Notes on the ACM Code: Leadership

Leadership

The Code assigns leadership its own section and defines the term broadly enough to cover anyone who teaches, guides or influences others.

Section 3 Professional Leadership Principles: "Leadership may either be a formal designation or arise informally from influence over others. In this section, 'leader' means any member of an organization or group who has influence, educational responsibilities, or managerial responsibilities. While these principles apply to all computing professionals, leaders bear a heightened responsibility to uphold and promote them, both within and through their organizations."
3.4 Articulate, apply, and support policies and processes that reflect the principles of the Code.: "Leaders should pursue clearly defined organizational policies that are consistent with the Code and effectively communicate them to relevant stakeholders. In addition, leaders should encourage and reward compliance with those policies, and take appropriate action when policies are violated."
3.5 Create opportunities for members of the organization or group to grow as professionals.: "Educational opportunities are essential for all organization and group members. Leaders should ensure that opportunities are available to computing professionals to help them improve their knowledge and skills in professionalism, in the practice of ethics, and in their technical specialties."

"The Code should also inspire members, future members, and other
professionals by highlighting the aspirations of the profession."

-- D. Gotterbarn et al., "ACM Code of Ethics: A Guide for Positive Action," Communications of the ACM, 2018