Code of Ethics, Conduct and Practice

We believe that all professionals should follow an explicitly stated code, not only during working hours but in their private lives as well.

Our Code of Ethics, Conduct and Practice is consistent with those of professional organizations to which we belong:

1. We accept responsibility in making decisions consistent with the safety, health and welfare of the public, and we promptly identify factors that might endanger the public or the environment.
2. We avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest whenever possible, and we disclose them to affected parties when they do exist.
3. We are honest and realistic in stating claims or estimates based on available data.
4. We reject bribery in all its forms.
5. We work to improve the understanding of the process and products of technology and our professional work, its appropriate application and potential consequences.
6. We acquire, maintain and improve our professional competence and we undertake technological tasks for others only if qualified by training or experience, or after full disclosure of pertinent limitations.
7. We seek, accept, and offer honest criticism and review of professional work; we acknowledge and correct errors; and we credit properly the contributions of others.
8. We treat fairly all persons regardless of such factors as race, religion, gender, disability, age, or national origin.
9. We avoid injuring others, their property, reputation, employment, and property rights, including copyrights and patent. We give proper credit for intellectual property.
10. We assist colleagues in their professional development and we support them in following this code of ethics.
11. We contribute to society and human well-being.
12. We are honest and trustworthy.
13. We respect the privacy of others.
14. We honor confidentiality.
15. We strive to achieve the highest quality, effectiveness and dignity in both the process and products of our professional work.
16. We know and respect existing laws pertaining to professional work.
17. We give comprehensive and thorough evaluations of the products of our work and their impacts, including analysis of possible risks.
18. We honor contracts, agreements, and assigned responsibilities.
19. We articulate social responsibilities of members of an organizational unit and encourage full acceptance of those responsibilities.
20. We manage personnel and resources to design and build systems that enhance the quality of working life.
21. We acknowledge and support proper and authorized uses of computing and communication resources.
22. We ensure that users and those who will be affected by systems we design have their needs clearly articulated during the assessment and design of requirements; later these systems must be validated to meet requirements.
23. We articulate and support policies that protect the dignity of users and others affected by a system we design.
24. We create opportunities for members of the organization to learn the principles and limitations of systems we design.
25. We treat violations of this code as inconsistent with our membership in professional organizations.
26. We act in a manner that is in the best interests of our clients consistent with the public interest.
27. We ensure that our products and related modifications meet the highest professional standards possible.
28. We maintain integrity and independence in our professional judgment.
29. We subscribe to and promote an ethical approach to the management of technical development and maintenance.
30. We advance the integrity and reputation of our profession consistent with the public interest.
31. We are fair to and supportive of our colleagues.
32. We promote an ethical approach to the practice of our profession.