Codes of conduct are a voluntary
extension to existing laws, defining how
indivudals should conduct themselves
using IT
Usually related to ethical and moral issues.
Not defined in law so has no
legal standing
People who sign up are subject to
organisations disciplinary procedures
Reasons
Set boundaries on what can be done using ICT
Limits on what www can be used for
Not using company computers for personal /
install software for personal use
Limit on private emails
Set out expectations of what is and isn't
acceptable behaviour. Employee can't plead
ignorance when disciplined
Not using emails to flirt/ bully/ gossip or
IT to access adult/ violent material
Set out right and responsibility. Employees
feel values and know expectations.
Employers take employees seriously
Employees: Keeping passwords private,
regularly delete old files to save storage
Right to see emails written
about them by others
Employers: Provide training courses and
regularly audit health and safety of equiment
Set out disciplinary procedures e.g. warnings,
pay reduction, demotion or suspension
Gives organisation good image in industry.
Impresses customers and investors
Set out minimum competence levels for
employees. Employees must be trained to
maintain good quality work
Set standards of confidentiality.
Sensitive information doesn't go
outside organisation.
Employee doesn't talk about take
over bid with friends/ family
British Computer Society (BCS)
Code of conduct
Covers general responsibilities
Public Interest: Respect for health
and safety and the environment
Duty to relevant authority: Respect for
employer or client. Being diligent and using
professional judgement. Avoiding conflicts
and protecting confidential iformation
Duty to profession: Behaving professionally in
industry and with other members. Promoting ICT
and supporting other users of ICT. Taking care
with public statements
Professional Competence: Be regularly updates on
ICT knowledge and skills. Only claim level of
competence they have. Taking responsibility for
work of subordiates
ACM Code of Ethics and
Professional Conduct
Covers American people
General Moral Imperatives: Contributing to society,
avoiding harm. Being honest, fair and confidential.
Respecting copyrights and intellectual property
More Specific Professional Responsibilities: Respecting
laws. Working with high quality and competence.
Respecting contracts. No unauthorised access.
Organisation Leadership Imperatives: Communicate social
responsibilities to staff. Manage staff and resources
efficiently. Express requirements of users when building a
system. Proper training. Support policies protecting people
using computers.
Compliance with code: Uphold and promote
code, discipline violations of code
Discussing
ethics
Advantages
O- May attract customers with good behaviour, hoesty and quality
O- Career development, financial incentives and recognition of
experience from being within an IT society
Disadvantages
X- May have competitive disadvantage due to restrictions