Social & Professional Issues Reviewer PDF

1 Introduction to Social & Professional Issues Social Issues ▪ Topics or subjects impacting many people. ▪ Reflect current events and longstanding problems. ▪ Often difficult to solve due to disagreements. Characteristics...

1 Introduction to Social & Professional Issues Social Issues ▪ Topics or subjects impacting many people. ▪ Reflect current events and longstanding problems. ▪ Often difficult to solve due to disagreements. Characteristics ▪ Beliefs, opinions, and viewpoints can be strong. ▪ Debate is a natural outcome of public discourse. Example of Social Issues A social problem is an issue within society that hinders people from reaching their full potential. Examples include: Poverty Unemployment Unequal opportunities Racism Malnutrition Substandard housing Employment discrimination Child abuse and neglect Professional Issues- encompass a wide range of concerns within various professions: Socio-political and cultural contexts Employment Career development Relationships with other professionals Personal reflections Example of Professional Issues The most commonly experienced ethical issues in workplaces include: Discrimination Harassment Unethical accounting Technological abuse Data privacy concerns Health and safety issues Favoritism and nepotism Difference Between Ethical & Professional Issues Personal ethics: Ethics a person identifies with in respect to people and situations in everyday life. Professional ethics: Ethics a person must adhere to in respect to their interactions and business dealings in professional life. Ethical issue: Circumstance where a moral conflict arises in the workplace, challenging a moral standard. Ethical issues occur when a moral dilemma emerges and must be resolved within a corporation. Example of Ethical Issues Some of the prominent ethical issues in information technology include: Privacy and Data Protection Collecting, storing, and using personal data raises significant ethical concerns. Protecting individuals' privacy rights through: o Data privacy measures o Informed consent o Robust security  2 Computer Ethics Professional Code of Ethics Set of guidelines: Designed to set out acceptable behavior for members of a particular group, association, or profession. Principles and core values: States the essential principles and core values for the work of a particular occupational group. Govern behavior: Practitioners in many professions subscribe to a code of ethics that governs their behavior. Example: Doctors adhere to varying versions of the 2000-year-old Hippocratic oath, which medical schools offer as an affirmation to their graduating classes 2 Parts of Codes of Ethics Created by Professional Organizations Have 1.Outlines aspirations: What the organization aspires to become. 2.Lists rules and principles: By which members are expected to abide. Many codes include a commitment to continuing education for those who practice the profession. Ethical behavior vs. laws: Laws do not provide a complete guide to ethical behavior. An activity not defined as illegal does not mean it is ethical. Limitations of a professional code of ethics: A professional code of ethics cannot provide an answer to every ethical dilemma—no code can be a definitive collection of behavioral standards. Following a Professional Code of Ethics Can Produce Many Benefits for the Individual, the Profession, and Society as a Whole: Ethical decision making: Practitioners use a common set of core values and beliefs as guidelines for making ethical decisions. High standards of practice and ethical behavior: Reminds professionals of their responsibilities and duties, even under day-to-day business pressures. Trust and respect from the general public: Builds public trust based on the expectation of ethical behavior, enhancing the reputation of professionals and their profession. Evaluation benchmark: Provides a benchmark for self-assessment and peer evaluation, aiding in recognition or censure. Code of Ethics of the Filipino IT Professionals 1. I will promote public knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of information technology. 2. I will consider the general welfare and public welfare and public good in the performance of my work. 3. I will advertise goods or professional services in a clear and truthful manner. 4. I will comply and strictly abide by the intellectual property laws, patent laws, and other related laws in respect of information technology. 5. I will accept the full responsibility for the work undertaken and utilize my skills with competence and professionalism. 6. I will make truthful statements on my areas of competence as well as the capabilities and qualities of my product and service. 7. I will not disclose or use any confidential information obtained in course of professional duties without the consent of the parties concerned except when required by the laws. 8. I will strive to attain the highest quality in both the products and services that offer. 