Conflict Of Interest: Introduction For ACS Members
Conflict Of Interest 2 Introduction As one of the ACS member, Hershal is required to advance and uphold effectiveness and dignity as a professional.
As one of the ACS members, Hershal is required to uphold the effectiveness and dignity of the profession, acting within the law and conforming to ACS values such as honesty, competence, enhancement of quality of life, primacy of the public interest, professionalism, and professional development. These codes serve as guidelines for acceptable conduct and assist in resolving contentious or ambiguous matters related to professional conduct and ethical dilemmas (Aronson, 1976, p. 28). In cases of conflict among these values, the principle of prioritizing the public interest takes precedence.
Within the context of the public interest code, Hershal must consider the welfare of the public over sectional, individual, or private interests. Any conflicts should be resolved in a manner that serves the public's best interests. Hershal should protect stakeholder interests within his work, provided doing so does not breach his duties of loyalty and responsibility to the public. The public interest encompasses safety, environment, and public health matters. Hershal is responsible for assessing the potential impacts of his work, reporting conflicts between professional activities and public needs, advising stakeholders of any ethical objections or conflicts, and maintaining privacy and confidentiality.
Honesty requires Hershal to maintain trust in his profession and stakeholders. Actions should be grounded in integrity and honesty, rejecting bribery, avoiding misleading clients regarding services or products, and distinguishing personal opinions from professional advice. He should provide realistic project estimates, acknowledge limited expertise, give credit for others’ work, and uphold transparency. In terms of competence, Hershal must accept only work within his expertise, seek additional experience when necessary, recognize his limitations, and refrain from misrepresenting his skills. His responsibilities include advising stakeholders when proposed solutions are not in their best interests, respecting legal standards, and collaborating professionally with colleagues.
Legal compliance entails that Hershal familiarizes himself with applicable legislation and regulations related to employment, criminal law, anti-discrimination, business practices, consumer protection, and privacy. Understanding whether a matter is clinical or ethical is crucial, as ethical considerations must inform clinical decisions. When faced with conflicting values, a thorough ethical analysis is necessary to reconcile these conflicts.
References
- Aronson, R.H. (1976). Conflict of Interest. Washington Law Review, 52, 807.
- Australian Computer Society. (2022). Code of Ethics. Retrieved from https://www.acs.org.au
- Australian Computer Society. (2022). Code of Professional Conduct. Retrieved from https://www.acs.org.au
- Australian Legislation. (2021). Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth). Retrieved from https://www.legislation.gov.au
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- Smith, J. (2021). Maintaining professional integrity in IT careers. Journal of Information Technology Studies, 12(1), 33-45.