Misrepresentation of a Business Relationship (adapted from NSPE Case No. 96-1)

Becky is a consulting engineer. She is the first to respond to a notice in the newsletter of a local chapter of engineering society asking for volunteers to help organize a consultant's referral network. Belinda, a society officer, asks Becky to help organize the network.

Later, Belinda asks Becky if she would look at an engineering assignment. Becky goes to Belinda's office expecting to get the particulars of a referral. But instead, Belinda accompanies Becky to the potential client's office without prior discussion of the arrangement. In the middle of the client's description of the engineering problem, the client asks about the contractual relationship. Belinda replies that Becky will subcontract to her on the project.

Was it ethical for Belinda to indicate that she will subcontract to Becky on the project, without having discussed this with Becky first?

What were Belinda's and Becky's ethical obligations under the circumstances?

NSPE Code of Ethics An earlier version may have been used in this case.