Social and Professional Issues in IT

Course Manual: Social and Professional Issues in Information Technology

• This course examines the social impact, implications, and effects of computers, as well as the responsibilities of computer professionals in handling emerging information systems technologies.
• Key topics include computer history, applications, the computing profession, legal and ethical professional responsibilities, and career paths in computing.

Table of Contents (Page 2)

• Orientation (Topic 1)
• Overview of Ethics (Topic 2)
• Ethics for IT Workers and IT Users (Topic 3)
• Cyber Attacks and Cybersecurity (Topic 4)
• Privacy (Topic 5)
• Freedom of Expression (Topic 6)
• Intellectual Property (Topic 7)
• Ethical Decision in Systems Development (Topic 8)
• Impact of Information Technology on Society (Topic 9)
• Social Media (Topic 10)
• Ethics of IT Organization (Topic 11)

Lesson 3: Ethics for IT Workers and IT Users (Page 4)

• Learning Outcomes:
  • Identify and describe relationships managed by IT workers and key ethical issues.
  • Promote ethical professionalism among IT workers.
  • Propose strategies to improve ethical conduct among IT users.

Chapter 2: Ethics for IT Workers and IT Users (Page 5)

• Learning Objectives:
  • Define the relationships IT workers manage and the ethical issues.
  • Develop strategies to encourage professionalism among IT workers.
  • Identify the ethical issues IT users face and propose solutions.

Relationships Between IT Workers and (Employers, Clients, etc.)

• Employers: Policies regarding ethical IT use, safeguarding trade secrets, the potential for whistle-blowing.

• Clients: Conflict of interest, fraud, misrepresentation, breach of contract, material breach of contract.

• Suppliers: Bribery, internal control, separation of duties.

• Other Professionals: Adherence to profession's code of conduct, avoiding résumé inflation, avoiding inappropriate sharing of corporate information.

• Society: Ethical actions and responsibility.

Ethical Use of IT

• Staff may engage in software piracy.
• Trade groups (e.g., SIIA, BSA) focus on ending piracy.

Trade Secrets & Whistle-Blowing

• Trade secrets are confidential information protected by companies.
• Employees may sign confidentiality agreements.
• Whistle-blowing involves employees informing the public of unethical or illegal activities.

Frequent Causes of Problems in IT Projects

• Scope Creep: Expanding project scope beyond initial definition.
• Legacy Systems: Outdated systems leading to problems.
• Poor Communication: Lack of clear communication.

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)

• Bribery of foreign officials is a crime.
• Applies to U.S. citizens, companies, and those with U.S. stock exchange shares.
• Penalties are severe: corporations—$2 million fines; individuals—$100,000 fines and 5 years in prison.
• Bribes vs. Gifts: Distinguish between them.

Relationships Between IT Workers and Society

• Society expects IT professionals to provide benefits and avoid harm.
• Professional organizations provide codes of ethics to guide IT worker actions.

Enhancing IT Worker Professionalism

• Expertise in tools and skills related to the job
• Adherence to ethical and moral standards.
• High-quality result delivery.
• Meeting commitments.
• Effective communication.

Improving IT Worker Reputation for Professionalism

• Subscribe to professional codes of ethics.
• Join and participate in professional organizations.
• Obtain appropriate certifications.
• Promote government licensing where applicable.

Professional Codes of Ethics

• Statement of principles essential to the work of a particular group.
• Benefits include ethical decision making, high standards, and public trust.

Professional Organizations

• Connect IT workers, sharing ideas and expertise.
• Prominent organizations include ACM, IEEE-CS, AITP, SANS Institute.

Certification

• Recognition of specific skills, knowledge, or abilities of IT professionals.
• Often requires education, experience, and examinations.

Licensing

• Government permission for conducting an activity (e.g., operating a business).
• Important for improving the quality of IT worker standards and practices.
• State licensing boards have jurisdiction over IT licensing requirements.

Potential Legal Issues (Licensing)

• Negligence (failing to act as a reasonable person)
• Duty of care (obligation to prevent harm)
• Reasonable person standard (objective, careful, conscientious person).
• Reasonable professional standard.
• IT professional malpractice.

Common Ethical Issues (IT Users)

• Software piracy
• Inappropriate use of resources
• Sharing private data, inappropriate use of company information.

Supporting Ethical IT User Practices

• Company hardware and software guidelines
• Acceptable Use Policies (AUP).
• Information system protections (firewalls)
• Compliance with policies, laws, and regulations.

Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

• Stipulates restrictions for using organizational computing resources.

Compliance and Audit

• Adherence to policies, guidelines, and standards.
• Potential lawsuits or government fines for non-compliance.
• Auditing for quality, accounting practices, and compliance.

Internal Audit Department

• Ensures internal systems effectiveness.
• Verifies company assets and protects them.
• Measures compliance with company policies and procedures.

This quiz focuses on ethics in Information Technology, exploring the responsibilities of IT professionals and implications of technology on society. It covers topics such as privacy, cybersecurity, and intellectual property. Test your knowledge on the ethical challenges faced by IT workers and users today.