Technological Institute of the Philippines

Quezon City
GEE 002- LIVING IN THE IT ERA

Prelim Homework #4

CHAN, STEPHANY M. AR12FA1 July

16, 2019

1. What would be the world like if we don’t have ethical codes and
codes of conduct?

Investopedia defines a code of ethics as “a guide of principles

designed to help professionals conduct business honestly and with
integrity.” Typically, a code of ethics outlines the mission and values of
the business or organization, the approach professionals are supposed
to take when they encounter a problem, the organization’s core values
and the ethical principles they’re based on, as well as the standards to
which all professionals are held.

The world is affected if we don’t have ethical codes and codes of

conduct
The survey showed that 70 percent of employees in companies with a
"weak" ethical culture (as measured by NBES) observed ethical wrong-
doing in their companies. Only 34 percent of employees in
organizations with "strong" ethical culture did so. Employees observed
morale-destroying behavior such as discrimination and sexual
harassment; lying internally, to vendors, customers, and the public;
misreporting of time; direct thievery; and other problems. By any
measure such activities translate into higher costs, lost reputation,
poor performance, etc. Ethics matters.

Writing on LinkedIn’s Pulse blog, Frank Bucaro points out that in

addition to reinforcing positive behavior, a code also needs to spell out
behavior that is not tolerated and must be prevented. It includes such
behaviors as:
  Taking shortcuts to attain goals that may cause adverse side-
effects
 Treating people disrespectfully, or in a biased manner based on
race, gender, social class or religion
 Incivility towards colleagues and customers
 Use of corporate resources for personal use

2. Give other professional IT organization and state at least two of

its ethical codes/code of conduct

ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

A computing professional should...

1.1 Contribute to society and to human well-being, acknowledging that all

people are stakeholders in computing.

This principle, which concerns the quality of life of all people, affirms
an obligation of computing professionals, both individually and
collectively, to use their skills for the benefit of society, its members,
and the environment surrounding them. This obligation includes
promoting fundamental human rights and protecting each individual's
right to autonomy. An essential aim of computing professionals is to
minimize negative consequences of computing, including threats to
health, safety, personal security, and privacy. When the interests of
multiple groups conflict, the needs of those less advantaged should be
given increased attention and priority.

Computing professionals should consider whether the results of their

efforts will respect diversity, will be used in socially responsible ways,
will meet social needs, and will be broadly accessible. They are
encouraged to actively contribute to society by engaging in pro bono
or volunteer work that benefits the public good.

1.2 Avoid harm.

In this document, "harm" means negative consequences, especially

when those consequences are significant and unjust. Examples of
harm include unjustified physical or mental injury, unjustified
destruction or disclosure of information, and unjustified damage to
property, reputation, and the environment. This list is not exhaustive.
Well-intended actions, including those that accomplish assigned
duties, may lead to harm. When that harm is unintended, those
responsible are obliged to undo or mitigate the harm as much as
possible. Avoiding harm begins with careful consideration of potential
impacts on all those affected by decisions. When harm is an
intentional part of the system, those responsible are obligated to
ensure that the harm is ethically justified. In either case, ensure that
all harm is minimized.

A computing professional has an additional obligation to report any

signs of system risks that might result in harm. If leaders do not act to
curtail or mitigate such risks, it may be necessary to "blow the
whistle" to reduce potential harm. However, capricious or misguided
reporting of risks can itself be harmful. Before reporting risks, a
computing professional should carefully assess relevant aspects of the
situation.

1.3 Be honest and trustworthy.

Honesty is an essential component of trustworthiness. A computing

professional should be transparent and provide full disclosure of all
pertinent system capabilities, limitations, and potential problems to
the appropriate parties. Making deliberately false or misleading
claims, fabricating or falsifying data, offering or accepting bribes, and
other dishonest conduct are violations of the Code.

Computing professionals should be honest about their qualifications,

and about any limitations in their competence to complete a task.
Computing professionals should be forthright about any circumstances
that might lead to either real or perceived conflicts of interest or
otherwise tend to undermine the independence of their judgment.
Furthermore, commitments should be honored.

Computing professionals should not misrepresent an organization's

policies or procedures, and should not speak on behalf of an
organization unless authorized to do so.

Software Development Forum (SDF)

Software Engineering Code of Ethics and Professional Practice
1. PUBLIC – Software engineers shall act consistently with the public
interest.

2. CLIENT AND EMPLOYER – Software engineers shall act in a manner

that is in the best interests of their client and employer consistent
with the public interest.

3. PRODUCT – Software engineers shall ensure that their products and

related modifications meet the highest professional standards
possible.

4. JUDGMENT – Software engineers shall maintain integrity and

independence in their professional judgment.

5. MANAGEMENT – Software engineering managers and leaders shall

subscribe to and promote an ethical approach to the management of
software development and maintenance.

6. PROFESSION – Software engineers shall advance the integrity and

reputation of the profession consistent with the public interest.

7. COLLEAGUES – Software engineers shall be fair to and supportive of

their colleagues.

8. SELF – Software engineers shall participate in lifelong learning

regarding the practice

Example of a Code of Ethics

Many firms and organizations have adopted a code of ethics. One

good example comes from the CFA Institute (CFAI), the grantor of
the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and creator of
the CFA exams. CFA charter holders are among the most
respected and globally recognized financial professionals.
According to the CFAI's website, Members of CFA Institute,
including CFA charter holders, and candidates for the CFA
designation must adhere to the following code of ethics
(found here):

 Act with integrity, competence, diligence, respect and in an

ethical manner with the public, clients, prospective clients,
employers, employees, colleagues in the investment
 profession, and other participants in the global capital
markets.

 Place the integrity of the investment profession and the

interests of clients above their own personal interests.

 Use reasonable care and exercise independent professional

judgment when conducting investment analysis, making
investment recommendations, taking investment actions,
and engaging in other professional activities.

 Practice and encourage others to practice in a professional

and ethical manner that will reflect credit on themselves
and the profession.

 Promote the integrity and viability of the global capital

markets for the ultimate benefit of society.

 Maintain and improve their professional competence and

strive to maintain and improve the competence of other
investment professionals.

3. Give at least three importance of ethical codes/ethical conduct

 A code of ethics is important because it clearly lays

out the rules for behavior and provides the groundwork
for a preemptive warning.

 It establishes standards by which business

representatives are held accountable.
 A code of ethics addresses some obligations
employees have to the organization. For instance,
an ethical code might cover the restrictions
against insider trading for corporate employees. It
also may outline authority limits for particular job
roles and obligations to care for equipment used
in carrying out work tasks.
REFERENCES: https://www.inc.com/encyclopedia/code-of-ethics.html
https://www.business.com/articles/does-your-business-need-a-code-of-
ethics-or-conduct/

http://www.aabri.com/SA12Manuscripts/SA12009.pdf

https://brainhub.eu/blog/benefits-of-code-of-ethics/

https://www.acm.org/code-of-ethics