Professional Ethics Lecture 6: IT Worker-Client Relationships

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Questions and Answers

What does the IT worker typically provide in the relationship with the client?

Only hardware at a certain cost and within a given time frame

Only software at a certain cost and within a given time frame

Only services at a certain cost and within a given time frame

Hardware, software, or consulting services at a certain cost and within a given time frame (correct)

What does the client provide in the relationship with the IT worker?

Only access to key contacts

Only compensation

Compensation, access to key contacts, and work space (correct)

Only work space

What does the client trust the IT worker to do?

Act without consideration for the client's needs

Act in the client’s best interests (correct)

Act in their own best interests

Act unethically for personal gain

What unethical conduct arises if the company of the IT worker recommends its own products and services to remedy problems they have detected?

Conflict of interest Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of misrepresentation causing a party to enter into a contract?

That party may have the right to cancel the contract or seek reimbursement for damages Signup and view all the answers

What does the IT worker trust the client to do?

Provide relevant information, listen to and understand what the IT worker says, ask questions to understand impact of key decisions, and use the information to make wise choices Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of fraud?

The act of obtaining goods or property through deception or trickery Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of a material breach of contract?

The non-breaching party may cancel the contract, seek restitution, and be discharged from further performance Signup and view all the answers

What ethical issue can arise if IT workers are unable to provide full and accurate project reporting?

Finger pointing and heated discussions Signup and view all the answers

How do IT workers encourage the flow of useful information and ideas from suppliers?

By dealing fairly with the suppliers Signup and view all the answers

What is considered unethical behavior from suppliers in their interactions with IT workers?

Offering gifts that are intended as bribes Signup and view all the answers

What does the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) prohibit?

Bribery involving U.S. money, property, or favors to obtain a business advantage Signup and view all the answers

What do professionals owe each other in their interactions within their profession?

Adherence to their profession's code of conduct Signup and view all the answers

What is résumé inflation?

Exaggerating qualifications on a résumé Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of unethical behavior among IT professionals?

Exaggerating qualifications on job applications Signup and view all the answers

What unethical action is it when a supplier offers an IT worker a gift that is actually intended as a bribe?

Bribery Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

IT Worker-Client Relationship

The IT worker typically provides expertise, technical knowledge, and problem-solving skills to the client.
The client provides information about their needs, requirements, and expectations to the IT worker.

Trust and Expectations

The client trusts the IT worker to honestly diagnose problems, recommend suitable solutions, and provide unbiased advice.
The IT worker trusts the client to provide accurate information, be transparent about their needs, and make informed decisions.

Unethical Conduct and Fraud

If an IT worker's company recommends its own products and services to remedy problems they have detected, it constitutes a conflict of interest and unethical conduct.
Fraud is the intentional deception or misrepresentation with the intent of securing unfair or unlawful gain.
Misrepresentation that causes a party to enter into a contract can lead to legal consequences.

Contractual Obligations

A material breach of contract can result in significant consequences, including termination of the contract and legal action.

Professional Ethics

IT workers have an ethical obligation to provide full and accurate project reporting; failure to do so can lead to mistrust and legal issues.
IT workers should encourage open communication and transparency with suppliers to facilitate the flow of useful information and ideas.

Supplier Interactions

Suppliers should avoid unethical behavior, such as offering bribes or gifts, in their interactions with IT workers.
The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) prohibits bribery of foreign officials, including those in the IT industry.
IT professionals owe each other professionalism, respect, and honesty in their interactions.

Professional Misconduct

Résumé inflation, where an IT professional exaggerates their skills or experience, is an example of unethical behavior.
Another example of unethical behavior is when a supplier offers an IT worker a gift that is actually intended as a bribe.

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Description

This quiz covers the ethical aspects of the relationships between IT workers and clients, as documented in contractual terms. It includes topics such as the provision of hardware, software, and services by IT workers, compensation by clients, and access to key contacts and work space.