present consensus statements and products to the public. Representatives are
encouraged to use EERI-NC business cards in their Chapter activities
consistent with the Chapter's Professional Conduct and Ethics Policy.
If the public asks about issues that the Chapter has not discussed or
reached a consensus, Chapter Members are encouraged to respond by saying
that they will ask the Chapter to consider the issues and respond at a later
time after the appropriate Committee has had an opportunity to discuss the
issues.
Q: How should the Chapter reach consensus?
A: The Chapter greatly values independent collaboration and the development of
consensus by its Committees. We encourage Members to work through Committees
to reach consensus on Chapter products before representatives present them
to the public on the Chapter's behalf. For most non-controversial issues,
committees have the freedom and responsibility to work as independently as
possible from the Chapter's Board and likewise from EERI National.
Board Contacts and Chairpersons should be kept abreast of all Committee
activities. Where issues might be controversial, sensitive or overlapping,
Chapter Members should notify the Committee's Chairperson and Board Contact
who should relay such issues to others for their timely input and
coordination. The Board Contact will bring controversial matters to the
Board's attention to determine the best ways to obtain broader review and
consensus before releases to the public. The Board may also seek feedback
from the entire Chapter Membership or from EERI National.
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