Engineering ethics & entrepreneurship : a grounded theory based study among entrepreneurial engineers in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Ethical considerations are integral to the work of entrepreneurial engineers, whose innovations and decisions frequently carry significant societal implications. This study explores how Sri Lankan entrepreneurial engineers as a group of technology entrepreneurs adhere to engineering ethics, the challenges they face, and the strategies they employ to uphold ethical principles in their techno-entrepreneurial ventures. Addressing a significant gap in the literature, the research employs a constructivist grounded-theory methodology, drawing on face-to-face interviews with a purposive and theoretically selected sample of 22 entrepreneurial engineers. The findings reveal that most entrepreneurial engineers perceive engineering ethics as a "guideline" for ethical business practices, navigating a business environment populated by stakeholders and competitors characterized as "ethical-unethical colleagues." They also encounter an "avaricious society" that presents numerous ethical challenges during their entrepreneurial journeys. To adhere to engineering ethics, the participants adopt a tripartite strategy involving internalization, employee engagement, and public outreach. The consequences of these practices include "lasting benefits" and "short- term losses," ultimately contributing to the "enduring prosperity" of their firms. This study introduces the substantive theory called “theory of enduring prosperity”, illustrating how adherence to engineering ethics fosters long-term business sustainability in the Sri Lankan context. The findings suggest that entrepreneurial engineers should prioritize ethical practices from the startup stage, as these lead to sustainable growth, even if they encounter temporary setbacks in a challenging societal environment. This study makes a holistic contribution to the existing literature by underscoring the importance of engineering ethics in entrepreneurial success. However, limitations such as gender bias and reliance on the perspectives of entrepreneurial engineers are noted. Future research could address these limitations and explore how entrepreneurial engineers can contribute to achieving sustainable development goals through the application of engineering ethics.