Professional Ethics Report: Interview with an IS Professional

This report presents an analysis of an interview with an Information Systems (IS) professional, focusing on professional ethics in the workplace. The report explores the interviewee's adherence to codes of ethics, dedication to competence, honesty, and societal well-being. The student reflects on the interview, identifying key takeaways regarding optimism, perseverance, selflessness, and societal consideration, and how these traits will be incorporated into their own professional development. The report also discusses the application of utilitarian ethics in the context of the interview, examining both its benefits and potential drawbacks in professional decision-making. The student expresses disagreement with certain aspects of the interviewee's viewpoints and concludes by highlighting the importance of ethical considerations in the IT industry, including issues related to the misuse of computers and the internet, and the relevance of anti-discrimination and employment laws.

Running head: PROFESSIONAL ETHICS
Professional ethics
Name of the student:
Name of the university:
Author note

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What did I learn?
An IS professional or information system professional is widely recognized in most of
the areas of Canada by legislation. I have interviewed such an IS professional in order to increase
my knowledge regarding professional ethics at workplace. Being a professional of the IS
department, I found out that he is presided over by codes of ethics and completely dedicated to
competence, honesty, morale behavior and self-sacrifice. I have learnt from the interview that the
promotion of public well- being lies in the domain of the IS professional. They have to bear the
responsibility of the entire society. Dr. Shah, whom I interviewed, is associated with Australian
Computer Society, Association of Information System and IEE. He is widely accepted by the
public because he possesses sufficient knowledge and skills. Before the interview, I had done a
background research on him to find out that he has completed high level of training and
education. Therefore, it was possible for him to apply his skills and knowledge for the benefit of
others. His attitude and behavior taught me that one must be dedicated towards his work in order
to become successful.
What will I take on?
I think that the interview with Dr. Shah Jahan Miah will allow me to develop and imbibe
the professional ethics in my workplace for the coming days. This IS professional plays the
major role of coordinating specialization and a Master of business analytics in the Victoria
university. He has done his graduation in Electronic and Applied Science, Master in IS
technology, Master by research in ICT and PhD in IT. His educational background attracted me
the most and that is why I had decided to take hi interview. His enriching academic degree
motivated and encouraged me to take a decision for higher studies. I took his positive quality of

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looking into life from a positive angle. I got inspired by him, the more I learnt about him. He is a
man of extreme patience and do not give up in any situation. Before coming into the field of IS
profession he used to work as a volunteer and tutor in Griffith University. He had also worked in
James Cook University and University of Sunshine Coast before joining Victoria University. I
wanted to adopt his enthusiastic nature towards education and the effort that he had put all his
life to earn so many degrees.
Why?
I will take on the five prominent characteristics that he possessed. These included
optimism, perseverance, selflessness, not giving up in any crisis and thinking about the welfare
of the society. He also possesses other positive traits but I think that to develop my future career
I will need to adopt these five. An optimist is always positive about the future and looks on the
brighter side of things. I will adopt optimism to smoothen the path of my future career. It will
help me in coping up with the most severe conflict situations at workplace. After that comes
perseverance or hard work. It is the secret key to a successful life and I have learnt that there is
no short cut to success and I will have to work hard by following the footsteps of Mr. Shah to
achieve a better career. Selflessness is the third most important thing in the life of an ethical
professional where he should not think about his own betterment but others. Another important
tool for being successful is not to give up or surrender under any circumstances. In doing so I
will be treated as a coward in my own eyes therefore, I will think of alternatives to deal with
such situation. Finally, it takes huge courage in thinking about the society before own benefit. I
have learnt about it from Mr. Shah and will implement in my life too.

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What do I disagree with?
In the entire interview, I was impressed with everything apart from one condition. Dr.
Shah stated that he was convinced by his supervisors while working under them. This was not
acceptable on his part as he is guided by his own principles. An individual who is dedicated
towards the betterment of the society cannot be easily swayed by others. Therefore, when I knew
about his nature of being easily convinced I started doubting my choice of an ideal leader.
Moreover, he mentioned that in the initial days, he was not so positive about continuing his
studies to higher level. I did not have a good feeling about this, as a man of his standard should
not be in dilemma regarding decision- making. As an IS professional he should be quick and
determined about his decision but he lacked that quality. I could not agree with his thoughts of
obeying every word of the supervisors even though it is not right.
Ethical theory
In relevance to this interview of Dr. Shah, I found out that the theory of utilitarian ethics
would be suitable. This theory refers to the greatest good for the largest number of people. It is
perfect for applying in decision- making process for the welfare of the majority of population in
the society. From the interview of Dr. Shah, I have understood that he is a selfless person and
dedicated completely for the benefits of the society. However, there are negative aspects of
utilitarian theory in professional ethics. While following this theory, the individuals involved in
the decision- making process are often forced to come to an unsatisfactory conclusion by making
an assumption about their choice. Apart from that, there is a risk on the minority population
when the majority population gets the benefit. It hampers the establishment of a mutually
beneficial relationship, as the prediction of outcome is not always possible. When the interview
was conducted and the views were analyzed, I realized the underlying issues in professional IT.

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The issues are related to law and ethics in the form misuse of computers and the internet. There
was an integral part of anti- discrimination law and employment law in terms of IT industry.

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