Professional Environments: Case Study Analysis on John's Dilemma

This case study analyzes John's dilemma, a statistical database programmer facing pressure to complete a project quickly. John struggles with incorporating code from a co-worker and commercial software to meet the deadline, leading to ethical conflicts. The analysis applies Thomas White's methodology and the ACS Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct, highlighting issues of honesty, professional development, and professionalism. The document recommends that John discuss the situation with his manager and seek more time to complete the project ethically. The case study emphasizes the importance of integrity, acknowledging others' work, and upholding professional standards in software development and workplace environments.

Running head: PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENTS
Professional Environments
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENTS
Dilemma for John
The dilemma for John in this case study is regarding the pressure of his boss to
complete the project within a few days and submit it to be published in journals. However, John
had to incorporate the works of his co-worker and commercial program so it could be completed
as early as possible. He wanted to complete it all by himself so he could be satisfied by his own
diligent work. John wanted more time so he could work harder on completing the project but he
was not allowed that much time because of ignorance of his manager.
Use of Thomas White methodology
According to the methodology of Thomas White, he should keep some important things
in his mind. At first, he should remember that it would be helpful for his manager and company if
he could submit that project very soon (White 2013). On the other hand, John will feel hurt
because he had to implement dishonest measures to get the work done. The consequences of
his actions should be acknowledged by John initially. After that, he has found out while
analyzing his actions that he could not complete the work with honesty (White 2013). He has
also realized that this is also unfair from his end towards his co-worker. If the work of his co-
worker was good, he would get the same appreciations without completing the work properly.
Implementation of ACS Code of Ethics and ACS Code of Professional Conduct
Three values that can be associated with this scenario regarding ACS Code of Ethics
are Honesty, Professional Development and Professionalism (Acs.org.au, 2019). On the part of
John, these ethical codes have not been followed at all. John’s professional development can
only be achieved if he was able to complete the project all by himself and with more thorough
research (Acs.org.au, 2019). Secondly, he was not at all professional while committing this
action. If his co-worker somehow comes to know this, he will lose his respect on John. The
concept of trust and faith will no longer be there. Thirdly, John did not also honest in portraying
his knowledge and skills. Therefore, he took help of dishonest means in this manner
(Acs.org.au, 2019). As per the Code of Professional Conduct, John wanted to enhance his own
reputation at the expense of his co-worker’s reputation. He took the assistance of his co-
worker’s skills without informing him. This activity of John was also a barrier to upgrade his
knowledge (Acs.org.au, 2019). His image would be destroyed if anyone comes to know what he
had done. Thus, John’s actions were not at all supportive
Recommendation of actions
Finally it can be recommended that he should discuss this fact with his manager
beforehand. He should keep his manager informed about the fact that it should take some more
time to complete the project. He should clarify that he wanted to complete this project with full
professionalism and honesty. Otherwise he would take assistance from his co-worker’s work
without informing him. This will not be a good thing to do.

2PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENTS
References and Bibliography
Acs.org.au (2019). [online] Acs.org.au. Available at:
https://www.acs.org.au/content/dam/acs/rules-and-regulations/Code-of-Professional-
Conduct_v2.1.pdf [Accessed 23 Mar. 2019].
Acs.org.au (2019). [online] Acs.org.au. Available at:
https://www.acs.org.au/content/dam/acs/acs-documents/Code-of-Ethics.pdf [Accessed 23 Mar.
2019].
Reilly, N.P., Sirgy, M.J. and Gorman, C.A. eds., 2012. Work and quality of life: Ethical practices
in organizations. Springer Science & Business Media.
White, T.I., 2013. Resolving an ethical dilemma. Retrieved from: bourbon. usc. edu7engr102-
p09/ethics. pdf, Accessed, 18.