Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to describe a perspective from the Council of European Professional Informatics Societies on the role of ethics in IT professionalism, and what that means in a practical sense for IT practitioners. Design/methodology/approach The paper develops ideas generated in a series of micro-conferences hosted by CEPIS on the topic of ethics, in the context of establishing a professional ethics framework as part of CEPIS’ work in support of IT professionalism. Findings Professional ethics is the weakest of the four professional pillars, and development of supports and resources is required. CEPIS is taking action in this areas. Practical implications Without a framework, and without IT Practitioners themselves taking a coordinated action, there risks a fragmentation of responses to ethical questions. Originality/value This paper describes the view of the CEPIS on the need for, and role of, professional ethics, and how that might be supported.