Ethics with co-op students
James and Derwin made plans to run all the tests again. Meanwhile, Derwin phoned Dr. Sherman william, Co-op Coordinator at State University, to discuss his fear that Randy had falsified data. In the course of the conversation he asked Dr. Sherman if any effort was made to discuss professional ethics with co-op students before their first work session and if the importance and value of engineering test results were stressed to these students. Dr. Sherman explained that no specific instruction on professional ethics was given to co-op students, but all lab courses emphasized the need for accuracy in data taking. Dr. Sherman added that he found it hard to believe that a co-op student would "fake" data!
Was it appropriate for Derwin to discuss his concerns about Randy with the university's Co-op Coordinator prior to discussing the matter with Randy?
Should Derwin have a conversation with Randy about his concerns? If so, what type of conversation should Derwin have with Randy when he talks with him? Should he refuse to have Randy return to XYZ as a co-op student?
Reply