To function effectively, professional IT practitioners need not only the appropriate technical knowledge, skills and experience, but also a broad understanding of the context in which they operate. A good grounding in the relationship between technological change, society and the law, and the powerful role that IT and IT professionals play in a technological society are all essential assets. This book provides a unique introduction to: social, legal, financial, organizational and ethical issues in the context of the IT industry; the role of professional codes of conduct and ethics, and their practical application; key legislation including: intellectual property, liability for defective software, computer misuse, and intellectual property rights.