Analyzing Ethical Issues: Applying MacDonald's Framework to Case Study

This assignment addresses an ethical dilemma using the steps outlined in MacDonald's framework. It begins by identifying the dilemma faced by Illnaz, who is conflicted between her religious beliefs and her job requirements. The analysis identifies key stakeholders, including Illnaz, her husband, and her managers, and explores the values involved, drawing from the ACS code of ethics, such as competence, professional development, and professionalism. The study weighs the benefits and burdens of each course of action, considers similar legal situations, and suggests discussing the dilemma with relevant parties. Ultimately, the analysis recommends that Illnaz continue her employment, aligning with ethical principles and relevant legislation, promoting a decision that balances personal beliefs with professional responsibilities. Desklib provides more solved assignments and resources for students.

For the purpose of solving the ethical dilemma that has been presented to us the steps as
provided by the Macdonald’s framework are to be used.
First Step: Identifying the ethical dilemma
It is worth mentioning that in this given situation Illnaz has been faced with an ethical dilemma
of whether to report to her concern of working with an unrelated man in isolation to her manager
or agree to her employer’s terms of employment. It has been provided that Illnaz is prohibited by
her religion to work in isolation with an unrelated male. She has also been threatened by her
husband to stop working in the new arrangement. However, she is excited to take up her new job
and does not want to quit due to this arrangement.
Step two: Identification of the interested parties
It is worth mentioning that the primary stakeholders in this given scenario are Illnaz, her husband
and her managers. In this given scenario Illnaz shares a domestic relation with her husband who
is forcing her to quit her job due to the arrangement in which she has to share her office space
with an unrelated man. However, she has accepted the job offered by the manager of CompuSoft.
The manager has made an arrangement in which she has to share her office space with Mark.
Thus she has to decide whether to listen to her husband or whether to continue working in the
same arrangement.
Step Three: Identification of the values involved
The values of the ACS code of ethics involved in this scenario are:
 Competence- The ACS code of ethics mandates the members of the Australian Computer
Society to work competently and diligently for all the stakeholders involved.

 Professional Development- Every member of the Australian Computer Society must
work for the
 Professionalism- Every member of the Australian Computer Society is required to
enhance the integrity of the Australian Computer Society and the respect all the members
of the society
The relevant principles of ACS code of conduct that can be applied in this scenario are:
 Endeavour to provide the services and products which are necessary for meeting the
financial and operational needs of the stakeholders.
 Ensure not to misrepresent skills or knowledge
 Accept responsibility for the work done.
 Having pride in the profession and promoting professionalism.
 Endeavour to extend public knowledge to and understanding of the code
Step Four: Weighing the benefits and burdens
It is worth mentioning that IF Illanaz prefers to work in the arrangement her husband is likely to
dissuade to quit her job.
On the other hand if Illnaz continues working in the aforementioned arrangement she is likely to
be happy and satisfied with her job.
Step Five; Looking for similar situations
It can be stated that there are several laws which prohibit sexual harassment and misconduct in
the workplace. Therefore she need not be concerned with the arrangement as discussed above.
Step six: Discussing the decision with relevant people

In this given scenario she discuss her ethical dilemma with the manager she can also discuss the
same with her family members and try to convince them to not hold her back from achieving
success in her job due to the backwardness of their culture.
Step seven: Analyzing the comfort level of the decision
Illnaz in this given scenario must continue to work for her employer as such decision is in line
with the ethical principles of the ACS code of Conduct and relevant legislation.

Reference List:
ACS Code of Professional Conduct Professional Standards Board Australian Computer Society.
(2018).
Australian Computer Society Professional Code of Ethics
Browne, D., 2018. User Rights Advocacy: The Australian Experience.
Clarke, R. (2016). Big data, big risks. Information Systems Journal, 26(1), 77-90.
Richardson, D.M., Le Roux, J.J. and Wilson, J.R., 2015. Australian acacias as invasive species:
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Journal of Forest Science, 77(1), pp.31-39.