The ACM code of ethics is regarded as a collection of the principles, rules, laws, and even guidelines shaped to assist the computing professionals in making ethically responsible decisions while in professional practice. It also plays a key role in translating broad ethical ideas into more concrete statements regarding professional conduct. In addition, the update of the ACM code of ethics plays a significant role in the expression of values, experiences, aspirations of all the computing professionals across the world. Most importantly, it captures the conscience of professionals around the globe. It also states that it is the responsibility of computing personnel: both collectively and individually, to use their skills appropriately for the benefit of society. This paper will look at and analyze the ACM code of ethics Section 2.7 and why the principle is regarded as a good ethical principle, especially for computer professionals.
Section 2.7 of the ACM code of ethics clearly states that it is the responsibility of the computing professionals to come up with an appropriate strategy to share the technical knowledge with the general public. The strategy should also create awareness and encourage the public to gain a better understanding of the computers (Gotterbarn et al. 124). Nonetheless, the code also states that communication to the general public should be clearer, respectful, and welcoming (Tavani 106). This paves the way or enables the professionals to closely monitor the reception of a system or how society uses the system, hence allowing the organization to remain consistent with their ethical obligations stated in the code.
A well-communicated code of conduct plays a key role in clarifying the organizational values, mission, and principles by linking them with the obligated standards of professional conduct, making the ACM code of ethics Section 2.7 one of the best ethical guidelines in the computing profession (Tavani 110). In addition, the code is also against the emerging ethical issues such as falsifying the data, an individual deliberately making misleading claims, bribery acceptation, and any other violations of the Code. The laws clearly state that the computing professional should always address any false or misleading information related to computer matters. Therefore, the relevant computer professionals should always give truthful information about their qualifications and limitations towards completing an assigned task.
In the theory of deontology that is based on moral values, honesty is one of the major values. It is addressed in the ACM code of conduct because it is a true reflection of an individual’s professionalism (Tavani 59). The computing professionals should be forthright regarding any issue that might cause a real or perceived form of conflicts of interest hence influencing the independence of judgment. The code of conduct also mandates that professionals not to mispresent an entity’s values, policies, and procedures. They should not speak on behalf of the firm unless authorized to do so.
Nonetheless, the restriction on speaking on behalf of an organization helps reduce or prevent the organizational employees from giving false information to the general public. However, it is also vital for the employees to give out crucial details about how the system works and the potential challenges. These individuals are the bosses, co-workers, customers, and managers (Tavani 124). Therefore, it is clear that the ACM code of conduct is a good ethical guideline principle because it advocates for honesty, a moral value that is upheld in the code of ethics.
In conclusion, the ACM code of conduct expresses the basic conscience of the profession. It was designed to primarily inspire and guide the ethical conducts of the computer professionals, including the aspiring and the current practitioners, influencers, students, instructors, and any individual using computer technology in an impactful manner. The code also serves as a primary criterion for remediation in times of violations. That is why it is one of the significant and crucial ethical guidelines to be used by computer professionals.
Works Cited
Gotterbarn, Don, et al. “ACM Code of Ethics: A Guide for Positive Action,” 2017, pp. 121-128.
Tavani, Herman T. Ethics, and Technology: Controversies, Questions, and Strategies for Ethical Computing. John Wiley & Sons, 2011.