CSE 3421
Software Engineering Ethics
SUMMER 2021
MD. RAFI-UR-RASHID
LECTURER, DEPT. OF CSE, UIU
Why This Lesson?
To make software engineering a
beneficial & respected profession and
the efforts be used for good
Who are the software engineers?
Software engineers are those who contribute by-
Teaching
Analyzing
Specification generation
Designing
Development
Testing
Maintenance
Software Engineers in focus
Because of their role in developing software system,
software engineers have significant chances to-
Do good or cause harm.
Enable others to do good or cause harm
Influence others to do good or cause harm
ACM/IEEE Code of Ethics
Software Engineering Code of Ethics and Professional
Practice was jointly approved by ACM and IEEE-CS.
Eight principles, engaging all possible aspects
In accordance with their commitment to the health,
safety and welfare of the public, software engineers
shall adhere to those eight principles.
8 Key Principles
1. Public
2. Client and Employer
3. Product
4. Judgment
5. Management
6. Profession
7. Colleagues
8. Self
1. Public
Software engineers shall act consistently with the public interest.
Always put the public interest first.
Disclose any software-related dangers.
Cooperate on the matters of public concern.
Produce software that respects diversity.
Approve only safe and well tested software
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.
Only use property as authorized by the owner.
Honor confidentiality of information.
Provide services only where competent.
Inform when a project might see failure.
Accept no outside work detrimental to the primary employer
3. Product
Software engineers shall ensure that their products and related
modifications meet the highest professional standards possible.
Ensure adequate software specification and understand them fully.
Ensure all goals are achievable and estimates are realistic.
Strive for high quality, acceptable cost, and reasonable schedule.
Ensure adequate documentation, testing, debugging and review.
Use data legitimately and remove flawed/ outdated data
4. Judgment
Software engineers shall maintain integrity and independence in their
professional judgment
Do not accept secret payment from the client.
Do not engage in any deceptive financial practices.
Disclose those conflicts of interest that can not be avoided.
Maintain professional objectivity while handling related documents.
5. Management
Software engineering managers and leaders shall subscribe to and
promote an ethical approach to the management of software
development and maintenance .
Assign work according to competence.
Offer fair and just renumeration.
Accurately describe the terms & conditions of employment.
Do not prevent a subordinate’s promotion.
Do not ask anyone to breach this code.
6. Profession
Software engineers shall advance the integrity and reputation of the
profession consistent with the public interest
Place professional interest before personal.
Exercise professional responsibility.
Promote commitment of this code and develop an ethical
environment.
Associate with reputable people.
Share software knowledge with other professionals
7. Colleagues
Software engineers shall be fair to and supportive of their colleagues.
Assist colleagues in professional development.
Review other’s work with their consent.
Give full credit to the work of others.
Do not hinder a colleague’s career.
Seek help from them outside your competence
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.
Improve your professional skill and knowledge.
Improve own ability to produce quality work.
Improve knowledge about the policy and legislations related to
work.
Do not violate this code
Thank You
