Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 8

Ethics - Essay Example Section 2 of the BCS Code of Conduct clearly states on specific responsibility in the business environment: â€Å"You shall have regard to the legitimate rights of third parties† (bcs.org, 2009). It is clearly identified that the term third party consists of potential competitors or any member of the public society who could be adversely affected by certain elements of an information technology system without their full knowledge of these activities. In Joan’s situation, there is clearly an ethical dilemma as none of the aforementioned public officials or corporate officers are aware that information about them is being stored, accessed, and analysed in the INF Ltd. database. Though it has not been offered as to why this information is actually being collected, simply gathering information for future or current use about these officials and public figures creates non-compliance to ethical obligations of the business. This information could be being collected to sell to competing organisations in similar business markets, as one example. Joan has an obligation to recognise that these activities are immoral based on the BCS Code of Conduct and she has legitimate concerns over how this information is being handled and processed. In the event that any of this information might be given to other third parties, there are unlimited opportunities to cause harm to the individuals whose information is being collected. â€Å"You shall avoid any situation that may give rise to a conflict of interest between you and your relevant authority. You shall make full and immediate disclosure to them if any conflict is likely to occur or be seen by a third party as likely to occur† (bcs.org). In Joan’s situation, she has been chosen for the task of collecting this information therefore a conflict of interest has been created not only between herself and her employer, but potentially