SWE Values
Elizabeth Bierman
SWE FY15 President
SWE Values
Inclusive Environment
Professional Excellence
Mutual Support
Integrity
Trust
Trust

We share a common definition of success with
open, transparent access to common
information, building mutual respect and
confidence in the competence of those with
whom we lead, serve and partner with.
Leadership Code of Service
By accepting a SWE Leadership position , I declare that, in carrying out my
duties I will:
1.1
Exercise the powers of my office and fulfill my responsibilities in good faith
and in the best interest of SWE. I shall exercise these fiduciary
responsibilities listed below, and understand that if I breach these duties
or act in a way inconsistent with these duties, SWE or its members may
hold me personally responsible.
• duty of loyalty –including acting on the best interest of SWE and
avoiding conflicts of interest,
• duty of obedience –including obligation to pursue SWE’s missions and
objectives, and obey the law, and duty of care –including exercise
ordinary and reasonable care in duties to SWE, and acting in good
faith
Trust
: belief that someone or something is reliable,
good, honest, effective, etc.
 Seven Reasons people don’t trust leaders:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Lack Courage
Hidden Agendas
Self Centered
Reputation Issues
Inconsistent behavior
Doesn’t get her hands dirty
Lack of a generous purpose
Previous Discussion
Mutual Support

SWE states:
• We provide an organization that fosters
mentoring, and the development of professional
and personal networks.
Vivid Description

SWE will be a prime facilitator for creating
personal relationships, support systems, and
networking between women in engineering
and technology. SWE’s global network of
professional and collegiate members can
share best practices and new technologies as
well as bring awareness to issues that affect
women and the engineering profession
Why is it important?
Builds Character
1.
•
I am now able to go up to anyone in a room and just have a chat. This in itself has allowed me to
grow in confidence and resilience
Helps refine proposition
2.
•
The more I speak to people at networking events the more I can use the experience as a focus
group to further develop the services SWE needs/offers
Increase confidence
3.
•
When building your character a direct cause and effect of this is an increase in confidence, you
suddenly lose that nervousness and feel able to go up to absolutely anyone. We are all humans
and one human is not any more important than the other – we all have a contribution to make
Increase your circle of network
4.
•
Due to the number of years I have been networking I now have a wide network
SWE’s Inclusive Environment

Inclusive Environment
We embrace diversity in its broadest
interpretation and commit to creating an
inclusive environment for all our members
and stakeholders. We value the contributions
of a diverse membership, which enables SWE
to achieve its full potential.
Diversity Statement



At SWE, we acknowledge and respect the value of a diverse community. We recognize that
the scope of diversity includes race/ethnicity, family status, age, physical abilities, sexual and
affectional orientation, actual or perceived gender, gender identity and expression, socioeconomic status and occupational focus. Our society will maintain an environment that is
supportive of these elements, and we will promote inclusion within our organization and the
engineering community.
We Commit to:
• Developing women in engineering across socio-economic strata and occupational focus.
• Encouraging the interest and active participation of women and girls of underrepresented ethnic groups, including African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Hispanics,
Pacific Islanders and Native Americans.
• Providing support to women which acknowledges and respects differences in family
status, sexual orientation, age, and physical abilities.
We will ensure that all bylaws, policies and charters support SWE's commitment to diversity.
We will align with and participate in those activities and organizations that encourage all
dimensions of diversity.
Vivid Description

SWE will be a driving force for promoting a
diverse workforce and inclusion of all, not
limited to engineers. SWE will actively work to
create a community where the profession
welcomes and respects individual, personal,
and career choices amongst all cultures.
Moving towards an Inclusive
Environment

In order to be an inclusive leader, one must
keep five things in mind:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Take risks
Be culturally aware
Actively listen
Separate members from stereotypes
See cultural differences as assets
Integrity

Integrity is a concept of consistency of
actions, values, methods, measures,
principles, expectations, and outcomes.

Barbara Killinger offers a traditional definition:
• Integrity is a personal choice, an uncompromising
and predictably consistent commitment to honour
moral, ethical, spiritual and artistic values and
principles
SWE’s Integrity Statement

We aspire to the highest level of ethical
behavior as evidenced by honesty and dignity
in our personal and professional relationships
and responsibilities.
Examples

A plant manager decides to ship product to a customer even though he knows the
parts have a quality problem because the problem doesn't affect part function and
the customer probably won't notice.

An employee spends several hours a week on her cell phone talking with her
children and their associated caregivers, schools, and friends.

A salesman marks parts as "sold" in the company data base thus depriving others
of the ability to sell the parts, even though his sale is uncertain.

An employee takes office supplies home to stock his home office.

An accountant tells a supplier that their "check is in the mail" when he knows he
hasn't written the check.
Code of Conduct
Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Member’s
Code of Conduct
1. Member’s Code of Conduct – The Membership of SWE commits itself to ethical, businesslike,
and lawful conduct, including proper use of authority and decorum at the highest level when
acting on behalf of SWE. The Membership of SWE will consistently fulfill the purposes set
forth in SWE’s Bylaws, Policies, Code of Conduct, Core Values, and Strategic Vision.
2. Policy against Harassment - Please see SWE’s “Policy Against Harassment” document to see
the zero tolerance policy that shall be followed by all members.
3 Disposition of Complaints and Disputes involving SWE Members - Complaints or disputes
should be discussed immediately with your SWE Leader or skip level officer or to SWE’s Ethics
Committee. All issues will be handled based on the “Procedures for Review of SWE Member
Conduct.”