Analyzing the ACS Code of Ethics in a Professional Case Study

This document presents an analysis of a case study centered around the ACS Code of Ethics, focusing on a scenario where a programmer, John, incorporates code from a co-worker and a commercial software package into his own project without proper authorization or acknowledgment. The analysis utilizes Chris MacDonald's methodology to dissect the ethical dimensions of John's actions, identifying the stakeholders, values at stake (trust), potential benefits and burdens, and the relevance of legal and organizational rules. The study references the ACS Code of Ethics, highlighting relevant values such as honesty and competence, and the ACS code of professional conduct, specifically emphasizing the importance of respecting proprietary information. Additionally, the analysis considers the Australian Privacy Act 1988. The document concludes that John's actions were unethical and illegal, emphasizing the need for transparency, respect for intellectual property, and adherence to professional conduct guidelines. The document includes references to relevant literature and legislation.

Running head: ACS CODE OF ETHICS
ACS CODE OF ETHICS
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

ACS CODE OF ETHICS 1
Answer to the Case study:
John has given a lot of effort on the program that is for the statistical database for
months, but it has been found by John that the code cannot be developed by himself.
However, it was remembered by John that a source of some other company has been given by
one of his co-workers. The source code can give the solution to how to do the code that John
himself is developing. The main problem was the manager of that company wants the code
needs to be done very soon. So, John implemented the source code without telling anyone.
Chris MacDonald's methodology:
The dilemma for John will be handled and discussed using Chris Macdonald’s
methodology (Chrismacdonald.ca. 2019).
Recognising the Moral Dimension:
The data and information of a company is so much important. Without taking
permission from the company, use their data might harm the organisation.
Who Are the Interested Parties? What are their Relationships?
The interested parties are the colleges of John, the manager of the organisation.
What value are involved?
As John has implemented the source code of some other company without telling
anyone, for that the trust has been broken (Hartman, DesJardins and MacDonald, 2008). In
addition, for this activity of John, the organisation will be harmed, as the other company can
take legal action against the company.

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Weigh the Benefits and the Burdens:
There is no benefit or advantages. However, the burden that may come is, the
company whose source code has been stolen by John can take legal action against the
organisation where John is working for currently.
Discuss with Relevant others:
The merits that are related to the discussion should not be underestimated. The work
that has been done by John is totally illegal as he has not the implement the source code of
others without even informing anyone.
Does the Decision Accord with Legal and Organisation Rules?
No, the decision is not made appropriately based on the legal considerations. The
work that has been done by John is totally illegal as he has not the implement the source code
of others without even informing anyone. John Should have at least informed any one before
implementing the source code.
Comfortability with the decision:
ACS code of ethics:
The scenario that is mentioned follows the Code of Ethics as follows (McDermid
2015):
ACS Code of Ethics 4.3 Values and Ideals:
 4.3.1 Priorities
 4.3.2 Competence
 4.3.3 Honesty.

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ACS code of professional conduct:
The clauses of the ACS code of the professional conduct which are relevant to the
professional conduct are as follows (Gotterbarn, 2013):
 4.5.3 I have to respect the nature of the proprietary of the other’s information.
 4.6.4 I have to respect as well as protect the clients of mine and the employer’s
proprietary interests.
 4.7.2 I must not misrepresent the knowledge and skills of mine.
 I have to give credit to the work that has been done by some other where the credit is
due.
Australian Legislation:
The Australian Legislation that is related to case study is, the Privacy Act 1988:
Guide to securing personal information (Naa.gov.au. 2019). This guide provides the
information on the steps the organisations are required for taking under the Privacy Act 1988
for protecting the holding of the personal data and information from interference, misuse as
well as loss from the access that are unauthorised, discloser and modification.

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References:
Chrismacdonald.ca. (2019). (no title). [online] Available at: https://chrismacdonald.ca/.
Gotterbarn, D., 2013. 13. ICT governance and what to do about the toothless tiger (s):
Professional organisations and codes of ethics1. Professionalism in the Information and
Communication Technology Industry, 3, p.267.
Hartman, L.P., DesJardins, J.R. and MacDonald, C., 2008. Business ethics: Decision making
for personal integrity and social responsibility. Burr Ridge, IL: McGraw-Hill.
McDermid, D., 2015. Ethics in ICT: an Australian perspective. Pearson Higher Education
AU
Naa.gov.au. (2019). Legislation, policies, standards and advice – National Archives of
Australia, Australian Government. [online] Available at: http://www.naa.gov.au/information-
management/information-governance/legislation-standards/index.aspx.