Programmers and software engineers get a bum rap, sometimes deserved, but usually not. They get blamed for most everything related to the computer, from network connectivity to hardware failures, none of which the programmer is responsible for.
Somewhere between the early 1980's and today, attitudes and opinions have evolved to where IT workers are now considered to be one of the most respected professionals, with high moral standards, second only to doctors.
In a recent survey developed by Robert Half Technology (RHT), conducted by an independent research firm, Information Technology professionals ranked at the top of the "most ethical" list. The survey included responses from 150 executives with the nation's 1,000 largest companies. Thirty-one percent said doctors were most ethical, followed by 30% for IT professionals. Lawyers earned 5% and Investment Bankers were at the bottom with 1%.
According to Katherine Spencer Lee, executive director of RHT, “Strong ethics are critical for technology professionals as they oversee a company’s vital information infrastructure and manage access to confidential data.”
Lee added that as businesses depend increasingly on technology, IT professionals’ skills, talent and professionalism have greater visibility. Their ability to “save the day” in solving computer and network problems earns them a high level of respect in the workplace.
Praise to the geeks and nerds of Corporate America! And geek, by the way, is used in only the most positive light. For all those years the IT folks have worked in anonymity, pulling all-nighters to get the systems up, now we know that all those extra hours have gone to a higher cause.
We really are fully functioning members of the human race after all.
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