ABSTRACT
Most design professionals do not work as sole practitioners but within organizations, whether public or private. Most design activities occur within a framework of regulations or standards or contractual obligations in addition to the guiding principles and ethics that the profession itself sets out for its members. These relationships and constraints may set up complications that limit the individual designer’s activity and scope of responsibility. Are there limits to the individual’s ethical obligation if the work is performed or directed under the authority of an employer, a set of accepted standards, or the execution of a contract? The duty to protect the health and safety of the public is an affirmative duty—are there limits or qualifications to that duty? Does the claim of a client weigh more or less than the interests of uninvolved but impacted stakeholders? How do such obligations change or adapt to a world of sustainable design?
Many professionals work in teams composed of professionals with different or complementary skills and do not have control or oversight of the final product to which they contribute. Is the professionals’ ethical obligation limited to the work they do, or is there a broader responsibility regarding the overall project or outcome? The interplay of organizations and activities within an economy may set up circumstances where no single professional has an obligation for the ethical for the final product of outcome. If so, then are the professions serving the public interest as expected? Can there be deeds without doers? This chapter looks into the ideas of ethical agency and responsibility.
Clearly, ethical behavior is not limited to individuals. Within an organization, responsibility is usually apportioned to lesser or greater degrees throughout; some individuals bear more responsibility than others. Are ethical obligations apportioned as well? Can a professional avoid an ethical choice by deferring to a more senior person within the organization? How does a responsible and ethical designer navigate in such a circumstance? When an organization hires a design professional, should he be aware of and accept the ethical commitments of the profession? The ethical duty of such organizations and designers working within them is explored in this chapter. These issues are drawn into a sharper focus when issues of sustainability are considered. It is promising that, despite the challenges, the frequency and depth of commitment to sustainable design and business practices have grown at an increasing rate, as designers and business professionals recognize the need and demand.
