The ACM Code of Ethics

October 28, 2011

The ACM Code of Ethics

            We as the member of ACM as well as a computer professional; we need to make sure our actions in our professional as well as personal life, follows the ACM code of ethics. In long run, if we follow the ACM code of ethics, we as an individual, as well as our company would have higher probability of reaching the goals and objectives. The codes would integrate all computer professionals giving them the correct path to practice what is right and ethical. We need to abide by the ACM code of ethics by following all sections as general moral imperatives, more specific professional responsibilities, organizational leadership imperatives and compliance with the code (Code of Ethics - Association for Computing Machinery).

            In general moral imperatives for ACM code of ethics, we have to contribute to society and human well-being by building applications that would be helpful. We should avoid the use of computer technology to harm other users, employees, employers or the general public. Honesty being the essential component of trust, an organization cannot function effectively without trust (Anderson, Ronald E, Page 101). An individual must be honest in disclosing both the advantages as well as the problems that is present in the system. We need to incorporate within our work environment, the values of equality, tolerance, respect and the principles of equal justice (Code of Ethics - Association for Computing Machinery). We should also honor property rights including copyrights and patent. We should always give proper credit to intellectual property as well as respect the privacy of others. All the information that we have in our database is personal property and we should not misuse it in any manner. Therefore, we need to honor the confidentiality of the information we have access to.

            More specific professional responsibilities includes strive to achieve the highest quality, effectiveness and dignity in both the process and products of professional work. We as a computer professional always need to acquire and maintain professional competence by constantly learning the new technologies to upgrade ourselves. We also need to obey existing laws or be responsible for not obeying it. It is always ethical to accept the professional review of our co-workers as well as provide the critical review for the works of others (Code of Ethics - Association for Computing Machinery).  We have a special responsibility of providing credible evaluations that may have conflicts as well as we should honor contracts, agreements, and assigned responsibilities (Code of Ethics - Association for Computing Machinery). We should disclose the facts about our progress. We also have a responsibility of informing the public about the system we created, its limitations and its consequences. Trespassing and unauthorized use of computers is unethical, and we should completely avoid it unless we are authorized to do so (Code of Ethics - Association for Computing Machinery).

Organizational leadership imperatives help the organization and the leaders of the organization to lead the business ethically for its long term objectives. Hence, the compliance with the code would secure the membership in ACM for any computer professionals else, otherwise, would be terminated (Code of Ethics - Association for Computing Machinery).

            As a member of ACM, I would seriously abide by the codes of ethics given by ACM. I personally think that we as a computer professional should use our knowledge to make people’s life even easier and not harm others or disguise in any means. Hence, we need to follow ACM code of ethics in our organizations.

Works Cited:

Anderson, Ronald E., Deborah G. Johnson, Donald Gotterbarn, and Judith Perrolle. "Using the      New ACM Code of Ethics in Decision Making." ACM Digital Library. ACM New York, NY, USA, Feb. 1993. Web. 29 Oct. 2011. <http://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=151220.151231>.                                 

"Code of Ethics - Association for Computing Machinery." Welcome — Association for Computing Machinery. ACM, 16 Oct. 1992. Web. 29 Oct. 2011. <http://www.acm.org/about/code-of-ethics>.