PUBLIC – Software engineers shall act consistently with the public interest.
- Disclose any software-related dangers
- Approve only safe, well tested software
- Only sign documents in area of competence
- Cooperate on matters of public concern
- Produce software that respects diversity
- Be fair and truthful in all matters
- Always put the public’s interests first
- Donate professional skills to good causes
- Accept responsibility for your own work
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 services only where competent
- Ensure resources are authentically approved
- Only use property as authorized by the owner
- Do not use illegally obtained software
- Honor confidentiality of information
- Raise matters of social concern
- Inform when a project becomes problematic
- Accept no detrimental outside work
- Represent no interests adverse to your employer
PRODUCT – Software engineers shall ensure that their products and related modifications meet the highest professional standards possible.
- Ensure adequate software specification
- Understand specifications fully
- Ensure you are suitably qualified
- Ensure all goals are achievable
- Ensure proper methodology use
- Ensure good project management
- Ensure all estimates are realistic
- Ensure adequate documentation
- Ensure adequate testing and debugging
- Promote privacy of individuals
- Use data legitimately
- Delete outdated and flawed data
- Identify and address contentious issues
- Promote maximum quality and minimum cost
- Follow appropriate industry standards
JUDGMENT – Software engineers shall maintain integrity and independence in their professional judgment.
- Maintain professional objectivity
- Only sign documents within your responsibility
- Reject bribery
- Do not accept secret payments from the client
- Accept payment from only one source for a job
- Disclose conflicts of interest
- Avoid conflicting financial interests
- Temper technology judgments with ethics
MANAGEMENT – Software engineering managers and leaders shall subscribe to and promote an ethical approach to the management of software development and maintenance.
- Assure standards are known by employees
- Assure knowledge of confidentiality protocols
- Assign work according to competence
- Provide due process for code violations
- Develop fair ownership agreements
- Accurately describe conditions of employment
- Offer only fair and just remuneration
- Do not prevent a subordinate’s promotion
- Do not ask a person to breach this code
PROFESSION – Software engineers shall advance the integrity and reputation of the profession consistent with the public interest.
- Associate with reputable people
- Promote commitment of this code
- Support followers of this code
- Help develop an ethical environment
- Report suspected violations of this code
- Take responsibility for errors
- Only accept appropriate remuneration
- Be accurate and honest regarding software
- Place professional interests before personal
- Obey all laws governing your work
- Exercise professional responsibility
- Promote public knowledge of the subject
- Share software knowledge with the profession
COLLEAGUES – Software engineers shall be fair to and supportive of their colleagues.
- Assist colleagues in professional development
- Review other’s work only with their consent
- Credit fully the work of others
- Review others work candidly
- Give fair hearing to colleagues
- Assist colleagues’ awareness of work practices
- Do not hinder a colleague’s career
- Do not pursue a job offered to a colleague
- Seek help with work outside your competence
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.
- Further your own professional knowledge
- Improve your ability to produce quality work
- Improve your ability to document work
- Improve your understanding of work details
- Improve your knowledge of relevant legislation
- Improve your knowledge of this code
- Do not force anyone to violate this code
- Consider code violations inconsistent with software engineering
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