Code Of Conduct

Question 1

Define code of conduct

Answer 1

A code of conduct consists of rules/agreement drawn up by the senior management or advisors that set out what an employee is/is not allowed to do in the course of their employment. It also details the sanctions which will be applied should the employee not obey the rules.

Question 2

Potential problems?

Answer 2

1. Introduction of viruses
2. Misuse of ict - using organisations printer for personal work
3. Distribution of material that is racially or sexually offensive
4. Black mail
5. Computer fraud or selling to other organisations

Question 3

Contents of a code of conduct?

Answer 3

1. Responsibilities - abide by rules and act responsibly for security and well being of company
2. Respecting rights of others - be aware of other workers rights, no bullying or spreading rumours on emails about co workers
3. Abiding by current legislation - spa, equal opportunities act, computer misuse act, copyright act - result in criminal prosecution
4. Security - don’t disclose passwords, personal use of email logging on and off procedures, encryption of transferred data, unwanted documents shred
5. Protecting hardware and software from malicious damage - make sure that equipment is not damaged on purpose

Question 4

Penalties for misuse?

Answer 4

1. Informal warnings - verbally for minor errors e.g not logging off or poor password choice
2. Written warnings - repeated minor infringements - unauthorised use of software or company equipment(official letter, kept on record)
3. dismissal - very serious infringement - last resource, embarrassment to company, losing private data or breach that could lead to criminal charges
4. Prosecution- stealing, intentionally damaging hardware or software dpa, downloading child pornography

Question 5

Difference between legal and moral issues

Answer 5

Legal issue serious and against the law - prosecution, fine, imprisonment

Moral issue regarded by most people as wrong but not breaking any laws

Question 6

What’s disinformation and the moral and legal issue?

Answer 6

1. Trying to mislead or give false information.

E.g.
- moral issue
Television salesperson advising you to buy a particular model of tv because he will get better commission for this model and he knows that a newer model will be released within a few weeks

• legal issue
  Television salesperson selling you a tv by claiming the tv is 3D and it is not, he would be braking trade description act

Question 7

What us privacy and the moral and legal issue?

Answer 7

The rights if individuals to keep information about themselves private. The DPA does this but there are some situations where the act does the protect the individual.

E.g.
- moral issue
Company buying information off other companies in order to send you junk mail about buying products

-legal issue
Selling in details of individuals even though they have clearly specified that this should not be done. Contravenes the DPA.

Question 8

What is employment patterns and what what are the legal and moral issues?

Answer 8

Legal issues
Stress working with ict, back strain, RSI, correct working practise. Businesses must address these issues or possibly face legal action from employees

Moral issues
Ict invading their privacy and spying on them by monitoring their use of computer etc.

Question 9

Explain how the hospital management can enforce the code of conduct?

Answer 9

• by enforcing the penalties and reminding all staff of their responsibilities of breaking the code and the consequences
• informal warnings
• written warnings
• dismissal