9. I will knowingly participate in the development of the information technology. 10. I will uphold and improve the IT professional’s standard through continuing profession in order to enhance the IT profession. Code of Ethics of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) Association of information technology professionals (AITP) Guidelines: Governs the professional behavior and decision-making of its members. Purpose: Ensures IT professionals act with integrity, responsibility, and professionalism.  3 Relevance: Although the AITP is now part of CompTIA, the principles of its code of ethics remain relevant to the profession. CompTIA CompTIA (The Computing Technology Industry Association) are: Leading global organization: Provides training, certification, and advocacy for the IT industry. Founded in 1982: Non-profit trade association. Serves IT professionals and companies: Helps to advance the IT industry through: o Education o Certification programs o Policy advocacy Key Principles of the AITP Code of Ethics 1. Integrity o IT professionals must conduct themselves with honesty and integrity. o Actions should benefit clients, employers, and society, avoiding conflicts of interest. 2. Confidentiality o Maintain confidentiality of information obtained during professional activities. o Protect sensitive data and avoid unauthorized disclosure. 3. Competence o Strive for continuous improvement in skills and knowledge. o Ensure qualifications for performing work and seek professional development opportunities. 4. Professionalism o Uphold the highest standards of professionalism. o Treat clients, colleagues, and stakeholders with respect, enhancing the reputation of the IT profession. 5. Responsibility to Employers and Clients o Be loyal to employers and clients, providing services in their best interest. o Ensure high-quality work, transparency about limitations, and timely delivery. 6. Fairness o Treat everyone fairly and without discrimination. o Promote equal opportunities in workplaces and communities. 7. Social Responsibility o Contribute positively to society and the public good. o Consider the broader impact of work and promote the ethical use of technology. 8. Respect for Intellectual Property o Respect intellectual property rights, including patents, copyrights, and trade secrets. o Avoid using or sharing proprietary information without permission. 9. Compliance with Laws and Regulations o Comply with all relevant laws and regulations governing work. o Act within legal and ethical boundaries and report unethical or illegal activities Importance of the AITP Code of Ethics Guidance: Provides IT professionals with a framework for making ethical decisions and handling complex situations in their work. Trust: By adhering to ethical standards, IT professionals build trust with employers, clients, and the public, which is crucial for the credibility and effectiveness of the IT profession. Professional Standards: Helps maintain high standards within the IT profession, ensuring that members uphold the values of honesty, integrity, and fairnes Strengths & Weaknesses of AITP Code of Ethics Strengths Codes inspire the member of a profession to behave ethically. Codes guide the member of a profession in ethical choices. Codes educate the members of profession about their professional obligations. Codes discipline members when they violate one or more of the code’s directives. Codes “sensitize” members of a profession to ethical issues and otherwise might overlook.  4 Codes inform the public about the nature and roles of the professions. Codes enhance the profession in the eye of the public. Weaknesses Directives included in many codes tend to be too general and too vague. Codes are not always helpful when two or more directives conflict. A professional code’s directives are never complete or exhaustive. Codes are ineffective (have no “teeth”) in disciplinary matters. Directives in codes are sometimes inconsistent with one another. Codes do not always distinguish between microethics issues and macroethics issues. Codes can be self-serving for the profession. The Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics The Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics have been defined by the computer ethics institute. Here is the interpretation of them: 1. Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people. 2. Thou shalt not interfere with other people’s computer work. 3. Thou shalt not snoop around in other people’s files. 4. Thou shalt not use a computer to steal. 5. Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness. 6. Thou shalt not use or copy software for which you have not paid. 7. Thou shalt not use other people’s computer resources without authorization. 8. Thou shalt not appropriate other people’s intellectual output. 9. Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you write. 