Ethics Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Ethics - Coursework Example The business world is adopting information technology (IT). This is the use of computers for data and information management, which results in new ethical concerns. It is, therefore, the responsibility of computer developers, users and other stakeholders to define what amounts to violation of the accepted ethical laws, prevention of unethical practices, and the remedy if such violation occurs. Various individuals have different reasons for adopting information technology (IT) in their daily activities, most of whom mean well, at least for themselves and their firms. These noble intentions may have a negative effect on others, and that is where computer ethics play a part. In addition, IT has brought with it new forms of criminal activities not clearly defined by existing laws. In fact, the laws defining IT related crimes quickly become obsolete due to the fast rate at which the technology and the vices that come with it are evolving (Lee and Chan, 2007). Approaches by Decision Makers and Those Affected In the attempt to join the computer revolution, managers, employees, customers, and shareholders have adopted the use of IT for various reasons, mostly to benefit themselves before the goodwill can spread to others. Everyone at the workplace stands to gain a lot from IT except those who stand to lose their jobs as a result. Managers want to ensure that their companies minimize costs and maximize profits in order to please shareholders and creditors. In addition, the management also wants to ensure they have all the relevant information, including the one easily overlooked by employees, before making critical decisions that affect both the present and the future business landscape of the firm. In summary, the management wants higher efficiency, and if possible, at a lower cost. The employees, on the other hand, want adoption of IT because of the better opportunities it has to offer. For those who have to beat targets, it is easier to reach their customers without having to meet them physically, and more customers can be served at a relatively shorter time as no time is wasted travelling to them. IT is also an excellent way of posting reports and book keeping regardless of the distance one is from the office. However, IT also has negative effects. First, the employees and management, in their quest for more customers and higher profits, resort to using illegal and unethical means to obtain customer information. Second, retrenchment starts once the management realizes it can make sales online with little or no help from salespeople. The idea that started as an admirable thing now results in sales people and most of the accounting staff losing their jobs. A reliable IT system can sell and do accounting analysis in no time, with little input from employees (Maurice, Schweitzer and Gibson, 2007). Conflicting Objectives of Business Leaders Beating competition, marketing, and ensuring the business prospers are the principal functions of efficient m anagement. In addition, the management should keep its employees in a favorable state of mind since they are the core drivers of the business. However, in their quest to fulfill their obligations to the business and the community, these business leaders become involved in some practices that go against the