Achieving the goal of a global computing code of ethics through an international-localisation hybrid

Attempts to create a global computing code of ethics have failed repeatedly over the last 25 years. Some focused on professional ethics and others on common values across cultures. In this paper professional ethics are seen as normative, yet subject to cultural diversity, and the place of values is seen as a promising way forward. A hybrid is proposed following the two-fold formula for codes of ethics advocated by the International Federation of Information Processing. The international-localisation hybrid suggests that it is possible to achieve a common set of values, yet allow diversity through interpretations of acceptable professional behaviour.