Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
100 countries. The ACM has a code of ethics and professional conduct that includes eight
general moral imperatives that can be used to help guide the actions of IS professionals. These
guidelines can also be used for those who employ or hire IS professionals to monitor and
guide their work. These imperatives are outlined in the following list:
As an ACM member I will …
1.
Contribute to society and human well-being.
2.
Avoid harm to others.
3.
Be honest and trustworthy.
4.
Be fair and take action not to discriminate.
5.
Honor property rights including copyrights and patents.
6.
Give proper credit for intellectual property.
7.
Respect the privacy of others.
8.
Honor confidentiality.
(Source: ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct,
www.acm.org/constitution/
code.html
accessed August 10, 2008.)
The mishandling of the social issues discussed in this chapter—including waste and mis-
takes, crime, privacy, health, and ethics—can devastate an organization. The prevention of
these problems and recovery from them are important aspects of managing information and
information systems as critical corporate assets. Increasingly, organizations are recognizing
that people are the most important component of a computer-based information system and
that long-term competitive advantage can be found in a well-trained, motivated, and knowl-
edgeable workforce.
