CHAPTER 1

RATIONALE

Geodetic engineering is one the recognized professions in the Philippines today.

Because of its role in the countrys thrust for development and industrialization. This
profession is likewise, the keeper of the integrity of our land management system.
Geodetic engineers are directly responsible for the soundness of our titling system.
Land acquisition and development begin with this profession. As such, this profession is
uniquely positioned to introduce environmental and sustainable development
perspective in land management and development. (Ramos, 1997)

The primary concern of the Lands Management Sector of the Department of

Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through the Community Environment and
Natural Resources Office (CENRO) is the effective administration and management of
land resources. It is mandated by law on public domain, both alienable and disposable
lands, that this government agency should initiate measures to maximize economic
growth and distribute its benefits to the greater majority of our people. The same
agency is also held responsible for the execution of cadastral survey of all unsurveyed
municipalities and the production of survey maps to be submitted for verification and
approval.

The Lands Management Sector (LMS), through the CENRO, is commissioned to

undertake efficient and effective and disposition of alienable and disposable lands of
the public domain and other lands outside the responsibilities of the government
agencies. With this role, LMS has long been regarded as one of the most important
sectors of the DENR. Its substantial contributions are evident from several policy
initiatives, programs and projects implemented congruence with goals of DENR in
providing social equity, sustainability and economic efficiency.

Moreover, as tasked for the stewardship of our natural wealth, the LMS has fully
assumed its mandate as a developmental arm of the government. With an appropriate
policy direction, organizational structure and capability in leadership support, it has
committed to the principle of sustainable development to serve the natural resources
needs of our people. this also serves as an information in providing new directions and
improvements of the present system, policies and procedures in managing our
countrys environmental and natural resources.

The role, expertise and functions of geodetic engineers in infrastructure

development and in the solution of land conflicts are indispensable. Several factors are
involved in performing their vital functions and roles as practicing geodetic engineers.
These factors include nature of client, nature of land being surveyed, location of land
being surveyed and area of land being surveyed. These factors were investigated in
this study as determinants of how geodetic engineers behave while performing their
job-related functions in addition to the ethical behavior of commitment, fairness,

honesty, and trustworthiness. These behaviors are exemplified in the Code of

Professional Ethics for Geodetic Engineers and in the Geodetic Engineering Pledge.
Thus, this study investigated the professional behavior of this group of professionals in
the performance of their vital functions and roles. This professional behavior is
categorized into ethical behavior and job-related behavior.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This study investigated the professional behavior of geodetic engineers in the

province of Albay.

Specifically, answers to the following questions were sought.

1.) How do geodetic engineers in the province of Albay behave as professionals in
terms of (a) commitment, (b) fairness, (c) honesty, and (d) trustworthiness?
2.) How do geodetic engineers in Albay behave as they perform their job-related
functions in terms of (a) nature of client, (b) nature of land being surveyed, (c) location
of land being surveyed, and (d) area of land being surveyed?
3.) Is the demographic profile of geodetic engineers related to their ethical behavior
and to their job-related behavior?

IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY

The primary concern of this study was to investigate the professional behavior of
Geodetic Engineers in Albay. Professional behavior was categorized into two: one
category pertains to the ethical behavior; the other category is on job-related behavior.

Given this objective, this study could be significant to the Department of

Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).Under this department is the Lands
Management Sector (LMS) which responsible for the supervision and management of
the services of geodetic engineers. It is hoped that the findings of this study would
properly guide LMS in terms of supervision and management.

Results of this study would contribute to geodetic engineers awareness of their

moral responsibilities to the profession and to the public. Thus, they themselves will
behave as professionals according to what is expected of them in the performance of
their functions as engineers who preserve and maintain one of the most important
resources of our country.

Findings of this study would be useful to researchers and students who might want
to conduct research on the professional behavior of other professionals in order to gain
a comparative perspective in any particular discipline regarding professional practices
and quality service.

Results of this research would help land owners, land administrators and
developers to seek and select the services of those geodetic engineers who can be
relied upon for professional services especially concerning the surveying and mapping
of their lands.

The finding that number of relevant trainings attended moderately correlated with
job-related behavior would be of benefit to all individuals or groups who, in one way or
another, need the expertise of geodetic and junior geodetic engineers in surveying
mapping of land resources. The continuous efforts exerted by these professionals in
updating their knowledge and skills through attendance to trainings and seminars would
give anyone who needs their services an assurance that his land resources are in safe
hands and are properly and effectively managed.

