Assignment 2 ACS Code Of Conduct Due Date 01 Apr 2015

Assignment 2 Acs Code Of Conductdue Date 01 Apr 2015length800 Word

Proceed according to the following instructions. Use the same ethical dilemma or ethically questionable situation that you identified in your first assignment. Undertake further research about your chosen case to assist you in analysing and discussing it in your essay. Analyse the ethical dilemma using the Australian Computer Society Code of Professional Conduct. The word limit is 800 words ± 10%. Note: Headings, citations, references, and any appendices do not count towards your word limit, but quotations do.

At the start of the assignment, indicate in brackets the word count of your assignment excluding those items mentioned above. Make a recommendation on the basis of your analysis providing reasons for this recommendation. Include a Reference list at the end of your work, in the correct APA referencing style, corresponding to in-text citations. You must include at least THREE (3) quality academic references from different sources. These three references are in addition to those provided through this subject (e.g., you still must reference, the ACS code, Tavani, the Interact subject lecture notes, etc., BUT these cannot be used as one of your three quality references).

Only use references that have been cited in the body of your assignment and support what you have presented. Format your assignment according to the instructions given in the Assessment Information, Presentation section.

The assessment helps develop skills such as applying the ACS Code of Conduct to analyze ethically questionable situations, determining the rightness or wrongness of decisions, and making recommendations based on this analysis using APA style referencing.

Paper For Above instruction

Ethical Decision-Making in IT: Applying the ACS Code of Conduct to a Real-World Dilemma

The rapid evolution of technology and information systems has elevated the importance of ethical standards within the information technology (IT) sector. The Australian Computer Society (ACS) Code of Professional Conduct provides a framework for IT professionals to navigate complex ethical dilemmas. This paper analyzes a specific ethically questionable scenario using the ACS Code, aiming to assess the situation's ethical dimensions and provide a recommended course of action supported by scholarly research.

Introduction

The ethical landscape in IT is fraught with challenges, from data privacy breaches to conflicts of interest. The ACS Code of Conduct offers guidelines to uphold integrity, professionalism, and respect for societal values. This paper examines a case involving a software engineer who discovers that their company is engaging in the manipulation of user data to boost advertising revenue. The dilemma revolves around whether to report this unethical practice or to remain silent due to potential career repercussions. This situation encapsulates key ethical issues such as privacy violations, honesty, and professional responsibility.

Case Description and Ethical Dilemma

The case involves John, a software engineer at a leading digital marketing firm. During routine code review, John uncovers that the company’s latest product collects user data without explicit consent and shares it with third-party advertisers. This practice contravenes privacy standards and ethical norms. John faces a dilemma: should he report this misconduct to authorities or internal compliance channels, risking his job and professional reputation, or stay silent to preserve his employment? The core ethical issues encompass user privacy rights, corporate transparency, and professional accountability.

Research and Ethical Analysis

Further research reveals that data privacy breaches have severe consequences, including erosion of public trust and legal penalties (Culnan & Bies, 2003). The ACS Code emphasizes integrity and confidentiality, explicitly stating that professionals shall act honestly and ensure information is handled responsibly (ACS, 2014). Moreover, the Code advocates that IT professionals should prioritize the public interest and adhere to legal and ethical standards.

Applying the Doing Ethics Technique (DET) facilitates a structured analysis. First, identifying relevant facts: the company collects personal data unlawfully and shares it without user consent. The non-ethical issues include deceit and violation of privacy. Stakeholders involved include users, company management, regulatory bodies, and the software engineer. Ethical issues involve honesty, privacy violation, and professional integrity.

The options available include: (1) reporting the misconduct, (2) remaining silent, or (3) seeking anonymous channels to disclose the issue. Reporting aligns with the ACS Code’s emphasis on honesty, integrity, and responsibility, supporting the public interest (ACS, 2014). Remaining silent violates ethical obligations and risks ongoing harm to users. Anonymously reporting provides a compromise but may limit accountability.

The best option appears to be reporting the misconduct through proper channels, as supported by ethical principles and legal standards. This aligns with the ACS Code’s core values of professionalism and acting in the best interest of society while maintaining integrity and accountability (Tavani, 2016).

Recommendation and Justification

Based on the analysis, the recommended course of action is for John to report the unethical data collection practices to internal compliance or external regulatory authorities. This action ensures compliance with the ACS Code by promoting honesty, integrity, and responsibility. It also aligns with the ethical obligation to protect user privacy and uphold the societal trust in technology. While personal risk is a concern, professional ethics demand prioritizing societal benefits over individual advantages.

Research supports that ethical whistleblowing is vital in maintaining trust and accountability in the IT sector (Near & Miceli, 1985). Organizations that foster ethical cultures and credible reporting mechanisms can mitigate misinformation and prevent harm (Kaptein & Schwartz, 2008). In the long term, ethical conduct enhances professional reputation and societal welfare.

Conclusion

This case illustrates the importance of applying the ACS Code of Conduct to resolve ethical dilemmas responsibly. By adhering to principles of honesty, integrity, and the societal obligation of protecting privacy, IT professionals can navigate complex situations effectively. The recommendation to report unethical practices aligns with both professional standards and ethical imperatives, fostering a trustworthy digital environment.

References

  • Australian Computer Society (ACS). (2014). Code of Professional Conduct. Retrieved from https://www1.acs.org.au
  • Culnan, M. J., & Bies, R. J. (2003). Consumer privacy: Balancing economic and justice considerations. Journal of Business Ethics, 44(2-3), 163–174.
  • Kaptein, M., & Schwartz, M. S. (2008). The effectiveness of business ethics policies: The role of belief systems and moral intensity. Journal of Business Ethics, 77(2), 111–123.
  • Near, J. P., & Miceli, M. P. (1985). Organizational dissidence: The case of whistle-blowing. Journal of Business Ethics, 4(1), 1–16.
  • Tavani, H. T. (2016). Ethics and Technology: Controversies, Questions, and Strategies for Ethical Computing (4th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.

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