Ethics in Information Technology -- George Walter Reynolds -- 6th Edition, 2019 -- CENGAGE Learning Custom Publishing -- 9781337405874 -- b7a76d0de824aef26f031965fe538f93 -- Anna’s Archive

Overview of Ethics

• Quote by Polonius: "To thine own self be true..." - Highlights the importance of integrity.

Organizations Acting Unethically

• Consumer Issues: Unexplained charges on cell phone bills can cause distrust.

• FCC Actions:

  • AT&T Mobility: Settled for $105M over "cramming" (unauthorized charges) and fined $100M for misleading unlimited data plans.

  • T-Mobile: Fined $90M for cramming and ignoring complaints.

  • Verizon and Sprint: Fined for unauthorized texting services.

Ethical Questions for Employees

• Why do employees support unethical practices?

• How to maintain integrity under workplace pressure?

Learning Objectives

1. Understanding what ethics is.

2. Identifying trends that lead to unethical behavior.

3. Exploring corporate social responsibility (CSR).

4. Implementing measures to improve business ethics.

5. Incorporating ethics in decision-making.

6. Risks of unethical IT usage.

Definition of Ethics

• Ethics: Code of behavior defined by a group. It varies based on societal norms and helps achieve common benefits.

• Morals: Personal principles about right and wrong.

Values and Habits

• Virtue: Habit inclining good behavior (e.g. fairness, loyalty).

• Vice: Habit inclining bad behavior (e.g. greed, anger).

Ethical Dilemmas Examples

• Conflicts between group ethics and personal morals (e.g. legal defense obligations vs. personal beliefs about guilt).

Importance of Integrity

• Acting according to a personal code of principles.

• Consistency is key for ethical behavior; inconsistency leads to moral conflicts.

Morals, Ethics, and Laws

• Law: A system guiding acceptable behavior but may not define ethical actions.

• Ethical practices often go beyond legal compliance.

Business Ethics

• Increased globalization leads to complexities in ethical compliance.

• Unethical behavior can result in brand damage and legal repercussions.

Trends Leading to Unethical Behavior

1. Globalization has diversified workplace ethics.

2. Economic pressures tempt unethical practices for profits.

3. Power dynamics and success can distort moral decisions (Bathsheba syndrome).

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

• Concept of organizations acting ethically towards stakeholders and the environment.

• CSR includes sustainable practices and community support initiatives.

• Reasons for CSR:

  • Gain community goodwill

  • Foster consistent operations

  • Promote good business practices

  • Protect from legal issues

  • Avoid negative publicity

Improving Business Ethics

• Actions Organizations Can Take:

  • Appoint a corporate ethics officer.

  • Establish a strong board of directors to set ethical standards.

  • Develop a corporate code of ethics.

  • Require ethics training for employees.

  • Include ethics in performance evaluations.

Ethical Decision-Making

1. Define the problem clearly.

2. Identify potential solutions.

3. Choose the best alternative.

4. Implement the decision effectively.

5. Monitor the outcomes of the decision.

Cybersecurity and Ethical Implications

• The role of IT workers includes the ethical use of technology and compliance with laws.

• Awareness of potential risks in software development and data privacy is crucial.

• Ethical considerations in IT are critical due to the influence of technology on society.