ETHICSinIT_Chapter 2

  • Chapter Overview

  • Title: Ethics for IT Workers and IT Users

  • Author: George W. Reynolds

  • Edition: Sixth Edition | Year: 2019

Key Concepts

Ethics in Information Technology

  • Ethical behavior in IT is crucial for maintaining trust with stakeholders.

  • IT professionals must manage various relationships:

    • With employers

    • With clients

    • With suppliers

    • With other professionals

    • With IT users

    • With society at large

Case Study: Queensland and IBM

  • Background: Queensland state outsourced a $5 million payroll application to IBM.

  • Outcome: Project faced severe delays and inaccuracies; costs ballooned to over $1 billion.

  • Investigation: Allegations of unethical behavior by IBM during the bidding process surfaced.

  • Key Learning: Successful outsourcing relies on trust and strong relationships.

Relationships between IT Workers and Employers

  • Critical aspects: job expectations, performance evaluations, and ethical use of IT resources.

  • Examples of policies:

    • Drug-testing

    • Dress code

    • Leave policies

  • Ethical responsibilities in using company resources and preventing software piracy.

Software Piracy and IT Workers

  • Definition: The unauthorized use of software.

  • IT workers can either enable or combat software piracy in organizations.

  • North America has the lowest software piracy rates, yet significant losses occur ($10 billion annually).

Whistle-Blowing

  • Definition: Reporting unethical or illegal practices within an organization.

  • Risks: Potential retaliation or termination can deter employees from whistle-blowing.

Client Relationships in IT

  • IT workers must ensure transparency and fulfill contractual obligations to clients.

  • Ethical dilemmas: Conflict of interest in recommending products/services.

Trade Secrets

  • Definition: Confidential information that provides a competitive advantage.

  • Companies protect trade secrets through confidentiality agreements.

Internal Controls and Compliance

  • Internal control systems protect company resources and ensure compliance with policies.

  • Compliance with regulations like the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) is essential for IT practices.

Ethical Dilemmas Faced by IT Workers

Common Ethical Issues

  • Résumé Inflation: Misrepresentation of qualifications or skills on résumés.

  • Inappropriate Sharing of Corporate Information: Unauthorized dissemination of sensitive information.

  • Bribery: Offering or accepting undue advantages to influence business decisions.

Encouraging Professionalism in IT Workers

Key Characteristics of a Professional

  • Expertise in required skills.

  • Adherence to ethical standards.

  • High-quality performance and commitments.

  • Effective communication.

Steps to Enhance Professionalism

  1. Subscribe to professional codes of ethics.

  2. Join and participate in professional organizations (e.g., ACM, IEEE).

  3. Obtain relevant certifications.

  4. Support government licensing frameworks where applicable.

Encouraging Ethical Behavior Among IT Users

  • Establishing clear guidelines for acceptable use of company resources.

  • Define an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) that covers:

    • Purpose

    • Scope

    • Compliance and sanctions

  • Set up internal monitoring and auditing mechanisms to ensure compliance with ethical practices in IT use.

Summary of Key Ethical Issues in IT

  • IT workers must navigate complex relationships and face various ethical challenges, including maintaining integrity in client dealings, upholding confidentiality, fostering ethical workplace behavior, and managing compliance with laws and regulations.

  • Continuous professional development and adherence to ethical standards are vital for the credibility and effectiveness of IT professionals.

Encouraging the Professionalism of IT Workers

Definition of a Professional

A professional is characterized by:

  • Expertise in the necessary tools and skills for their job.

  • Adherence to high ethical and moral standards.

  • Consistent production of high-quality results.

  • Reliability in meeting commitments.

  • Effective communication skills.

  • Commitment to training and developing less skilled or experienced individuals.

Improving Professionalism in IT

IT workers can enhance the profession's reputation by:

  1. Subscribing to a professional code of ethics.

  2. Joining and participating in professional organizations.

  3. Obtaining relevant certifications.

  4. Supporting government licensing frameworks where applicable.

Professional Codes of Ethics

  • A code of ethics outlines essential principles and values for a specific occupational group.

  • Benefits of adhering to a professional code include:

    • Ethical decision-making based on shared core values.

    • High standards of practice reinforcing professional responsibilities.

    • Increased trust and respect from the public towards the profession.

    • A benchmark for self-evaluation and peer recognition.

Professional Organizations

  • There is no universal code of ethics for IT workers, but many organizations exist to support networking and professional development.

  • Key organizations include:

    • ACM (Association for Computing Machinery): Global computing society promoting ethical standards and practices.

    • IEEE-CS (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society): Largest IT professional association offering conferences and publications.

    • AITP (Association of Information Technology Professionals): Focuses on leadership and continuous education in IT.

    • SANS Institute: Provides information security training and publishes various security updates.

Certification

  • Certification indicates proficiency in specific skills and knowledge endorsed by the certifying organization.

  • Various organizations offer certifications relevant to career aspirations, but the value of certifications can vary among employers.

Licensing of IT Professionals

  • Licensing ensures minimal competence to protect public welfare and safety, becoming increasingly relevant in complex IT environments.

  • The case for licensing IT workers includes:

    • The complexity of modern information systems.

    • Improved adherence to ethical codes and professional standards.

  • NCEES offers licensing exams for software engineers, requiring educational credentials, experience, and ongoing learning.

IT Professional Malpractice

  • Non-licensed IT professionals often work under the industrial exemption clause but could face legal issues if they misrepresent their qualifications.

  • Negligence, defined as a failure to act reasonably, leads to professional malpractice when duties are breached, subject to higher standards of evaluation.

Summary

Encouraging professionalism among IT workers involves adherence to ethical codes, active participation in professional organizations, pursuing certifications, and considering licensing to foster standards that benefit individuals, the profession, and society.