The Australian Computer Society (ACS) is the recognised association for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) professionals, attracting a large and active membership from all levels of the ICT industry. A member of theAustralian Council of Professions, the ACS is the public voice of the ICT profession and the guardian of professional ethics and standards in the ICT industry, with a commitment to the wider community to ensure the beneficial use of ICT.
The society was founded in 1966. Its objectives are to further the study, science and application of Information Technology; promote, develop and monitor competence in the practice of ICT by people and organisations; maintain and promote a Code of Ethics for members of the Society; define and promote standards of knowledge of ICT for members, promote the formulation of effective policies on ICT and related matters; extend the knowledge and understanding of ICT in the community; promote the benefits of membership of the Society and promote the benefits of employing members of the Society.
ACS members work in all areas of business and industry, government and academia, and are qualified and experienced ICT professionals committed to the Society's Code of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct and Professional Practice. ACS membership denotes a commitment to professionalism.
To advance professional excellence in information technology.
To promote the development of Australian information and communications technology resources.
- To advance professional excellence in information and communications technology.
- To further the study, science and application of information and communications technology.
- To promote, develop and monitor competence in the practice of information and communications technology by persons and organizations.
- To define and promote the maintenance of standards of knowledge of information and communications technology for members.
- To promote the formulation of effective policies on information and communications technology and related matters.
- To extend the knowledge and understanding of information and communications technology in the community.
- To maintain and promote the observance of a code of ethics for members of the Society.
The Code of Ethics – part of the ACS’ Constitution
As an ACS member you must uphold and advance the honour, dignity and effectiveness of being a professional. This entails, in addition to being a good citizen and acting within the law, your adherence to the following ACS values:
1. The Primacy of the Public Interest
You will place the interests of the public above those of personal, business or sectional interests.
2. The Enhancement of Quality of Life
You will strive to enhance the quality of life of those affected by your work.
3. Honesty
You will be honest in your representation of skills, knowledge, services and products.
4. Competence
You will work competently and diligently for your stakeholders.
5. Professional Development
You will enhance your own professional development, and that of your colleagues and staff.
6. Professionalism
You will enhance the integrity of the ACS and the respect of its members for each other.
This Code applies to all ACS members regardless of their role or specific area of expertise in the ICT industry.
These guidelines are not exhaustive and should not be read as a complete definition of acceptable professional conduct in all practical situations. Their intention is to illustrate what constitutes ethical and professional conduct under the Code of Ethics. You are expected to take into account the spirit of the Code in order to resolve ambiguous or contentious issues concerning professional conduct. The ACS will always try to help you to resolve ethical dilemmas whenever they present themselves, and a confidential consultation can be organised if you ever find yourself in a difficult position.
2. The Primacy of the Public Interest
In the context of the Code of Ethics, the public interest takes precedence over personal, private and sectional interests, and any conflicts should be resolved in favour of the public interest. In your work, you should safeguard the interests of your immediate stakeholders, provided that these interests do not conflict with the duty and loyalty you owe to the public. The public interest is taken to include matters of public health, safety and the environment.
In accordance with this value you will:
- identify those potentially impacted by your work and explicitly consider their interests;
- raise with stakeholders any potential conflicts between your professional activity and legal or other accepted public requirements;
- advise your stakeholders as soon as possible of any conflicts of interest or conscientious objections that you have;
- take into consideration the fact that your profession traverses many other professions, and has implications for other social systems and organisations;
- endeavour to preserve the integrity, security, continuity and utility of ICT;
- respect the intellectual property of others; and
- endeavour to preserve the confidentiality and privacy of the information of others.
The development of ICT has had a significant impact on society and our way of life. Whilst this impact has been beneficial to a very great extent, like all technologies, ICT has also had some negative effects, and will continue to do so. An ethical approach to your work will help to recognise and minimise these adverse effects. You should promote equal access to the benefits of ICT by all members of society.
