Introduction

I admit that I violated the law. However, you cannot blame me. It is my first year as CEO and I am not yet experienced at hiding all my legal violations!
Read 150 cartoons and their moral definitions at
Ethicisms and Their Risks:
150 new cartoons about ethics at work by Muel Kaptein.

In this chapter, you'll explore the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Code of Ethics, how to use it, and how to blow the whistle on a company that is not complying with industry standards and laws. You'll also explore the notion that codes don't work.

Then, you'll examine dilemmas that might present themselves in your future job and devise solutions in relation to the Code of Ethics. You'll base your ideas on the knowledge you've gained throughout the course.

And, if you need extra credit points, synthesize what you've learned from an in-person or online talk and post about it in discussion.

The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)

ACM Code of Ethics and logo
"Computing professionals' actions change the world. To act responsibly, they should reflect upon the wider impacts of their work, consistently supporting the public good. The ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct ("the Code") expresses the conscience of the profession."
Reading List

After the initial reading, do you think the codes are useful? Would you and your collegues adhere to them? Some experts believe that many people won't adhere to them...read about some of the reasons why:

Whistleblowing

If your colleagues aren't adhering to their company and/or professional codes of ethics, what can you do to ensure privacy, security, and safety of your constituents? Telling someone in authority (whistleblowing) might be a consequence that you must partake in. The following resources provide whistleblowing services for different situations:

Reading List

Refer to writing instructions under each page of the template provided in step 8.4.2. Open articles in new tabs and add them to your bibliography tool.

Role play

Imagine for the next few hours that you have landed your dream job... the job you are seeking a degree for... the job that will fulfill your personal, professional, and financial goals.

Once you see that job in your mind, determine what is required get that job. You may need to research the position prerequisites.

Next, ask yourself... what computer science-related problems could arise in that job and how might you prevent or solve those problems? Do the dilemmas about what to do create extreme concern for your privacy and safety? Refer to the list of concepts, laws, and organizations, below, that could come into play in that position. (Do you remember reading about them in the previous 7 weeks? It is a comprehensive list of the content of this course.)

Example

Students will complete the assignment on their own copy of the provided template, rather than in collaboration.

Use the following template link to complete this research and writing assignment.

  1. Login to your OSU Google Account.
  2. Launch this chapter's Explore Topics Template.
  3. Do not request permission to use the file. Login to your OSU Google Account.
  4. Once you have the file open:
    Example dilemma page, complete with role-played scenario, reference to an ACM clause and number, and three steps to prevent or solve the problem.
    1. File → Make a copy.
    2. Rename the new file so it includes your "First and Last name" in place of "Template".
    3. Move the file into a folder for this course.
  5. Add the job title you seek to the top of the cover page.
  6. Add your name to the cover page.
  7. Read instructions on the cover page. When in doubt about how to write in the templates, refer back to this page for clarification.
  8. Refer to the green instructions below each page to understand what is required.
  9. Feel free to refer to previous Explore Topics and Examine Cases assignments for ideas and references. To help you make decisions, refer to Santa Clara University's Markkula Center for Applied Ethics Making Decisions flyer and the the Chapter 8 Readings in the previous tabs.
  10. The last page requires a bibliography.