This study explores ethical dilemmas in electronics engineering management through a qualitative case-based approach, focusing on issues related to data privacy in Internet of Things (IoT) systems, environmental impact of electronic waste, and product safety in electronics design and manufacturing. As modern electronic technologies become increasingly integrated into everyday life, engineering managers are faced with complex decisions that balance organizational goals with ethical responsibilities. Using semi-structured interviews with ten electronics engineering professionals, the study identifies recurring ethical conflicts and examines how these are addressed in practice. Thematic analysis revealed three major areas of concern: data privacy versus system functionality, environmental responsibility versus cost efficiency, and product safety versus time-to-market pressure. Based on these findings, the study proposes an ethical decision-making framework to guide engineering managers. The results contribute to both academic discourse and industry practice by providing insights into ethical challenges in electronics engineering management and offering practical recommendations for responsible decision-making.
Villar et al. (Thu,) studied this question.