In accordance with this value you will:
- recognise, in your work, the role that ICT can play to enhance the quality of life of people, particularly the disadvantaged or those with disabilities;
- protect and promote the health and safety of those affected by your work;
- understand, and give due regard to, the perceptions of those affected by your work; and
- attempt to increase the feelings of personal satisfaction, competence, and control of those affected by your work.
Do not breach public trust in the profession or the specific trust of your stakeholders. Observance of utmost honesty and integrity must underlie all your professional decisions and actions. Circumstances will undoubtedly arise during the course of your professional career where it may appear to be beneficial for you to be deceptive in some way. This type of behaviour is not acceptable professional conduct.
In accordance with this value you will:
- reject, and will not make, any offer of bribery or inducement;
- not knowingly mislead a client or potential client as to the suitability of a product or service;
- distinguish between your professional and personal opinions and advice;
- give realistic estimates for projects under your control;
- qualify professional opinions which you know are based on limited knowledge or experience;
- give credit for work done by others where credit is due; and
- not attempt to enhance your own reputation at the expense of another person’s reputation.
Accept only such work as you believe you are competent to perform, and do not hesitate to obtain additional expertise from appropriately qualified individuals where advisable. You should always be aware of your own limitations and not knowingly imply that you have competence you do not possess. This is distinct from accepting a task of which the successful completion requires expertise additional to your own. You cannot possibly be knowledgeable on all facets of ICT but you should be able to recognise when you need additional expertise and information.
In accordance with this value you will:
- endeavour to provide products and services which match the operational and financial needs of your stakeholders;
- not misrepresent your skills or knowledge;
- make yourself aware of relevant standards and legislation, and act accordingly;
- respect and protect your stakeholders' proprietary interests;
- advise your stakeholders when you believe a proposed project, product or service is not in their best interest;
- accept responsibility for your work; and
- respect, and seek when necessary, the professional expertise of colleagues in their areas of competence.
Keep yourself informed of such new technologies, practices and standards as are relevant to your work. Others will expect you to provide special skills and advice; and in order to do so, you must keep your knowledge up-to-date. You should encourage your colleagues and staff to do the same. Take action to ensure that your hard-won knowledge and experience are passed on in such a way that the recipients not only improve their own effectiveness in their present work but also become keen to advance their capabilities and take on additional responsibilities.
In accordance with this value you will:
- continue to upgrade your knowledge and skills;
- increase your awareness of issues affecting the profession and its relationship with the public;
- encourage your colleagues, staff and students to continue their own professional development; and
- support education, training and professional development in ICT that reflects the diverse needs of individual professionals and their various career paths.
The ICT industry is relatively new and characterised by rapid change. It has not had the opportunity to evolve over many decades and acquire its own standards and legislation. The ACS is endeavouring to improve public confidence in the ICT industry. It is imperative that professional grade members of the ACS maintain professional standards that improve and enhance the industry's image, especially in the workplace.
All people have a right to be treated with dignity and respect. Discrimination is unprofessional behaviour, as is any form of harassment. Members should be aware that the ACS can help them resolve ethical dilemmas. It can also provide support for taking appropriate action, including whistle-blowing, if you discover an ACS member or employer engaging in unethical behaviour.
In accordance with this value you will:
- take a calm, objective, informed and knowledgeable stance on your professional work, complementing your enthusiasm and engagement in it;
- take appropriate action against members who engage in behaviour contrary to the Code of Ethics;
- confront attempts to limit diversity in the workplace, and ensure that opportunities for employment, advancement, remuneration and other working conditions are based on the actual skills and performance of employees, free of stereotypes and prejudices;
- note that the corporate actions of the ACS are subject to this Code, and you should do whatever you can to ensure that the ACS and its officer bearers and staff meet this obligation;
- neither require, nor attempt to influence, any person to take any action which would involve a breach of the Code of Ethics;
- refrain from any conduct or action in your professional role which may tarnish the image of the profession or detract from the good name of the ACS;
- endeavour to extend public knowledge and understanding of ICT;
- co-operate in advancing ICT by communication with other professionals, students and the public; and
- have pride in your profession, and protect and promote professionalism and trustworthiness in ICT.
