(a)
A programmer, working on a sophisticated data mining package, is trying to write an algorithm to do intelligent searches across multiple databases. Programmers in this company are encouraged to write about their work and publish their algorithms in professional journals. After months of tedious programming, the programmer finds himself stuck on one part of the problem. You, the division manager, not realizing the complexity of the problem, want the job completed within the next few days. The programmer remembers that a co-worker had written an article about a similar problem and given him the source code from an earlier version of a commercial software package developed by another company. On looking at those programs, he sees two areas of code that could be incorporated into his program. He incorporates the segments of code from the co-worker's article and from the commercial package into the program, but does not tell anyone or mention it in the documentation. The program works perfectly and is delivered a day ahead of schedule. You receive an anonymous tip about his actions from someone outside your company.
In this situation, What should you may do in the same situation? in ethics
Answers
Explanation:
As the division manager, i would first inquire the case. I will then call the programmer and ask for this justification, if this was a pure copy work, then i would ask him to mention the sources in his document by first taking permission from the sources.
Also i would warn the programmer that such an act is ethically wrong despite he had pressure on him and that such thing should not repeat.
If the tip of such an act has been reported to a manager of the project then the manager should follow the following steps.
• First of all, the manager should investigate the whole matter. Should do thorough research like, which source code he copied to complete the task.
• Will try to figure out the exact mistake done by the employee (if any).
• Blaming without proof will not resolve the issue.
• As it is an anonymous tip so, we need to be sure about the whole glitch.
• Once it is ascertained that fault is made by the employee will keep an official meeting.
• If it is his/her first mistake then will give him a warning but if it is a repeated mistake will fire him.
• Will officially keep a meeting and explain the employee that such acts are not ethically correct.
• The employee should realize that he is not only cheating the company by using other company’s content but it is a breach of faith too.
• If an employee accepts the mistake and gives a written apology then will leave him with a strict warning.
• On the other hand, will reinforce the security system so that we become more vigilant on what employees are doing.
• Company’s identity is its employee. So the good management and trustworthy employees can create a successful company rapport.