Social Impact Analysis Ethics in Computing Links Ethical Dissent
is not a single, heroic action. It may begin with a single
action, but can extend to involve substantial amounts of an
individual's time and resources. It is likely to start as the
result of an employee noticing that things are not what they
ought to be, and then attempting to get them changed by talking
to people in the organization. It can end easily, with changes
made quickly, or it can end by involving an unfolding number of
agencies, lawyers, legal systems, and public proceedings.
Sometimes, the direction it takes after the beginning is in your
own hands. At other times, you may get swept up in the events as
they unfold, and must struggle to maintain your credibility,
moral standing, and career. But ethical dissent does not need to
go as far as making public allegations about wrongdoing in your
company. It can involve as little as making a well supported
suggestion that policy be changed in your organization. Ethical
dissent becomes whistle