Software Engineering Code of Ethics and Professional Practice (version 5.2)

©1999 by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. and the Association for Computing Machinery, Inc.

The Code lays out aspirations for making software engineering a well-respected profession through eight principles in which software engineers should adhere to in pursuing actions in the context of the profession. The eight principles are summarized as follows:

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.

3 PRODUCT - Software engineers shall ensure that their products and related modifications meet the highest professional standards possible.

4 JUDGMENT - Software engineers shall maintain integrity and independence in their professional judgment.

5 MANAGEMENT - Software engineering managers and leaders shall subscribe to and promote an ethical approach to the management of software development and maintenance.

6 PROFESSION - Software engineers shall advance the integrity and reputation of the profession consistent with the public interest.

7 COLLEAGUES - Software engineers shall be fair to and supportive of their colleagues.

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.


References:

“Software Engineering Code of Ethics and Professional Practice (version 5.2),” http://www.computer.org/tab/seprof/code.htm.