CODE OF CONDUCT OF THE

IT PROFESSIONAL
Ethical Code
An ethical code is adopted by an organization in
an attempt to assist those in the organization called
upon to make a decision, understand the difference
between ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ and to apply this
understanding to their decision.

The ethical code therefore generally implies

documents at three levels: Code of Ethics, Code of
Conduct and Code of Practice.
Code of Ethics (Corporate or Business Ethics)

A code of ethics often focuses on social issues. It

may set out general principles about an
organization’s beliefs on matters such as mission,
quality, privacy or the environment. It may delineate
proper procedures to determine whether a violation
of the code of ethics has occurred and, if so, what
remedies should be imposed.
Code of Conduct (Employee Ethics)

A code of conduct is a document designed to

influence the behavior of employees. They set out
the procedures to be used in specific ethical
situations, such as conflicts of interest or the
acceptance of gifts, and delineate the procedures to
determine whether a violation of the code of ethics
occurred and, if so, what remedies should be
imposed.
Code of Practice (Professional Ethics)

A code of practice is adopted by a profession or

by a governmental or non-governmental
organization to regulate that profession. A code of
practice may be styled as a code of professional
responsibility, which will discuss difficult issues,
difficult decisions that will often need to be made,
and provide a clear account of what behavior is
considered “ethical” or “correct” or “right” in the
circumstances.
Ethical Standards for MIS Professionals

The need for ethical behavior among

Management Information Systems (MIS)
professionals have been recognized since 1960’s.
Professional bodies were the first to adopt a code of
ethics that would be adhered to by the members of
the associations.
Ethical Standards for MIS Professionals

These organizations take an active role in the

propagation of ethical practice of the IT profession.
There are several organizations present. They have
similarities and differences in their ethical codes but
this is a welcome development because the mere
presence of such code indicates the seriousness that
these organizations have towards computer ethics.
Ethical Standards for MIS Professionals
Doctors, lawyers and other licensed professionals
require those professionals to adhere to a code. They
are mandated to swear an oath by it. MIS
professionals do not have and require such a code
because there is no licensing agency that must be
applied to by MIS professionals. This is the reason
why there is a lack of a unified code of ethics. There
are organizations that are studied by the article.
These organizations all have forms of ethical codes
that they practice.
Criteria for Evaluating Ethical Codes
Obligation to Society
A professional should always and in consideration of
the welfare of the public. Information systems have a
significant impact to society. Society is heavily reliant on
computers for their efficient processes. Therefore it is an
imperative case for MIS professionals to adhere to a code
of ethics that would guide their actions. It is possible that
one could face the issue of conflict of interest. In such
cases, the welfare and interest of the public is placed
above the personal and other interests.
Criteria for Evaluating Ethical Codes
Obligation to Employer
There exists a fiduciary relationship between employee
and employer. This extends to MIS professionals as a
natural occurrence. Protecting the interest of the employer
actually refers to “work ethics”. The employee of course is
required to protect the interests of the employer. If the
employee is a professional, the employer’s trust is greater
because the employee performs tasks that require
expertise which the employer may not possess thus, he is
unable to scrutinize. Employees are an asset to the
organization and should be seen as resource rather merely
as cost.
Criteria for Evaluating Ethical Codes
Obligation to Clients
The survival of any business even those relating to
information systems are dependent on clients. Without
clients, it is impossible for a business enterprise to exist.
There is a casual link present in the relationship of
employee, employer, and clients. The employee and
employer have a contract. The employer has contracts
with clients to provide some service or product which is
then produced by the employees. When there is a
problem between any links then it affects the entire
chain.
Criteria for Evaluating Ethical Codes
Obligation to Colleagues and Organization
The obligation to people in the same line of field is
usually an unwritten law that everybody follows. There is
respect among peers. This of course is a behavior that is
expected for any profession. The professional obligation
to its member organization requires it to adhere to the
organization’s policies and standards even ethical codes.
Code of Ethics for IT Professionals
For purposes of this Code, the following terms are defined
as follows:

Information Technology
The preparation, collection, creation, transport,
retrieval, storage, access, presentation and transformation
of electronic information in all its forms including but not
limited to, voice, graphics, text, video, data and image.

Information Technology Professional

One who develops or provides information technology
products and/or services to the public.
Code of Ethics for IT Professionals

PREAMBLE:

I will use my special knowledge and skills for the benefit

of the public. I will serve employers and clients with
integrity, subject to an overriding responsibility to the
public interest, and I will strive to enhance the competence
and prestige of the professional. By these, I mean:
Code of Ethics for IT Professionals
• I will promote public knowledge, understanding and
appreciation of information technology;
• I will consider the general welfare and public good in the
performance of my work;
• I will advertise goods or professional services in a clear and
truthful manner;
• I will comply and strictly abide by the intellectual property
laws, patent laws and other related laws in respect of
information technology;
• I will accept full responsibility for the work undertaken and
will utilize my skills with competence and professionalism;
Code of Ethics for IT Professionals
• I will make truthful statements on my areas of competence as
well as the capabilities and qualities of my products and services;
• I will not disclose or use any confidential information obtained in
the course of professional duties without the consent of the
parties concerned, except when required by law;
• I will try to attain the highest quality in both the products and
services I offer;
• I will not knowingly participate in the development of
Information Technology Systems that will promote the
commission of fraud and other unlawful acts;
• I will uphold and improve the IT professional standards through
continuing professional development in order to enhance the IT
profession.