In view of the above-cited importance of the study, it demonstrates that if this group
of professionals would be truly committed, fair, honest, and trustworthy in delivering
quality service to the public, an effective and efficient public administration would
emerge. In this way, the communities involved would be assured of the responsible
services of geodetic and junior geodetic engineers.

Furthermore, the output of this study may guide policy makers in formulating laws,
implementing rules and regulations, guidelines, tariffs, policies and sanctions in the
practice of geodetic engineering and on any violation committed by these engineers
and the practice of their profession.

Future researchers who may wish to make a study in similar topic may also benefit
to the present study, this may serve as one of their basis to further enhance their study.

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The study dealt on the demographic profile and professional behavior of geodetic
engineers.

The demographic profile of the subjects included in this study was investigated in
terms of age, gender, highest educational attainment, nature of employment, number of
relevant trainings attended, and length of professional practice.

Ethical behavior was investigated in terms of commitment, fairness, honesty and

trustworthiness. In this study, these behavioral aspects refer to the respondents
conduct which are related to a set of rules and principles as defined by a given system
of ethics.

Job-related behavior was investigated in terms of how these engineers conduct

themselves in dealing with the nature of their clients including the nature of land being
surveyed, the location of land being surveyed, and the area of land being surveyed.
These behavioral aspects were conceptualized in the study as referring to the

respondents ethical conduct that specifically pertains to the practice of their profession.
Hence, this was identified in the study as job-related behavior.
The differences in ethical behavior and job-related behavior in geodetic engineers
were also investigated. Likewise, an investigation of the differences in ethical behavior
and job-related behavior between accredited and unaccredited geodetic engineers was
a part of the study.

This study was not concerned with investigating aspects other than those specified.

The items used in the questionnaire for the gathering of data on the professional
behavior of the respondents utilized only two options was accepted as another
limitation of this study.

Furthermore, the data gathered for this study were the responses of the
respondents themselves. Their supervisors nor their clients were not involved in this
study. In this case, the lack of counter data to check the responses of the respondents
is considered as another limitation of this study.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter deals with the review of selected studies which were found to be
directly and/or indirectly related to this research. The materials reviewed include theses,

websites, refereed journals, books and other reading materials. This review provided
insights to the researcher in conceptualizing the study.
Newstrom and Keith (1993) emphasize that behavior modification focuses on the
items that may motivate a person. Hence, organizational behavior modification is based
on the idea that behavior depends on its consequences. While Yuki and Wexley (1985)
behavior in decision making typically involves the participation of many individuals and
groups. In connection Martires and Fule (1993) on decision making state that
leadership is a process and it is a way of influencing people so that they will seek
defined objectives enthusiastically. It is concerned with eliciting behavioral responses
that are more than routine. On the other hand, people should be aware that their
behavior is governed by ethical standards especially in the practice of their profession.
Together Hernandez (1998) state that,the work of geodetic engineers, more than that of
any other profession, demands a high degree of professionalism with honesty as its
greatest requisite. He emphasizes the need for every geodetic engineer to practice in
accordance with Code of Ethics. With the views presented on ethical standards, it could
be summarized as how Velasquez (1998) defines the term ethics. That is, it is the study
of morality, and is aimed at developing reasonable moral standards. Hence, the
practice of geodetic engineering profession can be viewed as the study of morality in
decision making, especially in various ways of thinking by which geodetic engineering
conduct can be guided, and which may be assessed. Lysonskis and Gaidis study is
similar to the present study in terms of the degree of sensitivity of individuals concerned
to the ethical dimensions that affect their decisions at work or at the personal level. It is
only the individual concerned who knows what is good and what is right. The focus of

the present study is to investigate the respondents professional behavior at the

personal and work levels. Rhodebacks (1992) states that portrayed the role of culture
in dealing with ethical standards. What may be good for one group of people may be
otherwise with another group. However, the essence of correct decision is still a matter
of knowing what is good and what is right. Lastly, Maccobys (1976) shows that to be
honest is a trait which comes from within the individual and that it has something to do
with ones emotional stand. It also shows that this holds true among individuals of
different races.