The Association of Computing Machines (ACM) is one of the oldest professional bodies in the ICT
sector. You have been asked to study their code of ethics and professional conduct in order to
create a presentation that will be shared with all the employees at your company.
What are the ACM’s general ethical principles
The ACM's general ethical principles are as follows:
1. General Moral Imperatives: This principle emphasizes the importance of ethical actions and decisions in computing professionals' conduct. It promotes the well-being of society, respecting individuals' rights, and maintaining integrity and trustworthiness.
2. Professional Responsibilities: Professionals should prioritize fulfilling their obligations to society, colleagues, clients, and employers. They should ensure their work is accurate and of high quality, protecting the public interest and avoiding harm.
3. Professional Competence: Computing professionals should strive to improve their expertise, knowledge, and skills continuously. They should be well-informed about emerging trends and advancements while ensuring their work is done competently and diligently.
4. Honesty and Integrity: Professionals should be truthful and trustworthy, promoting trustworthiness in all professional relationships. They should only make honest claims and representations related to their work and protect others' privacy and confidentiality.
5. Respect for Privacy: Professionals are required to respect and protect people's privacy and confidentiality. They should only access, use, or disclose personal information with appropriate authorization and for legitimate purposes.
6. Respect for Intellectual Property: Computing professionals should respect and support the intellectual property rights of others. They should adhere to relevant laws and regulations regarding copyrights, patents, trademarks, and trade secrets while responsibly providing and using software and other computing resources.
7. Respect for the Work of Others: Professionals should value and give proper credit to the contributions made by others in their field. They should not plagiarize, wrongfully claim authorship, or replicate someone else's work without authorization.
8. Social Responsibility: Professionals should be aware of societal issues and their potential impact on the well-being of individuals and communities. They should use their knowledge and expertise to address these issues, promote accessibility, and contribute positively to society.
9. Leadership: Professionals should be proactive in influencing ethical behavior in their organizations and society. They should foster ethical practices and create a supportive and diverse work environment that encourages others to adhere to ethical standards.
10. Avoiding Harm: Professionals should take measures to minimize, avoid, or eliminate negative consequences or harm caused by their professional activities. They should consider the potential impact of their work and prioritize the safety and well-being of others.
These ethical principles form the foundation of the ACM's Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, guiding computing professionals in their ethical decision-making and behavior.