The Unwritten Laws of Engineering

In any engineering organization, the chief obstacles to the success of individual engineers or of groups of engineers are of a personal and administrative rather than a technical nature. It is apparent that it is easier to get into trouble by violating the undocumented laws of professional conduct rather than by committing technical sins against the laws of science. Thus this book is written for younger engineers just starting their careers, and for older ones who know these things perfectly well, but who all too often fail to apply them. -- Publisher description.;Although written for the engineering field, the common-sense advice and principles for employees and managers presented in this book apply across all fields of the professional workplace.;Part I, What the beginner needs to learn at once : In relation to the work; In relation to your supervisor; Regarding relations with colleagues and outsiders -- Part II, Relating chiefly to engineering managers : Individual behavior and technique; Managing design and development projects; On organizational structures; What all managers owe their employees -- Part III, Professional and personal considerations : Laws of character and personality; Regarding behavior in the workplace; Regarding career and personal development -- Conclusion -- Appendix : Representative professional code of ethics. This fully revised and updated edition of the 1944 classic, serves as a crucial compilation of "house rules," or a professional code. It addresses three areas: what the beginner needs to learn at once; "laws" relating chiefly to engineering executives; and purely personal considerations for engineers. Packed with contemporary examples, this new volume is a must for those entering the engineering field or those interested in improving their professional effectiveness.