10. Thou shalt use a computer in ways that show consideration and respect. What is Computer Ethics? Growing field: Rapidly evolving as computer technology grows and develops. Interpretations: Open to both broad and narrow interpretations. o Narrow interpretation: Applying traditional ethical theories (e.g., utilitarianism, Kantianism) to computer technology. o Broad interpretation: Includes professional practice standards, codes of conduct, computer law, public policy, corporate ethics, and topics in sociology and psychology of computing. Broadest sense: Studies and analyzes the social and ethical impacts of information technology. Recent developments: Led to new university courses, conferences, workshops, professional organizations, curriculum materials, books, articles, journals, and research centers. o Transforming into "global information ethics" in the age of the world-wide-web. Practical focus: Deals with practical problems and moral action/responsibility in information technology. Problem in Computer Ethics Policy vacuum: A typical problem in computer ethics arises due to a lack of policies on how computer technology should be used. New capabilities and choices: Computers provide new capabilities, leading to new choices for action. Often, either no policies exist for these situations, or existing policies are inadequate. Formulating policies: A central task of computer ethics is to determine what actions to take by formulating policies to guide actions. However, a policy vacuum often accompanies a conceptual vacuum. Conceptual framework: An analysis is needed to provide a coherent conceptual framework for action policies. (Moor 1985, p.266) Logical malleability: Moor said that computer technology is revolutionary because it is "logically malleable." Moor's Stages of the Computer Revolution 1. Technological introduction: o Computer technology is developed and refined. o Occurred during the first 40 years after the Second World War. 2. Technological permeation:  5 o Technology gets integrated into everyday human activities and social institutions. o Changes the meaning of fundamental concepts like "money," "education," "work," and "fair elections." Moor's Definition of Computer Ethics Powerful and suggestive: o Broad enough to be compatible with various philosophical theories and methodologies. o Rooted in a perceptive understanding of technological revolutions. Unique Properties of Computers (Moor) Computer ethics is unique: Computers have certain properties that raise unique issues, making them a special case. Impact on Society 1. The extensive impact of computerization on society is clear. 2. In 1985, few could foresee the full extent of that impact or the advent of the internet and the World Wide Web. 3. Moor foresaw the changing workplace and nature of work: ▪ Computers expedite routine work. ▪ Personal computers enable executives to work from home. ▪ Robots perform more factory work. ▪ Emerging questions about the nature of work. Invisible Factor- Computer operations are often invisible, which can have ethical significance. Moor identifies three kinds of invisibility: 1. Invisible Abuse: Intentional unethical conduct using invisible computer operations. Example: Programmer stealing fractions of a cent from bank accounts. Example: Invasion of property and privacy by altering or removing confidential information. 2. Invisible Programming Values: Values embedded into a computer program by the programmer. Example: Programmer's value judgments about importance and priority become invisible in the final product. 3. Invisible Complex Calculation: Computers perform enormous calculations beyond human comprehension. Understanding a program does not mean understanding the respective calculations. The issue is how much to trust invisible calculations, especially when consequences are significant. Example: Military decisions about launching nuclear weapons. Three Levels of Computer Ethics 1. Pop Computer Ethics: Sensitizing the public to the social and ethical consequences of computer technology through media coverage (e.g., news stories about computer viruses, software ownership lawsuits, computerized weapons). 2. Para Computer Ethics: Engaging individuals with a special interest in computer ethics to collect, clarify, compare, and analyze cases (similar to a paramedic with technical medical knowledge). 3. Theoretical Computer Ethics: Applying scholarly theories and tools from philosophy and social science to deepen understanding of computer ethics issues (taught in college courses like "computer ethics," "computers and society," "computers and the law"). Roles and Responsibilities of Software Engineers (Gotterbarn, 2001)  6 Opportunities: Software Engineers have significant opportunities to: Do good or cause harm Enable others to do good or cause harm Influence others to do good or cause harm Safety-Critical Systems: Responsibilities typically include developing applications for: Aircraft and Air Traffic Control Systems Mass Transportation Systems Nuclear Reactors Missile Systems Medical Treatment Systems Social Networking Sites The Philippines is still the Social Media Capital of the World. Filipinos use social media platforms for 53 hours a week, 11 