ethics and unethics
Understanding the
Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
1. Foreword
The Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct is designed to help CIPS members maintain the highest levels of ethical conduct and integrity with respect to their professional activities and to ensure they provide the highest level of professional service and respect for all colleagues, allied professionals, employers/clients and the general public. It should not be construed to deny the existence of other ethical or legal obligations equally imperative, although not specifically mentioned.
Information Technology has a large impact on society. In turn, society has the right to demand professionals in this field act in a manner which recognizes their responsibilities toward society, to demand professionals of the highest calibre, and to require a mechanism to protect society from professionals who do not, or cannot, live up to these responsibilities. Information Technology professionals are often granted privileges by virtue of their knowledge and skills; these privileges provide them with both means and opportunity to impact society in ways a layperson cannot. With acceptance of these privileges comes a corresponding obligation to conduct their professional activities in ways that serve the public, and to behave in ways that support fundamental ethical principles.
Applying ethical principles to the Information Technology profession requires an understanding of both the principles and the profession. It also requires the ability to interpret a principle in a way relevant to the professional’s daily work. Frequently, situations arise that involve making judgements based on specific circumstances…. often complex, often involving conflicting ethical principles. There are varying methods to determine which ethical principle prevails.
The distinguishing marks of a profession are its acceptance by the public and the profession's acceptance of its responsibility to the public. CIPS
Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
1. Foreword
The Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct is designed to help CIPS members maintain the highest levels of ethical conduct and integrity with respect to their professional activities and to ensure they provide the highest level of professional service and respect for all colleagues, allied professionals, employers/clients and the general public. It should not be construed to deny the existence of other ethical or legal obligations equally imperative, although not specifically mentioned.
Information Technology has a large impact on society. In turn, society has the right to demand professionals in this field act in a manner which recognizes their responsibilities toward society, to demand professionals of the highest calibre, and to require a mechanism to protect society from professionals who do not, or cannot, live up to these responsibilities. Information Technology professionals are often granted privileges by virtue of their knowledge and skills; these privileges provide them with both means and opportunity to impact society in ways a layperson cannot. With acceptance of these privileges comes a corresponding obligation to conduct their professional activities in ways that serve the public, and to behave in ways that support fundamental ethical principles.
Applying ethical principles to the Information Technology profession requires an understanding of both the principles and the profession. It also requires the ability to interpret a principle in a way relevant to the professional’s daily work. Frequently, situations arise that involve making judgements based on specific circumstances…. often complex, often involving conflicting ethical principles. There are varying methods to determine which ethical principle prevails.
The distinguishing marks of a profession are its acceptance by the public and the profession's acceptance of its responsibility to the public. CIPS