
Help you understand how to
with reference to the codes of
conduct, for example:
› The British Computer Society (BCS) code of conduct
› The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) code of
ethics and professional conduct

In G061 3.1.7 we looked at different computer
related laws.

These

In extension to these laws, a code of conduct can
specify a
.
by those living

Usually, codes of conduct relate to ethical and moral
issues that are not defined by law.

This means that if you

However, if you
you are

In the workplace, if you break a signed code of
conduct agreement,

Essentially, they are
.
you
.
.
,
.

Ethics (relating to ICT) are about the:
› Sensible
› Legal
› Moral
uses of ICT.

They are designed to develop and make best use
of technology without taking advantage of an
individual.

Read page 212 of the text book.

Look at the reasons why codes of conduct are
written and the examples that are given that relate
to those reasons.

Identify codes of conduct within your school and
explain why they exist.

Set boundaries for what is expected from an employee.

Establish what can and can’t be done on a computer.

Provide expectations of behaviour.

Set out rights, role and responsibilities of employees.

They set out what do if an employee breaks a code of
conduct.

Gives an organisation a professional standing within an
industry and to its customers.

British Computer Society (UK based).

The BCS code of conduct generalises the
responsibilities that a member should abide by.

It is not as detailed and specific as an organisation
may have for its workers but offers an approach
from which all codes of conduct can arise from.

It covers the following aspects:
› Public Interest
› Duty to relevant authority
› Duty to the profession
› Professional competence and integrity

This is about:
› Having respect for the environment.
› Working safely for your benefit and others.

This is about:
› Having respect for an authority which governs a member’s
actions, be it an individual, client or organisation.
› Using professional judgement when dealing with certain
situations.
› Avoiding conflict with relevant authorities.
› Ensuring that personal data is not disclosed to third parties
or used for personal gain.

This is about promoting ICT by:
› Supporting other users
› Behaving in a professional manner
› Taking care when making public statements

This is about:
› Members updating their ICT knowledge and skills on a
regular basis.
 This also involves not claiming to know more than you do!
› Members should encourage other members to work within
the code of conduct.
› Members take full responsibility for the work of sub-
ordinates.

Read through the full BCS code of conduct.
› http://www.bcs.org/server.php?show=nav.6030

Make a spider diagram for each section of the
code which summarises its contents.

Association of Computing Machinery (USA based).
› “ACM is widely recognized as the premier membership
organization for computing professionals, delivering
resources that advance computing as a science and a
profession; enable professional development; and
promote policies and research that benefit society.”
– ACM about web page.

Designed to help individuals make ethical
decisions and provides a formal way of making a
complaint.

It is broken down into different sections:
› General moral imperatives
› More specific professional responsibilities
› Organisational leadership imperatives
› Compliance with the code

Read through this webpage.
› http://www.acm.org/about/code-of-ethics

Create a spider diagram which summaries each
point from the following sections:
› General moral imperatives
› More specific professional responsibilities
› Organisational leadership imperatives
› Compliance with the code
Review your two spider diagrams.

Create a Venn Diagram which shows some of the
similarities and differences from both codes.
Common

You could, if you find it easier, create a
table with 3 columns.
ACM
Common
BCS
…
…
…

In the exam you will be expected to talk about the
advantages and disadvantages of following a
code of conduct.

The codes of conduct from the BCS and the ACM
address ethical issues.

Therefore, you can relate your answers to principles
found in BCS and the ACM codes of conducts.

Because codes of conduct aren’t laws, individuals
and organisations don’t have to follow them.

This means, legally, an individual or company can
benefit over those people who are actually
working in accordance with the codes of conduct.

This example is not suitable for an exam, but is
designed to help you understand ethics.
› Some companies sign up to follow the Fair Trade principles
whilst others do not.
› Those who do not follow the Fair Trade principles tend to
make larger profits…but is this ethical?
 They pay their workers far less (maybe as much as 60p per
day) and make larger profits.

Complete the activity on page 216 of the text
book.

For each scenario, explain what the consequences
of the action would be.