Smith, an unemployed engineer who recently received certification as an engineer–

intern from the State Board of Registration for Engineers and Land Surveyors, was seeking employment with a consulting firm. Engineer A, a principal with a large consulting firm, contacted Smith. After a long discussion concerning such matters as working conditions, salary, benefits, etc., Engineer A offered, and Smith accepted, a position with the firm. Thereafter, Smith canceled several other job interviews.

Two days later, in a meeting with other principals of the firm, it was agreed by the firm’s management (including Engineer A) that the vacancy should be filled by an engineering technician, not a graduate engineer. A week and a half later, Engineer A contacted Smith and rescinded the firm’s offer.

Did the actions of Engineer A in his relations with Smith constitute unethical conduct? Why, or why not?

(Source: Adopted from the files of the NSPE Board of Ethics Review).