Order from us for quality, customized work in due time of your choice.
Introduction
The Association of Computer Machinery (ACM) code consists of 24 imperatives that are formulated as statements of personal responsibility. It comprises most of the issues that professionals are likely to encounter. The ACM code outlines how software engineers should conduct themselves ethically in their profession, and while relating to others. The content in Section three is directed to the leaders whether in the workplace or a volunteer position within ACM- like organization. In this event, Judy is bound to take offence to this remark and seek an apology from Jack or seek justice on account of discrimination on a gender bias basis (acm.org).
Code of Ethics on Discrimination and Professionalism, and comments on the Case Study
From our case study, Jacks remarks are quite inappropriate. According to the code of ethics, Jack could be accused of discrimination based on sex, and such violation of ACM policy will not be tolerated. The code takes each member as having the same value as the other, and there should be no segregation in regard to race, gender, age or any other biased factor. All members have a right to use the resources laid before them with no discrimination (acm.org).
Jack’s remarks can be interpreted to mean that he was only paying attention to Judy because of her beauty and not because she is knowledgeable in the engineering field. In this case, he would be violating the discrimination code. He fails to consider the effect of his remark on Judys self-confidence and esteem as a young female engineer.
On the other hand, Jacks remark could be interpreted to show some kind of discrimination towards his colleague Tom who he had been ignored the entire dinner. From his remark, it could be true to say that he fails to pay attention to Tom because of his gender (Reynolds 18). Since Tom is male, Jack is disinterested in having a conversation with him, and he chooses to listen to Judy who is of the opposite gender and better looking. In this case, Tom is obliged to take offence of the uncalled for remark and should sue Jack on account of discrimination on a gender bias basis, which is a violation of the ACM code of ethics. This would result in the loss of Jacks ACM membership or the loss of his job. (acm.org)
Also, Jacks remarks display his lack of professionalism, as the remark should not be directed to a colleague no matter how lightly it has been put. In this case, his remark was quite inappropriate (Reynolds 51). However, his colleagues could opt to brush it off since the setting is not formal, and they might not need to make a big deal out of it. This is the most advisable reaction in this case. This would lead to a nice and open work relationship, and the three colleagues could become fonder of each other developing a formidable friendship.
It is very probable that Jack had taken his discussion with Judy seriously and did not intend to harm anybody with his unethical remark. Likely, he was just joking at Tom to sound casual, but Judy may misinterpret this out of her paranoia and anxiety. It is obvious that she highly desires to be taken seriously, and all the stereotypes that she has heard about women not being well suited for engineering might lead her to think that Jack was being discriminative which might not be the case.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jack could also be trying to throw an indirect compliment at Judy which could, unfortunately, be misinterpreted. Therefore, in my opinion, Tom and Judy should take Jack’s remark lightly with no intended offence. On the other hand, Jack should avoid making such remarks as they could have conflicting interpretations. He should also update himself with the ACM code of ethics to know and appreciate the consequences of his actions.
Works Cited
Reynolds, George Walter. Ethics in information technology. 2nd ed. Boston, Mass.: Thomson/Course Technology, 2007. Print.
“Software Engineering Code of Ethics and Professional Practice — Association for Computing Machinery.” Welcome — Association for Computing Machinery. N.P., n.d. Web.
Order from us for quality, customized work in due time of your choice.