--- title: "Profession characteristics, core values, vicarious liability" subject: "Engineering Professional Practice" chapter: 2 key: "semester_8/engineering_professional_practice:profession-characteristics-core-values-vicarious" source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/engineering_professional_practice/profession-characteristics-core-values-vicarious site: BCT Engineering --- # Profession characteristics, core values, vicarious liability Engineering Professional Practice · Chapter 2: Profession and Ethics - Asked in: 2073 Magh, 4 marks - Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14 - Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/engineering_professional_practice/profession-characteristics-core-values-vicarious - Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_8/engineering_professional_practice/chapter-2 ## Question Write down the fundamental characteristics of profession. List out the core ethical values to develop code of conduct for professionals. Define vicarious liability. ## Short answer Characteristics: specialized knowledge, service motive, code of ethics, autonomy, accountability. Core ethical values: honesty, responsibility, fairness, competence, public welfare, confidentiality, trustworthiness. Vicarious liability is an employer’s legal responsibility for an employee’s negligent acts committed during work. ## Answer #### Fundamental characteristics of a profession 1. Specialised knowledge gained through long education and training. 2. Service to society ahead of personal profit. 3. Code of ethics and a professional body that licenses and disciplines members. 4. Autonomy and independent judgement. 5. Accountability, public recognition and continuous learning. #### Core ethical values for developing a code of conduct - **Honesty** and integrity - **Responsibility** and accountability - **Respect** for life, people and rights - **Fairness** and justice (no discrimination) - **Competence** and diligence - **Loyalty** and confidentiality (faithfulness to employer/client) - **Public safety and welfare**, care for the environment - **Trustworthiness** and avoidance of conflict of interest - **Courage** to report wrongdoing #### Vicarious liability Vicarious liability is the legal responsibility of one person (usually an employer or principal) for the wrongful acts or negligence of another (an employee or agent) committed in the course of employment, even though the employer did not personally do the wrong. Example: if a junior engineer's negligent design causes damage while working for a consulting firm, the firm is liable to the client along with the engineer. Basis: the employer controls the work and benefits from it. ## Check yourself The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why. 1. Which is a fundamental characteristic of a profession? A. Service to society ahead of personal profit B. Maximising profit C. Absence of training D. No accountability Answer: A. A profession puts service to society ahead of personal profit. (Key point: Profession features) 2. Which is listed as a core ethical value for a code? A. Secrecy about defects B. Honesty and integrity C. Obedience at all costs D. Profit Answer: B. Honesty and integrity head the list of core values. (Key point: Core values) 3. What is vicarious liability? A. Liability only of the person who did the wrong B. Responsibility of an employer or principal for an employee's wrongful acts in the course of employment C. Liability without any act D. Liability of the government only Answer: B. The employer is liable for employee wrongs committed in the course of employment. (Key point: Vicarious liability) 4. Why is an employer held vicariously liable? A. Because the employer personally did the wrong B. Because the employer controls the work and benefits from it C. Because the employee is a minor D. Because of a contract with the court Answer: B. The basis is control over the work and benefit from it. 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