Explanation of a model to increase competent professional ethics of civil engineers based on ground theory

Although there is a general agreement on the role of ethics in the engineering profession, especially civil engineering, a model that can demonstrate how to enhance the professional ethics of civil engineers has not been reported and no clear theoretical explanation has been provided. This research has been conducted in the framework of a qualitative approach using grounded theory research method. Data were collected through semi-structured exploratory interviews. In order to gather information, we interviewed 25 civil engineers using purposeful sampling method from the viewpoint of a skilled person. Data were analyzed in three stages of open, axial and selective coding. The content validity of the model was evaluated by both CVR and CVI indices and the reliability of the research findings was obtained through the stability of the process. The results show that 487 codes were extracted from the interviews as well as 42 concepts and 13 categories in the paradigm model including: professional ethics of civil engineers as core and causal, contextual factors (professional competencies), intervening conditions, strategies (human resource planning, organization structure, professional responsibility, professional commitment, disclosure, collaboration with different organizations with engineers), and background factors. The proposed model can be a practical guide for civil engineers. Also, by incorporating this model into the professional ethics course of engineering and teaching it, the adherence of ethical codes among civil engineering students can be increased.