Homework Help: Questions and Answers: Mary, a computer engineer, developed a program that could damage or modify the computing systems of a business. Which code of conduct did Mary violate?
A. conflict of interest
B. diligent service
C. information confidentiality
D. professional integrity
E. software copyright
Answer:
First, let’s understand the question: Mary developed a program that could damage or modify computing systems. This program was specifically targeted at a business. We need to determine the code of conduct did Mary violate.
Given Options: Step by Step Answering
a) Conflict of interest
- This involves a situation where personal interests conflict with professional duties. There is no indication that Mary’s personal interests are conflicting with her responsibilities, so this option doesn’t fit.
b) Diligent service
- Diligent service means performing one’s duties carefully and responsibly. While Mary may not have been diligent in her actions, the focus of the question is more on the ethical nature of developing harmful software rather than a lack of diligence. This is not the best fit.
c) Information confidentiality
- Information confidentiality involves protecting sensitive data. The question does not mention anything about the misuse or exposure of confidential information, so this doesn’t apply here.
d) Professional integrity
- Professional integrity involves maintaining honesty, ethics, and standards within one’s profession. By developing a program that could harm or modify business computing systems, Mary is violating the ethical standards expected of a computer engineer.
- This is a clear violation of professional integrity, as she is engaging in unethical behavior that could harm others.
e) Software copyright
- Copyright violations occur when someone uses software without proper authorization or licensing. The scenario does not mention anything about software piracy or unauthorized copying of code, so this is irrelevant.
Final Answer:
Based on the above analysis, the correct answer is:
D. Professional integrity
By developing a program intended to damage or modify business systems, Mary violated professional integrity. This goes against the ethical principles that computer professionals should use their skills to benefit society, not cause harm. Professional integrity requires engineers to maintain high ethical standards and use their knowledge responsibly.
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