Understanding the Creative Media Sector Assignment 2: Ethical and Legal

Constraints
Task 1
Many people confuse the difference between a code of conduct and a code of ethics. While
both of them have similarities, there are also fundamental differences. The main difference
between a code of conduct and a code of ethics is that a code of conducts outlines or gives
guidance or rules as to how a member of a company should behave; what they can, cant
and shouldnt do. While a code of ethics will normally work along with a code of conduct in
practice, a code of ethics will instead of telling how employees should behave, will often be
a collection of the companys principles and aims. A code of ethics will also usually work
towards achieving a companys mission statement or objective. Both a code of conduct and
a code of ethics can be extremely useful to both a company and its clients, as it gives the
company clear outlines on how they should act and also gives clients an example of how the
company should act and behave whilst they are hiring them.
Codes of conduct and ethics are often quite lengthy, and will contain legal terms. But most
codes of conduct and ethics can often be summarised with a few key points. For example,
Verizons codes of ethics have 4 main values which are: Integrity, respect, performance
excellence and accountability.
An example of where ethical constraints have come into question over the last couple of
years are Facebooks privacy controls. In 2010 The Wall Street Journal investigated some of
the most popular apps that Facebook offered, and found that certain apps were sending out
users Unique IDs, to internet tracking organisations. This would be a breach of Facebooks
policies on whether app developers can disclose user information.
Task 2
General Guidelines
All members of the Company must read and follow this Code of Conduct, to ensure that the
Company does not break any laws or regulations, such as copyright and other similar privacy
laws. Any violation of the Code of Conduct, can result in a disciplinary and subsequently job
termination.
If you believe that any person is breaking the Code of Conduct then contact your Head
Department Supervisor, any reports will stay confidential and anonymous. Failure to report
a breach of conduct will result in disciplinary action and possible job termination depending
on compliance with any investigations. When in any doubt always speak with your Head
Department Supervisor.
Complying with Guidelines
Please refer to the Company Compliance Guidelines for further detail.
Conduct with Clients
Act in the spirit of the Companys Mission Statement. Work to a high quality standard of
professionalism and keep good ethical sense when working. Be honest in your conduct and
behave appropriately with clients.
Confidentiality
Any confidential information must only be shared within the Company with Company
Personnel. Any requests for confidential information should be directed to the appropriate
Head Department Supervisor and they will deal with any requests.
Use of Company Property
Any use of company property must only be used for business purposes and must be
returned if your job is terminated or when no longer needed.
Workplace Environment
All Company Personnel should do their best to make the workplace a safe environment,
which is friendly, with an attitude towards co-operation amongst each other.
If there is anything you think that poses a risk in the workplace, tell your Head Department
Supervisor immediately.
Breaches of Conduct
Any breaches of conduct will be taken seriously by upper management and if necessary
legal consultation can be provided, as in the case of copyright disputes or other breaches of
law.
Copyright and Privacy Law
All finished products must first be passed by the Editorial Department who will determine
whether the product complies with any necessary copyright issues and privacy laws. Any
product that do not comply will not be used.
Task 3
Ownership/Copyright Issues Any copyright issues, more specifically pertaining to music or
video may affect whether I will be able to use them in my film. If I wish to use copyrighted
music, I must first ask permission to use it from the appropriate bodies. If permission is not
granted to me I will not use the copyrighted materials.
Age Restrictions If filming minors(under 16), then I will need them to sign a consent form
which gives me express permission to film them.
Property Restrictions - If filming a particular place or building it is necessary to ask
permission to film on that location first. But if just filming in public spaces then there are
fewer restrictions on filming. If unsure of whether permission is needed to film, it is always
best to ask.
Dangers and Breaches of Law When filming take every precaution to ensure safety and
that no safety laws are breached when filming. It is advisable to hire a safety co-ordinator
when filming to ensure filming is as safe as possible.
Brands/Organisations/Businesses/Companies Some organisations, businesses or
companies may not want to be filmed directly or mentioned in your film. It is good practise
and can avoid legal issues if you ask beforehand when you want to use any such bodies in
your film.