Navigating Ethical Conduct and Professional Accountability in the ICT Industry
A Balancing Act
During my work-integrated learning (WIL) placement at Genics, I was entrusted with the significant task of enhancing the company’s digital presence via the re-development of its website. During this project, I handled sensitive user data, and made decisions that could impact the company’s reputation. This responsibility was not just about technical proficiency but a balancing act of ethical considerations and professional accountability.
The Ethical Handling of User Data
One of the most significant ethical challenges I faced was collecting and using personal data for user-informed design. Gathering user feedback through questionnaires and user journey mapping required careful handling of personal data to respect privacy and comply with data protection regulations. I strictly adhered to these laws and ensured informed consent from users before collecting their data, and privacy was preserved at all times. However, reflecting on this experience, I could have enhanced transparency by providing more detailed information about how their data would be used and the measures taken to protect their privacy.
The Responsible Use of Resources
Another ethical and professional challenge emerged when I had to pause the NextJS headless implementation due to time constraints. This decision, while necessary, raised ethical and professional considerations about the responsible use of resources and the potential impact on the company’s business goals. To address this, I maintained open and honest communication with the industry partner, explaining the reasons for the decision and its potential implications. I also committed to resuming the development of the new headless implementation in the future, demonstrating my professional accountability and dedication to the project.
These experiences have reinforced my belief that ethical conduct and professional accountability are not just about adhering to regulations or avoiding negative consequences. They are about enhancing the trustworthiness of the ICT field and fostering a culture of responsibility and integrity.
As ICT professionals, we have a significant role in shaping our industry’s ethical landscape. These lessons from my placement at Genics will undoubtedly guide my future work in the industry, helping me navigate ethical challenges with integrity and professionalism. I am committed to upholding these standards and contributing to the ethical growth of the ICT field.