Insights on Professional Computing Ethics

Question 1

Computing, specifically software engineering, is an emerging profession. Having been an occupation for quite some time now, the stakeholders in computing have recognized the need to make it a profession. This change is taking effect with a committee established by some two largest computing societies. This committee is tasked to work on the acceptable practices and educational models within the profession. If they do a good job, then the computing profession will be more developed and become more lucrative and admirable.

The computing profession is taking a heterogeneous model just like nursing in the U.S. This consists of a well-trained formal tier and another that lacks any significant formal training. However, those opposed to computing as an emerging profession view profession strictly from a monopolistic knowledge viewpoint. Today, some professions have both highly skilled and less skilled personnel. Therefore, computing can be considered a profession.

Question 2

The concept of a code of ethics has been misused and abused by both established and emerging professions. Mostly, these professions only develop a code of ethics just as a formality with some of the propositions being impractical. Over time, the profession becomes well developed as typified in the case of ACM. Most of the ethical plans by this institution are today more specific to computing than they used to before. They are coming out from the previous rules which were more focused on regulations and disciplinary measures against the failure to comply. Therefore, ACM does not overemphasize on the mere formality aspects of a code of ethics.

Question 3

The Canadian Code of Ethics and ACM deal with ethical guidelines in computing and psychology fields, respectively. ACM boasts of a more comprehensive global coverage with more than 500 college and university chapters. There are also 171 local chapters. For the Canadian Code of ethics, the focus is to impact psychologists to consider ethical decision making processes. However, some of the ethical guidelines are specific to given situations and may not be binding in other circumstances. I would choose ACM over the Canadian Code of ethics because the former’s profession (computing), is at its developmental stage and proper ethical guidelines will help the industry to make informed decisions.