hours more than the global average of 42 hours. In the global study called wave 7, Filipinos primarily use social media to connect with their families living overseas. Over 11 million Filipinos live outside the Philippines. Social media has become a way to communicate with family and friends instead of traditional overseas calls and texts. Makati City takes the most selfies in the world. Filipinos increasingly use apps like WeChat, Line, Skype, and Facebook Messenger. Social media reduces communication barriers for families separated by countries and increases total social activity in the Philippines. Social Networking Ethical Issues With millions of users, it's nearly impossible for everyone to abide by the golden rule. Filipinos often turn national problems into jokes on social networking sites. Example: A netizen depicted a scene from "Spider-Man 2" after the MRT-3 train derailment at Taft Avenue station. Example: A netizen posted a picture of the "Avengers" after the airport brawl incident between Mon Tulfo and the Santiagos. Posting a Picture Message Entertaining pictures are fine, but offensive ones are not. Netizens should not post pictures that may be offensive to someone in the picture. No need to ask permission to upload a picture if it’s a good picture, unless expressly prohibited. Example: Manny Pacquiao in a photo shoot implies consent unless he expressly prohibits uploading the picture. Taking a photo or video of a private person without consent should not be published on the internet, with some exemptions. Example: A classmate posting a picture of you sleeping in the library is unethical and improper. Exemptions: 1. News of the day and other items of press information. a. Example: Videotaping a man jumping from a bridge in EDSA. 2. General welfare of the public. a. Example: A viral video of an abusive traffic enforcer leads to suspension. 3. Public personalities in public. a. Example: Taking a picture of Manny Pacquiao in public is fine, but not in a private setting like a restroom.  7 True Professionalism David Maister highlights that professionalism is primarily an attitude. It encompasses pride in work, a commitment to quality, dedication to client interests, and a desire to help. Professionalism According to Professor Claudine Sherrill Defined as a lifelong set of beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. It must be learned, internalized, and personally developed. Professionalism is not achieved merely by obtaining a degree and certification. It should be taught, mentored, and expected from the start of a professional career. Defining Professionalism Professional self-identity is a 'state of mind' connecting oneself to a professional group. Students should develop a professional persona while in college. Considerations for professionalism: telephone etiquette, communication modes, conversational decorum, and proper dress. Characteristics of Professionalism in the Workplace Personal interaction skills such as courtesy and respect. Communication and listening skills. Strong work ethic. Motivation and task completion. Professional appearance and self-confidence. Transitioning to the Workplace Many college graduates lack professionalism due to factors like casual dress and lax attendance. Incorrect assumptions about workplace conduct can lead to poor performance evaluations. Probation periods are common for new employees. Aspects of Professionalism Workplace Listening Involves active listening and understanding the listening process. Be aware of nonverbal communication and contextual language usage. Communication Avoid using text lingo or slang in formal communications. Understand that work-related communication can be scrutinized. Follow proper channels for reporting absences and other communications. Personal Interaction Practice professional courtesy and respect. Constructive criticism should be collaborative, not destructive. Present concerns constructively to maintain a positive environment. Ground Rules for Cohesive Team Behavior 1. No complaining without taking action. 2. Blame the process, not individuals. 3. Respect team members, assuming good intentions. 4. Direct confrontation without triangulation. 5. Voice opinions strongly and respectfully. 6. Stick to verified facts. 7. Commit to team decisions.  8 8. Ensure team accountability. 9. Advocate for the team and its rules. Work Ethic Represents values based on hard work and diligence. Includes reliability, initiative, and skill development. Factors Demonstrating Strong Work Ethic 1. Integrity: Building trust and moral standards. 2. Responsibility: Accountability for job performance. 3. Quality: Care for work standards over bare minimums. 4. Discipline: Task completion and focus on goals. 