Adherence of Engineers Towards The Engineering Code of Ethics: A Case Study in Palestine

Background:Adherence to the Engineering Code of Ethics (EngEthics) is essential for guiding professional conduct and minimizing misconduct in engineering practice. Understanding the factors that influence engineers’ ethical commitment is particularly important in contexts where professional regulation and ethics education are still evolving. Methods:A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a quantitative electronic questionnaire with qualitative semi-structured interviews. The study targeted engineers who graduated from local universities and are registered members of the Palestinian Engineers Association. Quantitative data were analyzed to identify patterns and group differences, while qualitative interviews were used to explore perceptions and experiences related to EngEthics. Results:The quantitative findings revealed statistically significant gender differences, with female engineers reporting higher levels of commitment to EngEthics. Female participants demonstrated stronger knowledge of ethical responsibilities and greater self-reported adherence to ethical principles in professional practice. Qualitative interviews showed a broad consensus on the importance of ethical codes in guiding engineering practice and reducing professional misconduct. Conclusion:This study enhances understanding of engineers’ engagement with EngEthics and identifies areas for improvement. While some Palestinian universities include ethics-related content, the findings highlight the need for more systematic integration of EngEthics within engineering curricula. Strengthening ethical standards across professional fields, along with clearer regulatory mechanisms and accountability measures, is recommended to ensure effective compliance and address ethical violations.