Identify the ethical issues within the field of information technology

Identify the ethical issues within the field of Information Technology Ethics is generally identified as “ a system of moral principles, rules, and accepted standards of conduct” (22). IT specific definition of ethics means “ an academic field in its own right with unique ethical issues that would not have existed if computer technology had not been invented” (W, 1996). Ethical issues in IT field cannot be addressed by moral judgments along. Ethical aspects in Information and Communication technologies can be identified at four spheres as one’s personal identity, social relations, political participation and e-commerce (Salvi, 2012). A number of ethical concerns are associated with implementing the proposed integration project.
Firstly, Accounting software, Graphic design software, operating systems, and virus guards can be purchased from unauthorized venders at a lower price. This is an act of violating laws regarding copy right, patents and trade secret. In addition using low price software which closely resembles the originals is also unethical. Such software can be associated with plagiarism, reverse engineering, open source code and cybersquatting(Ethics in Information Technology – Auburn University).
Secondly, employees are responsible for using firm’s computers, internet facility, software and other appliances solely for the purpose of fulfilling the duties assigned to them. This is important to increase firm’s productivity (431). Workers are also expected to avoid unauthorized using of firm’s computers and confidential data. Accounting firm’s administration cannot rely only on trust for security issues like this while in the process of integrating with a different firm.
IT administrator can facilitate cost effective network solutions and password securing strategies to oblige employees to use ethical code of conduct. This is important because
On the one hand employees of two firms adapt to changing organizational structure after a certain time period. Organizational disputes can happen during this time period (Schein, 2004 ). On the other hand newly established firm has a larger number of employees. Firms use low cost and convenient IT solutions to monitor and supervise a large number of employees.
New computers that are provided under this project will be linked via a computer network system. This shared network system can be used to obtain high speed internet facility to all the computers in firm. There are unauthorized means of using shared internet connections. Ethical procedure is purchasing an appropriate package from an Internet Service Provider. Networking is also important for increasing resource use efficiency of the firm such as printers (314).
In addition, accessing to websites such as Facebook, YouTube eBay and chat sites during the working hours can be forbidden by network architecture. In the new system confidentiality and security of data saved in individual computers is protected by passwords. IT administrator can also monitor individual activities of workers including their emails and personal folders by computer networking systems. Surveillance cameras also increase the efficiency and effectiveness of employee supervision and firm’s security (431). Thus new system obliges employees to practice ethical code and provides vast benefits to the employers.
Thirdly, inspecting emails and planting surveillance cameras seems unethical in employees’ perspective. Organizational disputes can create due to such sever monitoring methods (431). Here administrators have to be ethical and acknowledge employees about firm’s security measures. Transparency of administration is important to ensure an ethical working environment.
In summary, ethics applicable in IT field vary from software, hardware, venders to customers. Using IT in business has controversy impacts on employers and employees. By strategic management organizational disputes associated with such controversies can be minimized.
Works Cited
Ethics in Information Technology – Auburn University. (n. d.). Retrieved October 29, 2012, from Auburn University: www. auburn. edu/~fordfn1/ethic06. ppt
M, S. (2012). Ethics of Information and and Communication Technologies. Brussels: Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union.
Schein, E. H. (2004 ). Organizational Culture and Leadership. John Wiley & Sons.
W, M. (1996). UNIQUE ETHICAL PROBLEMS IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY. Science and Engineering Ethics, , 137-154.