Development of a Code of Ethics: It Challenges Essay Example

specifically on how individuals conduct themselves professionally in terms of accessing information and utilizing technology. To ensure ethical behavior in IT, it is imperative that professionals adhere to a code of personal ethics and morals in their field.

Ensuring employer integrity and avoiding personal misuse of sensitive information is the responsibility of those with access to such data. Unethical utilization of information technology can lead to major issues like a rise in cybercrime, which was not previously a concern but has now become widespread in society. For example, an individual who may have been reluctant to commit physical burglary could resort to hacking computers for identity theft. If not addressed, this problem will only worsen.

According to Rochelle Brooks, the increasing incidents of stealing, lying, and cheating among American high school students may ultimately affect the future of Information Technology (IT). Brooks believes that if morals and ethics are not instilled in the youth at an early age, their unethical behavior will persist. She cites a survey by the Josephson Institute which reveals a rise in such behavior among American students (Josephson Institute, 2009). Brooks warns that if unethical usage of technology persists due to the trend of increased unethical behavior among youth, it can have dangerous consequences.

Before the next generation of IT professionals enter the field, academics and governmental policy must address the issues in order to prevent the continued increase of unethical behavior in IT. James Moor, in his paper "What is Computer Ethics," posits that computers are a universally adaptable tool with limitless potential applications and consequent ethical issues (Moor, 1985). Therefore, a code of ethics must be developed to address potential

ethical issues arising from IT, beginning with individuals and extending to educational institutions, workplaces, and governmental policy. It is necessary to instill a universal code of conduct in our education system that emphasizes the consequences of IT misuse.

To effectively teach and apply a code of conduct, it's necessary to have governing laws discouraging unethical IT behavior at work. A mere "slap on the wrist" from the law won't suffice in deterring such behavior. The aim is to establish a system that decreases rather than increases such conduct. Education, work policies, and governmental laws should support the individual in this system. With online education advancing, how can we create an academic code of ethics? A formal document outlining academic integrity, agreed upon and signed by both students and faculty, would be a good start.

Advanced computer software has enabled many institutions to implement anti-cheating measures and detect plagiarism. Students should be informed of the potential consequences, such as expulsion, if caught cheating. To cultivate an ethical society, ethics classes should be mandatory at all educational levels from elementary school through university.

Acquiring knowledge about computers at an early age is crucial for students due to technology's significant role in daily life. However, misuse of this technology can occur with increased familiarity. Therefore, it's important to instill ethical values and principles related to IT and computer technology from the beginning. Margaret Anne Pierce, a mathematics and computers teacher at Georgia Southern University, has divided ethical decisions regarding computer technology into three main influences: personal code, informal workplace ethical behavior codes, and exposure to formal ethics codes (Pierce & Henry, 1996).

The text briefly discusses the different factors that affect ethical

decisions in computer technology or IT. The primary consideration in making these decisions, whether in society or at work, is an individual's own moral and ethical judgment. Having a formal code of ethics that outlines acceptable behavior within any organization or academic institution is also crucial. Laws and policies have weight only when they are implemented and enforced. Margaret Anne Pierce identifies the second most important influence on ethical decisions as any informal code of ethical behavior that exists in the workplace, which directly affects decision-making.

Informal code refers to a type of code that is not bound by laws or policies but is commonly understood and influenced by the actions and decisions of others. An example of this can be seen in the workplace where a co-worker may inform a new employee that not clocking out for lunch is acceptable occasionally. By responding positively or negatively, the new employee can either become accepted as part of the informal code or an outsider. (Margaret Anne Pierce and John W.)

In their article "Computer Ethics: The Role of Personal, Informal, and Formal Codes," Pelfrey and Peachock (1991) cite Henry's observation that pressure from subordinates and peers within organizations can lead to unethical behavior. This is often rationalized by the belief that "everyone else does it," which undermines the effectiveness of any formal code. These informal codes can have a significant impact on decision-making in IT or computer ethics, and must be addressed. Often, individuals may not intend to act unethically until they are influenced by others in their workplace. This is where whistleblowers play a crucial role in organizations. They refuse to compromise on unethical practices and

instead shed light on them by reporting them to their managers, leaders, or higher authorities.

A workplace policy that encourages employees to report unethical behavior, especially if anonymous, can deter them from engaging in such practices. The fear of being caught without knowing who reported them is likely to prevent individuals from taking the risk and potentially losing their jobs. Ethics and morality related to IT are critical issues, as unscrupulous individuals who possess intelligence and have access to personal, political, or organizational data can pose a considerable danger to society. The consequences could include the exposure of trade secrets or government secrets to terrorists, fraud involving personal information or stolen identities, compromised bank accounts, and numerous other potential situations.

To reduce unethical behavior, IT professionals should be educated about a standard code of ethics and there must be zero tolerance for such conduct.