ABSTRACT
Ethics rests on the idea of reciprocity – of doing favors for others who do them for us – but the ethics of such quid pro quos depends upon the context within which they occur. As an exchange of favors, the quid pro quo can be a harmless form of social interaction, but it can also be an unethical – and sometimes illegal – means of gaining power or advantage over others. Architects face such situations often in the construction industry, in which “favors” can come with the expectation of favoritism. This chapters looks to some ethical guidance on how to distinguish between the good and the bad in quid pro quos.
