ME -- Professional Ethics

Are computer ethics’ issues unique?

No, since all fields have similar problems and issues. There always have been issues of privacy, property and freedom. The introduction of computers does not necessarily introduce new ways of doing things. Often computers increase efficiency but fundamentally the way of doing the task is still the same

But also, yes, since a new technology has been introduced that never existed before and there are issues specific to computers. such as the precise nature of programming autonomous action, etc.

Herman T. Tavani’s perspective on computer ethics’ uniqueness

Herman T. Tavani, points out, that we would commit a logical fallacy if we concluded that computer ethics issues must be unique simply because certain features or aspects of ICT are unique. The reasoning is fallacious because it assumes that characteristics that apply to a certain technology must also apply to ethical issues generated by that technology. So we cannot prove that the issues are unique but we must not rule that out either.

James Moor’s perspective on computer ethics’ uniqueness

James Moor, claims, that computer ethics is not like any other; it is a new and unique area of ethics.

James Moor’s 3 key differences

• the truly revolutionary aspect of computers is their logical malleability

• the computer’s transformative impact on society

• the invisibility factor — most of the time computer’s actual operations are invisible

Deborah Johnson’s perspective on the uniqueness of computer ethics

Deborah Johnson, argues that, “computers and ethics are connected insofar as computers make it possible to do things they couldn’t do before and to do things they could do before but in new ways. These changes often have moral significance.”

Donald Gotterbarn’s perspective on the uniqueness of computer ethics

Donald Gotterbarn on the other hand, is not convinced by an argument about ICT being a new technology

The newness leads people to think that computer ethics has not yet found its primary ethical standard and so we cannot make ethical decisions

It leads one to think that not only are the ethical standards undiscovered, but the model of ethical reasoning itself is yet to be discovered.

The distinguishing characteristic among professional ethics is the context in which they are applied, not distinct sets of ethical rules or different kinds of moral reasoning.

A three-step strategy for approaching computer ethics issues

1. Identify

   • Reveal hidden ethical issues

   • Assess sociological impact if issue is descriptive

   • Check ethical guidelines if issue is normative

   • Proceed to Step 2 if unresolved.

2. Analyze

   • If a policy vacuum exists, go to the next sub step; otherwise go to step three.

   • clear up any conceptual muddles involving the policy

3. Deliberate

   • Apply one or more ethical theories to the analysis of the moral issue, and then go to the next sub step

   • Justify the position you reached by evaluating it via the standards and criteria for successful logic augmentation

General Ethics in the Workplace

Trust and Credibility — the foundation of professional relationships. Ethical employees help build trust within teams and with clients.

Confidentiality — critical when handling sensitive or private information. A must in most industries — finance, healthcare, government, etc.

Honesty and Transparency — encourages open communication and reduces misunderstandings or deceit in the workplace

Accountability and Responsibility — taking ownership of your actions and decisions, especially when things go wrong. Builds reliability and maturity.

Legal and Ethical Obligations — following laws, regulations, and codes of conduct. Reminds employees that ethics isn’t just about “being nice” but about protecting the company and people

Focus of ethics in a tech workplace

Jobs in tech industries often involve a heavy need for COLLABORATION and TEAMWORK

A software development team often consists of many members, each with a different role to play in a group. In order to be more productive, innovative, and creative, teamwork is a necessary virtue to have in these kinds of work environments.

7 key roles in every dedicated software development team

• Project manager

• Business analyst

• Product owner

• UI/UX designer

• Software developer

• QA engineer

• DevOps engineer

Applying ethics in a tech workplace

• practice the principles of effective teamwork

  • Be kind and respectful

  • Be humble and willing to learn

• follow through on commitments (accountability and responsibility)

• do not harm nor disturb other people, their work, and their files (confidentiality), (trust and credibility)

• think about the social consequences of the system you are designing (legal and ethical obligations)

• do not do anything illegal on your computer (legal and ethical obligations), (honesty and transparency)

Benefits of Ethics in the Workplace

Employee Satisfaction and Retention — ethical standards help establish a certain expectation for how organizational operations affect employees’ wellbeing and personal interests.

Improved Workplace Culture — companies with a strong ethical foundation encourage open communication and collaboration, fostering teamwork and innovation

Reduced Legal and Financial Risks — ethical workplaces minimize the risk of lawsuits, penalties, and financial losses.

Public Image and Brand Virtue — acting ethically can significantly improve an organization’s public image and avoid potential criticisms that would arise through unethical behavior.

Gen-Z Compared

1. They are generally more pragmatic (practical and realistic)

2. They have less positive life outlooks

3. They are more interested in belonging to an inclusive, supportive community

4. They have more individualistic, with a strong sense of personal expression

5. They are more politically and socially active

Work Life: Cultural Shifts

From Transactional to Relational — shifting focus from bonuses to foundational care.

Emphasis on Holistic Wellbeing — physical and mental health benefits are central

Increased Employee Expectations — employees expect organizations to show genuine care

Effects of Cultural Shifts

• Quiet Quitting

• Job Hopping

Quiet Quitting

Quiet Quitting is a phenomenon observed in mostly the West where people do no more than the minimum effort required for a job. Some sources interchangeably use quiet quitting with "soft quitting“. Made a big boom, around the year 2020.

Possibly more than 50% of Americans are quiet quitters, where a higher percentage of workers are under 35.

Is quiet quitting unique?

• Name? Yes

• Concept? No

Impact of Quiet Quitting

Positive Impacts

• Improved metal health

• Improved work-life balance

Negative Impacts

• Job loss

• Demotion

• Stalled career growth

Job Hopping

Job Hopping is a phenomenon where employees don’t mind not keeping the job. It is to frequently switching employers (often every 1-3 years) in search of better pay, opportunities, or work culture. The trend is growing with the gig economy

People with signs to Job Hop, tends to be young (around the age of 25-35) or old (around the age of 55-64)