Do engineering codes support anonymous whistleblowing?

Engineering codes of ethics generally do not support anonymous whistleblowing, as this practice can undermine accountability and the ethical responsibilities of the individuals involved. Whistleblowing typically involves reporting unethical or illegal activity, and many engineering codes emphasize the importance of integrity, honesty, and accountability. When individuals come forward with concerns, being known and identifiable can lend credibility to their claims and allows for a thorough investigation without the ambiguity that anonymous reporting might introduce.

Moreover, codes of ethics often encourage open dialogue and the resolution of issues through direct communication with the parties involved. This approach fosters a culture of trust and responsibility rather than secrecy and fear. Thus, while there might be some exceptional circumstances where anonymous reporting could be justified, the standard expectation within engineering ethics is that whistleblowers should ideally identify themselves to promote transparency and effective resolution of the issues at hand.