Software Engineering Ethics

Ø  Software engineers must behave in an honest and ethically responsible way if they are to be respected as professionals

Ø  Issues of professionals responsibility:

-          Confidentiality

-          Competence

-          Intellectual property rights

-          Computer misuse

Ø  Rational for the code of ethics:

Because of their roles in developing software systems, software engineers have significant opportunities to do good or cause harm, to enable others to do good or cause harm, or to influence others to do good or cause harm

Ø  Ethical principles

1.       Public

Consistently with the public interest.

2.       Client and employer

A manner that is in the best interests of their client and employer consistent with the public interest.

3.       Product

Ensure that their products and related modifications meet the highest professional standards possible.

4.       Judgment

Maintain integrity and independence in their professional judgment.

5.       Management

Subscribe to and promote an ethical approach to the management of software development and maintanance.

6.       Profession

Advance the integrity and reputation of the profession consistent with the public interest

7.       Colleagues.

Be fair to and supportive of their colleagues.

8.       Self

Participate in life long learning regarding the practice of their profession and shall promote an ethical approach to the practice of their pofession.