Software Engineering Code of Ethics and Professional Practices - Analysis Using a Real World Use Case
PREAMBLE
The short version of the code summarizes aspirations
at a high level of the abstraction; the clauses that are included in the full
version give examples and details of how these aspirations change the way we
act as software engineering professionals. Without the aspirations, the details
can become legalistic and tedious; without the details, the aspirations can
become high sounding but empty; together, the aspirations and the details form
a cohesive code.
Software engineers shall commit themselves to making
the analysis, specification, design, development, testing and maintenance of
software a beneficial and respected profession. In accordance with their
commitment to the health, safety and welfare of the public, software engineers
shall adhere to the following Eight Principles.
1. PUBLIC - Software engineers shall act
consistently with the public interest.
2. CLIENT AND EMPLOYER - Software engineers shall
act in a manner that is in the best interests of their client and employer
consistent with the public interest.
3. PRODUCT - Software engineers shall ensure that
their products and related modifications meet the highest professional
standards possible.
4. JUDGMENT - Software engineers shall maintain
integrity and independence in their professional judgment.
5. MANAGEMENT - Software engineering managers and
leaders shall subscribe to and promote an ethical approach to the management of
software development and maintenance.
6. PROFESSION - Software engineers shall advance the
integrity and reputation of the profession consistent with the public interest.
7. COLLEAGUES - Software engineers shall be fair to
and supportive of their colleagues.
8. SELF - Software engineers shall participate in
lifelong learning regarding the practice of their profession and shall promote
an ethical approach to the practice of the profession.