Paper Example on Sleezy & Sly Co.: Unethical Use of Illegally Acquired Tax Package

Introduction

The main ethical issue facing Sleezy and Sly Company is the use of an illegally acquired tax processing package. According to the Workplace ethics case study" (n.d.), Jonathan found out that the tax package that the company used was illegally acquired and was registered under "Find Gold Partners" name. The company performed an unethical action by using the tax package without consent from its owner. According to the Canadian Information Processing Society (2018), IT companies should observe integrity in their undertakings, and Sleezy and Sly Company breached its professional code of conduct.

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Two passages that explain how the ethical issue violates the CIPS Code of Ethics

"CIPS members are expected to be familiar with and to not act contrary to the Code. CIPS members assume an obligation of integrity above and beyond the requirements of laws. Unless stated, the Code applies equally to both certified and non-certified members" (Canadian Information Processing Society, 2018).

Work in accordance with legitimate rights of 3rd parties, and conduct all activities with due regard for ownership, property rights and privacy (Canadian Information Processing Society, 2018).

How the issue violates each of the above-mentioned passages

Using an illegally acquired tax package violates the first passage on integrity since IT companies should adhere to the CIPS code of conduct which advocates for professional integrity (Canadian Information Processing Society, 2018). Moreover, Sleezy and Sly Company performed an illegal action by acquiring and using a software package without permission from its owner. The ethical issue also violates the second passage on observing property rights and ownership. The company did not adhere to copyright laws when it used the tax software without consent from "Find Gold Partners".

First ethical issue facing Jonathan Jones

Jonathan Jones faced an ethical issue regarding professional integrity. After realizing that the company had illegally acquired the tax software, he approached Sam Shifty and explained his concerns. However, Sam stated that Jonathan had to ignore his discovery regarding the previous manager's affairs (Case study", n.d.). Moreover, Sam had to work with the software if he wanted to retain his job. Jonathan faces an ethical dilemma on whether to condone the company's illegal dealings and retain his job, or to expose the unethical actions and lose employment.

Two passages that explain how the ethical issue violates the CIPS Code of Ethics

"Carry outwork or study with primary regard for public interest (including health, security, safety, privacy, protection of the environment and social responsibility) and in accordance with regulatory requirements and legislation" (Canadian Information Processing Society, 2018).

"CIPS members are expected to be familiar with and to not act contrary to the Code. CIPS members assume an obligation of integrity above and beyond the requirements of laws. Unless stated, the Code applies equally to both certified and non-certified members" (Canadian Information Processing Society, 2018).

How the issue violates each of the above-mentioned passages

The ethical issue violates the first passage since Jonathan's failure to report illegal practices by his company would be breaching the code of conduct and undermining public interest. Jonathan is expected to safeguard the public good by applying industry legislations and requirements that require companies to follow ethical and legal practices. The issue also undermines the second passage regarding integrity, and Jonathan is expected to possess strong moral principles, such as honesty, in line with professional ethics (Ruth, 2018). If Jonathan fails to report the illegal use of the tax software, then he will have failed in his duty to maintain integrity in practice.

Second ethical issue facing Jonathan Jones

The second ethical issue facing Jonathan is confidentiality and privacy. IT professionals are expected to protect client data and they should not reveal private information to third parties without authorization. Jonathan is tempted to expose his professor's low salary since Fred, a plumber, earns a higher salary than the professor. Exposing this information would be in breach of client confidentiality.

Two passages that explain how the ethical issue violates the CIPS Code of Ethics

"Carry outwork or study with primary regard for public interest (including health, security, safety, privacy, protection of the environment and social responsibility) and in accordance with regulatory requirements and legislation" (Canadian Information Processing Society, 2018).

Treat all employer/client business information as confidential, respect copyrights, trade secrets, privacy and terms of license agreements (Canadian Information Processing Society, 2018).

How the issue violates each of the above-mentioned passages

The ethical issue violates the first passage since IT professionals should undertake tasks while adhering to principles such as security, privacy and social responsibility (Ruth, 2018). If Jonathan discloses client information without consent, then he will have breached the CIPS codes of conduct with regard to customer privacy. The ethical issue also breaches the second passage which requires IT employees to maintain confidentiality and trade secrets. If Jonathan exposes his former professor's salary, he will have violated professional privacy.

Recommended actions that Jonathan Jones should implement

Jonathan should require Sam to undertake corrective actions that address the illegal use of the tax package within the company. If Sam does not address the issue, then Jonathan should resign from Sleezy and Sly Company and report the crime to authorities. Jonathan should also not expose any confidential client information without consent so that he does not violate the ethical principles and laws that guide his profession.

References

Canadian Information Processing Society. (2018). CIPS code of ethics and standards of conduct. Canada.

Ruth, C. (2018). Professional Ethics. New York: Routledge "Workplace ethics case study". (n.d.). HREL 250 Business Dynamics.