What is due the engineer? Why do U.S. engineers have little influence, while Japanese engineers head many companies and Soviet engineers end up in the Politburo?

The plane has just landed at the airport. It´s your first trip to Latin America. The driver who has been sent to pick you up addresses you as ¿In-geniero.¿ It is the first time anyone has addressed you by title, and surprise quickly gives way to pleasure. Engineers are addressed by title in Latin America, in Europe, and in most other parts of the world, except Great Britain and the United States. It is a symbol of recognition and respect, but more than that it is a clue to the high status that engineers enjoy.