International efforts, such as Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA), Accreditation Procedures, Audit Procedures, Standard Intercomparisons, and Measurement Assurance Programs (MAP) are being put in place to ensure that measurements made in one location are equivalent to those made in others. This entire measurement process can be undermined by the simple act of individuals and companies that report the results incorrectly. Examples of unethical behavior have been with us since earliest recorded history and continue to surface today as reported in the daily newspapers. This unethical behavior seems to be an inherent human characteristic with these deficiencies being reported on a worldwide basis. What can be done to help ensure that measurements are reported accurately, are meaningful, and have integrity and a pedigree? Programs, instituting a Code of Conduct within companies,, must be developed and disseminated from top management throughout the entire organization. These internal programs within each company must be designed to face this issue head-on and to aggressively address all deficiencies that may be found. Consequences to companies that do not follow ethical behavior are listed, as well as what individuals can do when faced by possible unethical situations and what companies can do to combat the spread of unethical behavior. |