According to the Code of Ethics, which action is appropriate regarding information sharing?

• A. Share general information and experience with fellow chemical engineers
• B. Share company secrets for advancement of knowledge
• C. A and B
• D. None of the above

Answer: (A)

Sharing general information and experience with fellow chemical engineers is appropriate because it freely spreads non-confidential knowledge that helps the profession improve, enhances safety and practice, and supports the public welfare. You can tutor, present, publish, and discuss lessons learned as long as you’re not revealing confidential or proprietary data. This kind of open, non-sensitive sharing builds trust among professionals and advances the field without compromising someone else’s ownership or safety.

Sharing company secrets for advancement crosses a line into confidential information and proprietary data, which professionals are ethically and often legally obligated to protect. Disclosing such material can harm the employer, violate contracts or IP rights, and jeopardize public safety if sensitive processes or data are exposed.

Since there is a permissible way to share information and a prohibited way, the correct action is to engage in general, non-confidential information sharing while safeguarding any sensitive material.