Ethics and Entrepreneurial Behavior; A Study based on Chartered Engineers in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Many innovative-minded chartered engineers have become successful technology entrepreneurs around the world. Thus, a tremendous responsibility lies upon these engineers to behave and perform ethically in today’s competitive business world to create a sustainable world. Being professionally ethical does not always give positive results in businesses. Although the case is like that, as business leaders who manage their technological ventures, entrepreneurial professional engineers cannot neglect Engineering Ethics and perform entirely as pure business managers. But, novice engineers who just stepping to techno-entrepreneurship are showing a dilemma in adhering to Engineering Ethics from the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey. Hence, there is a blooming requirement for a deep study to ascertain the implications of Engineering Ethics on entrepreneurial behavior and corporate performance of professional engineers working as techno-entrepreneurs. The research literature also does not contain sufficient evidence of such investigation around the world. In this context, this study is designed to ascertain the implications of Engineering Ethics focusing on Chartered Engineers working as techno-entrepreneurs in the Sri Lankan industrial sector. The main methodology intended for the study will be qualitative with semi-structured face to face interviews with experienced chartered engineers working as techno-entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka. The main analysis methods will be based on grounded theory techniques. A framework, which can be developed from such a study to guide the impact of Engineering Ethics on entrepreneurial behavior and corporate performance of engineers working as techno- entrepreneurs will be helpful for current and future entrepreneurial engineers. This will assist them to make ethical decisions without a dilemma as professional engineers to create a sustainable business culture in technological ventures in Sri Lanka.