Ethical Dilemmas in Data Handling: A Case Study Analysis

This case study analyzes Maureen's ethical dilemma in handling client data within a government state department. The assignment examines the ethical issues related to Maureen's actions, including carrying sensitive client data home and the potential breach of confidentiality. It applies Thomas White's methodologies of practical consequences and moral standards, referencing the ACS code of professional conduct and Australian Privacy Principles. The analysis highlights Maureen's failure to uphold competence, professionalism, and data privacy, emphasizing the importance of seeking consent, adhering to legal standards, and protecting client information. The case study references relevant literature including ACS code of Ethics, Privacy Act 1988, and works by Jeremy Bentham and Immanuel Kant.

CASE STUDY 5
Case study 2 is chosen for analysis and completion of this research. Maureen’s ethical dilemma
in terms of handling the files and biting the deadline given for her to compile clients’ report.
Thomas whites (1993) asserts two methodologies that can be used to solve the ethical
dilemma. The two approaches include analysis of practical consequences of one’s actions and
the moral and legal consideration of the actions themselves. Under practical consequences, one
has to look at the general results of the chosen actions. An individual has to analyze greater
benefits for the good of maximum number of people as opposed to harm. This method is largely
borrowed from Jeremey Bentham’s theory of pain and pleasure. If doing whatever action that is
in dilemma will confer more benefits and greater happiness to an individual as opposed to
stress and harm then one should act in a manner that confers benefits.
The second approach is considering the actions themselves. One has to consider whether the
actions meet the required moral principles and the required standards. Thomas white largely
employed Immanuel Kant’s theory of universal morality in this methodology. One has to
consider whether acting in a certain manner will be fair and just. If the actions are not morally
correct or unjust and unfair then one may consider not acting in such a manner. The two
methodologies appear different in theory but in practice one has to consider both the practical
consequences and the moral standards of the actions then make a well informed decision of
which course to take.
Maureen’s case scenario raises some professional ethical issues. According to ACS code of
professional conduct, a member of ACS has to demonstrate professionalism as an ethical value
at work place. Clause 1.2.6 provides that all the members of ACS have to pull knowledgeable
stances while at work place and act in a manner that cannot damage the reputation and image
of the ACS. Maureen’s action of carrying the information data home in a flush and leaving it
there is harmful since it could violate the above clauses and value of ACS code of professional
conduct. Any unauthorized person may get hold of the flash and access the files hence resulting
breach of duty of confidentiality of the clients’ data.
Competence is one of the values under the ACS code of ethics. Maureen ought to have
exercised high competence skills by not forgetting about the USB disk containing such useful
information. Clause 1.2.4 requires members of ACS to act in a very competent manner by
accepting responsibilities for work given and ensuring they protect the interest of all relevant
stake holders during work. The same clause further requires all the members of ACS to uphold
all the relevant laws and standards set to guide and regulate the profession. Maureen ought to
have consulted and talked to her supervisor first and seek for consent to carry the files home .In
Section 14 of the Privacy Act 1988 contains Australian Privacy Principles (APP) which sets the
standard for collection and handling personal information. Maureen is supposed to ensure that
the data in the USB is deleted from the USB or returned to the office otherwise she will violating
the right to privacy of the clients whose data she has in the USB disk as stated in section 13 of
the privacy Act

References
ACS Code of Professional Conduct, Professional Standards Board, Australian Computer
Society 2014
ACS Code of Ethics 2014
Privacy Act (Cth) 1988
Australian Privacy Principles (APP) Privacy Fact Sheet 17 2014(web page, 31 may 2019) <
https://www.oaic.gov.au/individuals/privacy-fact-sheets/general/privacy-fact-sheet-17-australian-
privacy-principles>
J.H, Burns, Happiness and Utility: Jeremy Bentham’s Equation, University College of London,
(web page, 31 may 2019) < www.utilitarianism.com >
Immanuel Kant’s Moral Philosophy, First Published Mon, Feb 23, 2014, Stanford Encyclopedia
of Philosophy
T, White, Ethics, Chapter 1, Business Ethics: A Philosophical Reader, (NewYork: Macmillan
Publishing, 2013)