5. Teamwork: Respect and assistance towards team goals. Overall Demeanor Appearance Reflect professionalism through neat and appropriate dress. Self-confidence: Handle various situations and encourage adaptability. Cultural Awareness: Overcome stereotypes and treat everyone equally. Safety Awareness: Adhere to safety standards through education and training. Professional Ethics and Standards Professionals adhere to specific codes of conduct and ethics across different fields. Ethical conduct includes privacy considerations, honesty, and a positive attitude. Violations can affect jobs and personal integrity. Students should align personal and professional ethics. Mapping Your Professional Plan Present yourself professionally in all settings. Encourage and support others. Act positively rather than complaining. Professionalism in School and Workplace Sources include works by Crossley, Goodnough, Maister, Plaisance, Sherrill, Wilcox, and others. Emphasis on continuous improvement in professional identity and ethics. Social Issues Topics or subjects impacting many people. Reflect current events and longstanding problems. Examples: o Poverty o Unemployment o Unequal opportunity o Racism o Malnutrition o Substandard housing o Employment discrimination o Child abuse and neglect Professional Issues Concerns within various professions.  9 Include socio-political and cultural contexts, employment, career development, relationships, and personal reflections. Examples: o Discrimination o Harassment o Unethical accounting o Technological abuse o Data privacy o Health and safety o Favoritism and nepotism Difference Between Ethical & Professional Issues Personal Ethics: Ethics in everyday life. Professional Ethics: Ethics in professional interactions and business dealings. Ethical Issue: A moral conflict in the workplace. Computer Ethics Professional Code of Ethics Guidelines for acceptable behavior in a profession. Includes principles and core values. Benefits: 1. Ethical decision making 2. High standards of practice and ethical behavior 3. Trust and respect from the public 4. Evaluation benchmark Code of Ethics of the Filipino IT Professionals 1. Promote public knowledge and appreciation of IT. 2. Consider general welfare and public good. 3. Advertise goods/services truthfully. 4. Comply with intellectual property laws. 5. Accept responsibility for work and utilize skills professionally. 6. Make truthful statements about competence and product/service qualities. 7. Maintain confidentiality unless required by law. 8. Strive for high quality in products and services. 9. Participate in IT development. 10. Uphold and improve IT standards through continuing education. Code of Ethics of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) Govern professional behavior and decision-making. Key Principles: 1. Integrity 2. Confidentiality 3. Competence 4. Professionalism 5. Responsibility to employers and clients 6. Fairness 7. Social responsibility 8. Respect for intellectual property 9. Compliance with laws and regulations Importance of the AITP Code of Ethics Provides guidance for ethical decisions. Builds trust with employers, clients, and the public. Maintains high professional standards.  10 Strengths & Weaknesses of AITP Code of Ethics Strengths: o Inspire ethical behavior. o Guide ethical choices. o Educate about professional obligations. o Discipline for code violations. o Sensitize to ethical issues. o Inform the public about professions. o Enhance public perception. Weaknesses: o Directives can be vague. o Conflicts between directives. o Not exhaustive. o Ineffective in disciplinary matters. o Inconsistent directives. o Do not distinguish between micro and macro ethics. o Can be self-serving. The Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics 1. Do not harm others with a computer. 2. Do not interfere with others' computer work. 3. Do not snoop in others' files. 4. Do not use a computer to steal. 5. Do not use a computer to bear false witness. 6. Do not use or copy unpaid software. 7. Do not use others' computer resources without authorization. 8. Do not appropriate others' intellectual output. 9. Consider social consequences of programs. 10. Use computers with consideration and respect. What is Computer Ethics? A branch of ethics related to computer technology. Involves standards of professional practice, codes of conduct, and public policy. Problem in Computer Ethics Policy vacuum on computer technology use. Need for policy formulation and conceptual framework. Impact on Society Extensive impact of computerization. Changing nature of work and workplace. Invisible Factor Invisible Abuse: Unethical use of computer operations. Invisible Programming Values: Embedded values in programs. Invisible Complex Calculation: Trust in complex computer calculations. Three Levels of Computer Ethics 1. Pop Computer Ethics: Sensitizing the public to ethical consequences. 2. Para Computer Ethics: Special interest in computer ethics cases. 3. Theoretical Computer Ethics: Applying scholarly theories to cases. Social Networking Sites  11 Philippines as the Social Capital of the World. Use of social media for family connections. Social Networking Ethical Issues Ethical considerations in posting pictures and messages. Exemptions for news, public welfare, and public personalities.