Relevance Of Acm Professional Code Of Ethics Essay Examples

Paper 1

Introduction
All organizations are invariably governed by a set of rules and principles. The said rules are precisely meant to control the behavior of all members of an organization. In view of this, code of ethics is a set of rules, guidelines, and principles in an organization that is meant to help in making vital decisions. It is important to note that the decision encompasses choosing between the right and wrong. Notably, such rules mentioned above must be followed by all members of an organization. Any member who disregards the said code of ethics is subjected to penalties and sanctions. Professional code of ethics refers to personal, organizational and corporate standards of behavior that all professional are expected to adhere. Furthermore, professionals apply their knowledge and skills when exercising their daily duties. Prevalently, professional are capable of making judgment, apply their skills and make an informal decision that anyone else cannot.

Definition

Association for Computing Machinery abbreviated as ACM is a global learning society for computing. The mentioned association has a professional code of ethics that guide the behavior and conduct of its members. The two distinct and imperative professional codes of ethics that permits the association to ascertain its goals include: Professional responsibility and competency, in achievement of the said ethical code, the members must embrace the use of special knowledge and skills in protecting fundamental human rights and welfare. Additionally, all members of ACM association should acknowledge and respect existing laws related to professional work [4]. Honest and trustworthy is the second issue covered under ACM Professional code of ethics. Honest and trustworthy is a critical virtue that assists members to transparent and sincere not only to the association but all members of the association. The mentioned code of ethics intends to guide and direct members of ACM to behave in a professional manner.Background information of ACM
Association of Computing Machinery was launched in the year 1972 and was adopted by ACM Council in 1992 as a key overhaul of the initial code. All members of ACM are entitled to ethical professional conduct laid down by the ACM Association. Imperatively, the said professional conduct applies to all members of the association. ACM code of conduct has five main Principles that were stipulated in terms of ethical consideration and disciplinary rules. Failure to adhere to the said principles attracts penalties and punishment.ACM Issues and Principles
The already mentioned code of conduct addresses various issues and principles that regulate the behavior of professional in the organization. All members of ACM association must acquire and maintain professional competence and prestige of the profession [3]. Professional competence can only be achieved by taking part in setting the standards and striving to achieve the set standards. Such standards can only be acquired through upgrade of technical knowledge and competence. Prevalently, it is only through independent study, attending seminars, course and involvement in a professional organization that the mention skills and competence can be upgraded. All members of ACM must act with utmost professional to avoid legal tussles.
Similarly, all ACM members must act with professionalism and accept responsibility. The mentioned principles addresses myriad issues related to confidentiality; professionals must respect confidentiality of their employees and clients. Computer misuse is another issue covered under this principle; professionals are not permitted to use their technical skills to misuse other peoples’ computers [5]. In addition to the above, intellectual property rights, for instance, patent and copyright must be protected.
Professionals who are members of ACM must work with diligence and avoid harm to others. Members should prevent property damage; avoid loss of information, loss of property and unwanted environmental impact. ACM professionalism should not have adverse effects on its users who include; General public, employees, and employers. If the above-mentioned principle is adhered to, then, environmental degradation and safety of the populace is well protected. In addition, the organization property is well secured from theft and damage.
Contribution to society and human being is one of the most important aspects of ACM code of ethics. Members of the ACM association should use their professional knowledge and skills in order to protect fundamental human rights and fully respect diversity of all cultures [2]. The main purpose of ACM professionals is to minimize the risk of the computing system, including threats to human health and environmental safety. The said principle will address issues such discrimination and professional intimidation at workplaces.
All Associations are governed both by internal and international law and standards. ACM being one of the associations is as well subjected to such standards [1]. Members must, therefore, know and respect existing local, state and international laws pertaining to professional work. Similarly, all members are required to obey policies and procedure the same organization they employed to work with. It is imperative to note that disobedience of the said law comes with responsibility. The discussed principles protect the members from penalties and fines. Additionally, peace will prevail, and legal tussles pertaining to broken laws will be avoided.
Honesty and trustworthy are basic human virtues that must be upheld by all professionals. Honest is a vital element of trust. Trustworthy permits an organization to function more effectively. ACM members should, therefore, avoid false claims concerning the system and system design. As a matter of fact, the members should avail all pertinent system limitations and problem. The explained limitations and problems if disclosed to the general public, issues of legal battles and warranty problems will be totally avoided. Furthermore, the mention trust and honesty assist ACM members not to misrepresent the ACM policies and procedures.Importance of ACM professional code of ethics
It is worth mention that the already discussed ACM issues have an impact on the organization code ethics. To begin with, all members should respect and obey both internal and international standards. By doing so, they will work professionally inconsistent with the public interest. Also, by honest and trustworthy will promote ethically responsible relationship among employees, employers and clients in an organization. Furthermore, ACM code of ethics assist in making managerial decisions and creating a common framework in which all the decision are made [6]. The mentioned will bring cohesive understanding among members of the association and stakeholders and the general public.
All ACM members are required to upgrade their technical knowledge and competency. The above will assist them to carry out their duties diligently and without misrepresentation. The discussed ethical conduct offers an epochal opportunity for an organization to create positive public identity for itself and enhance public confidence [3]. Similarly, all members are required to act with professionalism and accept responsibility as well. The immediate will hamper public outcry and promote due diligence among the members of the association. An effective code of ethic establishes the ethical expectation of employees and management and sets the mechanism for better enforcement and consequences of non-compliance. Furthermore, the ACM issues protect the company’s’ image and culture.Conclusion

Works Cited

[1] Barnett, Peter D. Ethics in forensic science: professional standards for the practice of criminalistics. USA: CRC Press, 2001.
[2] Brinkman, William, and Alton Sanders. Ethics in a computing culture. Boston: Cengage Learning, 2012.
[3] Brown, Fred, ed. Journalism ethics: A casebook of professional conduct for news media. USA: Marion Street Press, 2011.
[4] Duquenoy, Penny, Simon Jones, and Barry G. Blundell. Ethical, legal and professional issues in computing. Britain: Thomson, 2008.
[5] Heathcote, Pat M. 'A'Level ICT. Britain: Payne Gallway, 2003.
[6] Reynolds, George. Ethics in information technology. USA: Cengage learning, 2011.