Introduction
A business organization’s structure depends on its functions for example Research and development, Accounts, Systems, Marketing, and Manufacturing. This allows an organization to practice division of labor and specialization, which is critical in enhancing efficiency and lowering unit costs for operating the business (Hurst 1991). However, according to Hargie (2006) cases of rivalry between departments are prevalent.
The Accounts department maintains a comprehensive record of money received and disbursed from a business. The department also prepares financial statements and accounts for auditing. The manufacturing department ensures that the production process is on time and that products are of the right quality. The marketing department is involved in all activities pertaining sale of goods to the customers. The department also plays the role of promotion, advertising, and market research for an organization. Human Resource Department is concerned with personnel training and recruitment. It also ensures workers’ safety and facilitates dialogue with a trade or worker unions (Haag and Cummings 2009).
Context diagram refers to a diagram showing the flow of data. According to Rainer and Cegielski (2010), “a context diagram has only one central process which subsumes everything inside the scope of the system.” Pearlson and Saunders (2009) add that a context diagram indicates how data is received and sent to other peripheral entities concerned.
Data flow diagrams on the other hand show occurrence of data flow and the reasons. It, however, does not indicate when circumstance or the medium is used (O’Brien and Marakas 2005). Picardi (2001) argued that “data flow diagrams only indicates that data flow occurs somehow, sometimes.” Summers and Smith (2005) add that the data flow diagram emphasis only a few essential points.
Each member of a department is, however, under an obligation to observe and abide by the set professional Codes of Ethics (Ferguson and Salmond 2005). According to Laudon and Laudon (2009), professionals working within an Information or Communication association are governed by Australian Computer Society (ACS) ethical codes. They add that members are required to observe and uphold dignity, honor, and effectiveness in the field of Communication and Information technology.
ACS Code of Ethics
Under ACS Codes of Ethics, every member of an Information and Communication association must be honest, loyal in serving the society, strive to raise prestige and competence of the line of work, and use his skills and knowledge to progress human wellbeing (Ferguson and Salmond 2005).
Under Value and Ideals, Each member within the profession is under an obligation to observe integrity and responsibility in all contact with employers, clients, community, students, and employees. One is under a priority to observe the welfare of the commune before sectional or personal ones. A person should also observe diligence and competency while working for his employers and clients. One should also observe honesty while representing the knowledge, skills, products, and services of an association. Under social implications, every member must put the effort in improving life quality for those persons affected by the nature of work performed by an individual. While under work, every person is under an obligation to develop the profession of his students, colleagues, employees, and that of his own. Ono is under further obligation to build on the integrity of the profession and enhance respect among members (Ferguson and Salmond 2005).
The standards of Conduct of the act stipulate the application of its guidelines to every person’s professional work. One is under a priority to preserve flow and continuity of services and information within his care in an organization. In doing so, one should observe security and integrity while dealing with information belonging to other persons. Each member should show respect for such information, hold it in confidentiality, and offer advice to an employer, employee, or client of any legal or communal implications that may follow on disclosure of such information (Ferguson and Salmond 2005).
The regulations expect one to act with competence in the provision of services, products and offer money value for the same. One must admit responsibility for his dealings and offer respect and protection to the interests of his employer or clients. Where necessary, one is under an obligation to go beyond his belief in a bid to observe professionalism (Ferguson and Salmond 2005).
Under honesty, each member should not deliberately misrepresent to client service or product. One should also act in a way that misrepresents his knowledge and skills. One should offer objective and unbiased opinions and acknowledge work performed by others (Ferguson and Salmond 2005).
One is under social implications expected to support and look after the wellbeing and health of those people affected by the nature of one’s vocation. One should respect other person privacy as may be affected by ones deeds. One is under further social implication to respect his employees and treat them equally without favour, in doing so one should understand and pay regards to what they make out. One should go beyond, competently control, and give a sense of personal satisfaction to those affected by ones nature of work. One should refrain from advising any person to assume an action that may contravene the ethical Codes (Ferguson and Salmond 2005).
Under the information technology profession, a member is under an obligation to respect and ask for qualified opinions from contemporaries on their areas of proficiency where necessary. At no time should a member associate himself or slot in false and deceitful activities. A member should refrain from enhancing his own character to the expense of a colleague. A member should also seek guidance from the organisation when encountered by a decision unable to resolve by his own. One is also under an obligation to ensure that an organisation’s corporate actions adhere to set guidelines and further promote and protect professionalism in the field of information expertise (Ferguson and Salmond 2005).
Conclusion
Helen should not reveal data on bonuses to Chen. This is because the standard of conduct as stipulated in the ACS Code of Ethics dictates that one should observe security and integrity while dealing with information belonging to other persons. According to this regulation, each member is under an obligation to respect of information held it in confidentiality. Since Helen knew that data on bonuses was confident, disclosure of the same to her close friend would constitute breach of the codes.
Every member is under social implications of the ACS Code of Ethics expected to support and look after the wellbeing and health of those people affected by the nature of one’s vocation. One is under an obligation to respect other persons privacy as may be affected by ones deeds. By disclosure of information to Chee, Helen would have affected the relationship between Chee and her friends. She would therefore be contravening her competency in the profession as stipulated under the ACS Code of Ethics.
If I were in Helen’s shoes, I would refrain from advising her of any action that may contravene the ethical Codes. I would go beyond, competently control, and give a sense of personal satisfaction to Chee, reasons for denying her the information. I would further seek guidance from the concerned department for advice.
References
Ferguson, S. and Salmond, R. (2005) Case studies and codes of ethics: the relevance of the ACS experience to ALIA, New York, Stuart Ferguson.
Haag, S. and Cummings, M. (2006) Management Information Systems for the Information Age, Maidenhead, McGraw-Hill.
Hargie, O. (2006) The Handbook of Communication Skills, London, Routledge.
Hurst, B. (1991) Handbook of Communications Skills, London, Kogan Page. Laudon, K. and Laudon, J. (2009) Management Information Systems, New Jersey, Prentice Hall.
O’Brien, J. and Marakas, G. (2005) Introduction to Information Systems, Maidenhead, McGraw-Hill.
Pearlson, k. and Saunders, C. (2009) Managing and Using Information Systems: A Strategic Approach, San Francisco, Wiley.
Picardi, P. (2001) Skills of Workplace Communication: A Handbook for T&D Specialists and Their Organizations, New York, Quorum Books.
Rainer, R. and Cegielski, C. (2010) Introduction to Information Systems: Supporting and Transforming Business. San Francisco, Wiley.
Summers, J. and Smith, B. (2005) Communication Skills Handbook: How to Succeed in Written and Oral Communication, San Francisco, John Wiley & Sons Ltd.