Software Engineering Ethics

Software Engineering (SE-)

Instructor: Abd Ullah Khan

abdullah@nbc.nust.edu.pk
 Software Engineering Ethics

• Software engineering has evolved into a respected profession worldwide.

• Professional software engineers should abide by a code of ethics that guides
their work and the products they produce.
 Software Engineering Ethical Principles
• ACM/IEEE-CS has produced a Software Engineering Code of Ethics, which
states that software engineers, without compromising the health, safety, and
welfare of the public, shall adhere to the following Eight Principles.
 Software Engineering Ethical 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.
• Provide service in their competence areas, being honest and forthright about any limitations of their experience and
education.
• Keep private any confidential information gained in their professional work, where such confidentiality is consistent with
the public interest and consistent with the law.
3. Product – Software engineers shall ensure that their products and related modifications meet the
highest professional standards.
• Strive for high quality, acceptable cost, and a reasonable schedule, ensuring significant tradeoffs are clear to and
accepted by the employer and the client
4. Judgment – Software engineers shall maintain integrity and independence in their professional
judgment.
• Orient all technical judgments towards the need to support and maintain human values.
• Do not engage in bribery, double billing, or other improper financial practices.
• Maintain professional objectivity for any software they are asked to evaluate.
 Software Engineering Ethics
5. Management – Software engineering managers and leaders shall adhere to and promote
an ethical approach to the management of software development and maintenance.
• Ensure good management for any project on which they work
• Ensure realistic estimates of cost, scheduling, personnel, quality, and outcomes on any project
6. Profession – Software engineers shall advance the integrity and reputation of the
profession consistent with the public interest.
• Develop an organizational environment favorable to acting ethically.
• Promote public knowledge of software engineering.
• Obey all laws governing their work unless, in exceptional circumstances, such compliance is inconsistent
with the public interest.
7. Colleagues – Software engineers shall be fair and supportive to their colleagues.
8. Self – Software engineers shall participate in lifelong learning regarding their professional
practice and promote an ethical approach to the practice of the profession.
 Personal Responsibilities of a Software Engineer

• On a personal level, a software engineer should abide by the following rules:

• Never steal data for personal gain.
• Never distribute or sell proprietary information obtained as part of your work on a software
project.
• Never maliciously destroy or modify another person’s programs, files, or data.
• Never violate the privacy of an individual, a group, or an organization.
• Never hack into a system for sport or profit.
• Never create or promulgate a computer virus or worm.
• Never use computing technology to facilitate discrimination or harassment.
 Further Readings

• Software Engineering Code - ACM Ethics

 Thanks
• Avoid being an unintentional killer. Avoid using plastic bags.