Computer Ethics in The Workplace

1. COMPUTER ETHICS
IN THE WORKPLACE
(INDUSTRY)
Reported by: Jackielyn M. Dulce

2. Code of Ethics in a Workplace
A workplace code of ethics is the
result of a company analysis where
practices are analyzed in light of right
behavior and wrong behavior. The code
of ethics defines right behavior and
encourages, or requires, employees to
engage in that behavior.

3. Purpose
Ideally, a code of workplace ethics
would be implemented for the primary
purpose of encouraging ethical behavior.
However, avoiding lawsuits can also be a
driving force behind a code of ethics. A
workplace code of ethics delineates
behavior that is ethically unacceptable,
and many of those unacceptable
behaviors are also violations of law.

4. Content
A workplace code of ethics can
contain a number of areas to help avoid
management dilemmas, such as
potential conflicts of interest or illegal
activities. In some cases, a code of
ethics can define proper use of
company resources. If a company is
very large and has a number of subcontracts, a code of ethics could define
the proper relationship between the
company
and
its
contractors.

5. For example, if sub-contracting
to a company filling a government
contract, you are not allowed to buy
gifts or buy lunch for employees of the
general
contractor.
This
is
contractually defined in a code of
workplace ethics for government
contracts.

6. Legal Issues
Most workplace code of ethics
specifically prohibits illegal behavior.
Theft from a supplier would be a breach of
the code of ethics because it is a clear
violation of law. Other things sometimes
covered in a workplace code of ethics
include
sexual
harassment,
racial
harassment, discrimination, and issues
relating to hostile workplace regulations.

7. Implementation
In very large companies, an outside
contractor or agency specializing in business
ethics may be helpful in developing a code of
ethics. Large organizations often have many
smaller
internal
organizations.
Those
smaller organizations may not be aware of
the activities and needs of other internal
organizations. An outside company can
sometimes see commonalities and potential
conflicts between departments, and help to
create an effective code of ethics.

8. Workplace and Computer Ethics Abuse
Ethics in the workplace is a
combination of morality and rules.
Ethics involve trust between
employees and the employer, and
between
employees.
While
technology (specifically computers
and Internet access) can be a huge
boon to any business, it can also be
a major source of ethics abuse, or
the temptation for abuse.

9. Appropriate Use
The rules of the workplace
generally state computers are to be used
for work only. While you may have
access to the Internet (perhaps because
your office's file search function is hosted
on an Internet server), that means you
shouldn't use your computer for nonwork related functions such as surfing,
keeping a private diary or reading
Webcomics.

10. Personal Time
An ethical question is whether or
not you can use company equipment on
personal time. For instance, if you're on
your lunch break, should you be able to
check your personal email account? Your
workplace will often have a policy on that.
However, if you're not sure, it might be
best to talk to your supervisor and put the
question forward.

11. Spyware
A question of computer ethics and
privacy falls onto management in the
workplace. Spyware such as keyloggers or
other programs that watch what a user is
doing on a given computer are common at
work. However, does the management have
the right to eavesdrop on employees? It
creates a breach of trust that employees
aren't doing their job without an electronic
babysitter, but at the same time, it provides
proof that no one is misusing computers while
on the job.

12. Authorization
Related to privacy issues is a person's
authorization to use a computer. For instance,
say that you are given your own computer at
work, but for some reason, you can't access
your computer. Do you use a coworker's
computer, or do you wait for your issue to be
solved? Also, if your manager is using your
computer while you're not present, is that a
violation of ethics or simply a convenience for
the manager? Questions about whether or not
people can only use their own computer should
be answered firmly.

13. Doing Harm
One of the most blatant violations of
computer ethics in the workplace is to use
the computer to do harm. This could be done
by hacking into another person's computer
and deleting important files, by spreading
computer viruses through the office network
or a variety of other potential options for
causing havoc. Intent is a part of doing harm,
but even if you cause harm accidentally, you
may still be ethically in the wrong.