Exploring Ethical Issues in IT Practice: A Consultant's Case Study

This case study delves into an ethical dilemma faced by an HCL consultant tasked with evaluating a website and GUI for Company B. The consultant discovers that Company B has copied a GUI component previously developed for Company A, creating a conflict of interest due to privacy policies with both companies. The analysis identifies the ethical implications of Company B's copyright violation and the consultant's obligation to confidentiality. The study explores potential solutions, including informing Company B's management and suggesting GUI modifications, while considering the consultant's options to withdraw from the project or disclose the unethical practice, ultimately favoring internal resolution to balance ethical responsibilities and professional conduct. Desklib provides a platform for students to access this case study along with numerous solved assignments and past papers to aid in their academic endeavors.

Running head: ETHICAL ISSUES IN IT PRACTICE
ETHICAL ISSUES IN IT PRACTICE
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

1ETHICAL ISSUES IN IT PRACTICE
Answer to question no 1:
What is going on?
HCL consultant has given a contract to evaluate the web site and graphical user interface
for company B. However, during the evaluation she saw that the component in GUI implemented
in company B has already adopted by company A. Earlier she has developed the GUI for
company A. In this situation she is bound to privacy policy for both company A and B and
cannot disclose the business secrete to both companies.
Answer to question no 2:
What ate the facts?
The fact is that, the consultant is aware that company B has violated copyright and has
used the component in GUI from company A, which is not a ethical practice. On the other hand
she cannot revel the fact to company A as, she is bound to the privacy policy of company B.
Answer to question no 3:
What are the issues? (non ethical)
The only non ethical issue in this situation is that HCl consultant has to work on the
project of company B even after knowing that it was earlier implemented by company A.
Answer to question no 4:
Who are affected?
Initially, the most affected person in this situation is company A. However, HCL
consultant is also affected as she has to face ethical dilemma. Company A is affected because,

2ETHICAL ISSUES IN IT PRACTICE
company B is using the component invented by company A and they are rival companies. The
main objective of the privacy policies of the company is not to disclose the business secrets to
other companies so that they can participate in fair competition. Copying the component of the
Company A, Company B has violated the business ethics.
On the other hand, the consultant has worked for Company A and is aware about their
system and privacy policy. While working with the Company B, she notices the unethical
practice of Company B. In this case, she cannot easily disclose the matter as she is also aware
about the privacy policy of Company B. In this case, she is in ethical dilemma.
Answer to question no 5:
What are the ethical issues and implications?
The ethical issue regarding this situation is that the component of GUI which is
implemented by company A earlier has been copied by Company B. HCl consultant working on
the project of company B is aware of the fact. However, she is unable to disclose the matter as
she is bound to the privacy policy for both of the organization.
Implications: The business doing by company B is not ethical in this case. In this case, it is
important for the HCl consultant if she can carry on her work in this situation.
Answer to question no 6:
What can be done about it?
In this case, the consultant can tell the managing committee of company B about the
unethical adaptation of the component in GUI. In this case, she can request the managing
committee about the required changes in the GUI for company B. In this case, company A is not

3ETHICAL ISSUES IN IT PRACTICE
supposed to change the component as they have used the component earlier before company B.
If the managing committee agrees with the consultant, certain changes can be made, otherwise, it
is right for the consultant to stop the work for company B.
Answer to question no 7:
What are the options?
There are several options those can be taken into account. The consultant can stop the
work for company B without pointing out the fault of company B. Apart from that the consultant
can disclose the functions of both the company in order to revel the unethical practice by
company B. Another option is that the consultant can arrange a meeting with the managing
committee of the organization B to discuss about the copied component in GUI and can give the
suggestion of removing it.
Answer to question no 8:
Which option is best and why?
Among the available options, the option that supports the meeting between the consultant
and the managing committee is best. This option is suitable as it will help the company B to
become aware about the unethical practice. Among the other options, if the consultant stop
working for the company B without pointing out the fault, misunderstandings between the
organization and the consultant may happen which is not desirable. Apart from that the
disclosing of the business secrete is not desirable as it will violate the privacy policy of both the
companies and will hamper the goodwill of the consultant.

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