How the New Software Engineering Code of Ethics Affects You

Vol. 1, Chapter 2, pp. 79-85

Presented by Naiana CamposUniversity of Central Florida – EEL 6883

Don Gotterbarn - Software Engineering Ethics Research Institute

Where can I find the code of ethics?

http://www.acm.org/serving/se/code.htm#full

Full Version

http://www.acm.org/serving/se/code.htm#short

Short Version

What is the code of Ethics?

"Code represents a movement toward an international consensus of what software engineers believe to be their professional obligations."

Don Gotterbarn, "How the New Software Engineering Code of EthicsAffects You," IEEE Software, vol. 16,  no. 6,  pp. 58-64,Nov/Dec,1999.

Chronology of The CODE:

12/1996 – First Draft delivered to IEEE-CS/ACM Sterring Committee

7/1997 – Published/Open to comments

12/1997 – New revision based on comments

9/1998 – IEEE formal technical review

1998 – Passed a legal review

12/1998 – Approved by ACM and IEEE

Don Gotterbarn, "How the New Software Engineering Code of EthicsAffects You," IEEE Software, vol. 16,  no. 6,  pp. 58-64,Nov/Dec,1999.

Why have a code of ethics?

Don Gotterbarn, "How the New Software Engineering Code of EthicsAffects You," IEEE Software, vol. 16,  no. 6,  pp. 58-64,Nov/Dec,1999.

Because it serves several functions:

InspirationSupport for the well intentioned

workerPublic image

Because it serves several functions:

GuidanceEducationLegal Matters

Benefits Companies

Adopt/Reinforce

– Early Adopters: Siemens Information Systems’ Software Development

Center United Kingdom Royal Mail

Steps to adopt

Carefully read the Code of Ethics. Verify that your organization is willing

to follow the Code of Ethics. Complete and submit the online

application . Incorporate the Code of Ethics into

your organization. http://csciwww.etsu.edu/gotterbarn/secepp/page.asp?Name=Steps

Made to be flexible:

“current standards”

?Beneficial to the professional?

Each has Own moral/ethical standards

How similar to the code is your own principles???

Software Engineering

Code of Ethics and professional practice

Adopted by

ACM

IEEE

Principles:

1. PUBLIC – 2. CLIENT AND EMPLOYER – 3. PRODUCT – 4. JUDGMENT – 5. MANAGEMENT – 6. PROFESSION – 7. COLLEAGUES – 8. SELF –

Principle 1: PUBLIC

Software engineers shall act consistently with the public interest.

Principle 2: CLIENT AND EMPLOYER

Software engineers shall act in a manner that is in the best interests of their client and employer, consistent with the public interest.

Principle 3: PRODUCT

Software engineers shall ensure that their products and related modifications meet the highest professional standards possible.

Principle 4: JUDGMENT

Software engineers shall maintain integrity and independence in their professional judgment.

Principle 5: MANAGEMENT

Software engineering managers and leaders shall subscribe to and promote an ethical approach to the management of software development and maintenance .

Principle 6: PROFESSION

Software engineers shall advance the integrity and reputation of the profession consistent with the public interest.

Principle 8: SELF

Software engineers shall participate in lifelong learning regarding the practice of their profession and shall promote an ethical approach to the practice of the profession.

Note:

How is the S.E. ethical code going to influence your actions?

Article References:

[1] Texas Board of Professional Engineers, "Board Establishes Software Engineering Discipline," http://www.main.org/peboardsofupdt.htm(current 22 Oct. 1999).

[2] D. Gotterbarn, "Software Engineering Ethics," Encyclopedia of Software Engineering, J. Marciniak, ed., John Wiley&Sons, New York, 1994.

[3] M.W. Martin et al., Ethics in Engineering, 2nd ed., McGraw-Hill, New York, 1989.

[4] R. Anderson, "The ACM Code of Ethics: History, Process, and Implications," Social Issues in Computing, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1995, pp. 48-72.

[5] D. Gotterbarn, "Software Engineering: The New Professionalism," The Professional Software Engineer, C. Myer, ed., Springer-Verlag, New York, 1996.

[6] S.L. Edgar, Morality and Machines: Perspectives on Computer Ethics, Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Sudbury, Mass., 1997.

Thank You!