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Research Post: Ethic in today's Computer World - Studentwebstuff Forums

Ethics has become a big issue in today's business world.

I am writing this post due to the interests of some of the posts written in regard to ethics.

I am also writing this research post because I believe ethical behavior in today's business world is more important than ever with the large amounts of work being completed by computers. Quote: : Ethics refers to the principles of right and wrong that individuals, acting as free moral agents, use to make choices to guide their behaviors (Laudon, 2006).

Some of the main areas of ethical concern in today's computer world are: 1.

Computers in the workplace 2.

Professional responsibility 3.

Computer crime 4.

Globalization 5. Intellectual Property 6.

Privacy (Bynum, 2001). Computers in the workplace has become a large ethical issue because computers are doing the work that people previously did.

This ultimately means that there are times computers are implemented in companies that eventually eliminate jobs for people.

Professional responsibility is an important ethical issue because executives or high level managers are given authority to lead the company.

If the executives lack an ethical attitude, then there is tremendous opportunity to mislead investors, creditors, and employees.

Computer crime is an ethical issue because it is becoming more common for computers to be used to perform crimes such as money laundering, embezzlement, drug dealing, or even terrorism (Bynum, 2001). Globalization is another area of ethical concern because computers are being used to perform business all around the world and not just nationally or even locally.

Intellectual property is a major concern for businesses today because intellectual property are assets of the company that provides a competitive advantage.

Some intellectual property includes copyrights, patents, trade secrets, or various computer files or programs.

If a business looses a special trade secret then they could be at risk of loosing customers or profits which could unfavorably impact the company.

Privacy is also an important ethical issue because privacy is becoming invaded in many areas within computer usage.

Cookies, web bugs, and spyware are examples of tools where privacy is being invaded by people with unethical behavior (Laudon, 2006).

Spyware is used to track where people go on the Internet, thus invading a persons privacy. Below are some examples of where the lack of ethical attitudes led to failure: 1.

Enron, the top executives and managers of the company misled investor by misstating the profits of the company (Laudon, 2006). 2.

WorldCom, the executives of the company mislead investors by inflating the revenues of the company (Laudon, 2006). 3.

Merrill Lynch, helped Enron by providing tools that misled investors (Laudon, 2006). 4.

Parmalat, misled investors by misstating revenues (Laudon, 2006). 5.

Bristol-Myers Squibb, misstated revenues to inflate stock value (Laudon, 2006). The above examples are where executives did not use ethical behavior which ultimately led to the failure of the company or created havoc for the company.

The lack of an ethical attitude creates unfavorable impacts to many groups of people such as employees, vendors, creditors, investors, and suppliers.

Many of the examples listed above led to the loss of retirement funds, loss of jobs, and loss of stock value for investors. Accountabilility and responsiblity are important aspects of ethical behavior.

Quote: : Responsibility means that you accept the potential costs, duties, and obligations for the decisions you make (Laudon, 2006).

Quote: : Accountability means that mechanisms are in place to determine who took responsible action, who is responsible (Laudon, 2006).

Since much of buiness is performed by computer usage, computer ethics is very important.

Quote: : A typicall problem in computer ethics arises because there is a policy vacuum about how computer technology should be used.

Computers provide us with new capabilities and these in turn give us new choices for action (Bynum, 2001) Below are some rules that I found to be very applicable when discussing computer ethics: Quote: : Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics 1.

Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people. 2.

Thou shalt not interfere with other people's computer work. 3.

Thou shalt not snoop around in other people's computer. 4.

Thou shalt not use a computer to steal. 5.

Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness. 6.

Thou shalt not copy oruse proprietary software for which you have not paid. 7.

Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without authorization or proper compensation. 8.

Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual output. 9.

Thou shalt not think about social consequences of the program you are writing or the system you are designing. 10.

Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that insure consideration and respect for your fellow humans.

(Computer Ethics Institute, 1992) With what seems to be an increase in unethical behavior in today's business world it seems that ethics should be a core course in obtaining a college education.

There are many ethic behaviors that are learned such as not copying certain files or programs.

There are many people who do not know is it unethical to share certain programs or files that could learn from taking an ethics class. It is my belief that each person has a responsibility to perform in an ethical behavior.

Investors, employees, creditors, suppliers, etc.

Rely on ethical behavior to succed.

Many employees lost out due to the lack of ethical behavior in the Enron case.

Ethical behavior is more important than ever since more business is taking place because of computers.

Computers have made it easier to individuals to perform unethically, thus leading to unfavorable results for many within the organization. Works Cited: Laudon, Kenneth, Laudon, Jane.

Management Information Systems.

2006. Bynum, Terrell.

Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.

Computer Ethics: Basic Concepts and Historical Overview .

August 14, 2001. www.brook.edu .

Computer Ethics Institute.

Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics .

1992. Questions: 1.) How important do you feel ethics are in today's business world? 2.) Do you believe that computers are creating an increased need for ethical behavior?

If so, why? 3.) What are some of the methods you know of that people use to maintain an ethical attitude? 4.) Would today's business world benefit from requiring each college graduate to complete an ethics class prior to graduating with a degree?

Or would an ethics class be a waste of time?

Questions: 1.) How important do you feel ethics are in today's business world? I feel that ethics are extremely important in today's business world.

There is so much information, money, people's integrity, etc that is always at stack in todays business world.

The companies seem to be getting larger by the day and with this comes more responsiblity of their employees which require a great deal of knowledge between right and wrong. 2.) Do you believe that computers are creating an increased need for ethical behavior?

If so, why? I do think that there has been more of a need for ethical behavior considering the scandals that have been taking place over the past 10 years involving huge firms and their employees.

Computers are able to do more than people ever imagined and this causes for people to be more cautious about the data that is transferred.

People are given a greater opportunity to access the computers and pull needed information for their own benefits.

This is why ethical behavior is becoming an increased need. 3.) What are some of the methods you know of that people use to maintain an ethical attitude? People maintain an ethical attitude by getting professionally trained to do the right things or are informed of the consequeces of wrongful behavior. 4.) Would today's business world benefit from requiring each college graduate to complete an ethics class prior to graduating with a degree?

Or would an ethics class be a waste of time? I don't think that they would be a waste of time, I just feel that these classes would be more beneficial if they were offered at the place of employment as well.

I feel that college graduates should be aware of ethics in the workforce, but if we doubled the exposure to this by putting it in the place of employment, then I feel that people would be more suseptible to maintain an ethical attitude

How important do you feel ethics are in today's business world? Ethics are extremely important in today’s business world.

Even the smallest hint of scandal can affect companies greatly.

Customers and investors are very weary when it comes to trusting companies.

Most of this distrust is due to the numerous scandals that took place in the early 2000s.

Companies can’t come across are ethical if they don’t have ethical employees. Do you believe that computers are creating an increased need for ethical behavior?

If so, why? I believe that computers are creating an increased need for ethical behavior.

Computers have made it possible and easier for certain people to commit crimes.

People are using the Internet to commit many crimes that might not have been possible before the Internet, such as: Quote: : ”Stealing copyright and credit for intellectual property.

Intercepting private e-mail.

Deliberate public misinformation.

Misuse of research material.

Improper commercial/personal use of network.

Stealing credit information.” What are some of the methods you know of that people use to maintain an ethical attitude? There are several ways to maintain an ethical attitude, such as attending ethics classes and following the codes of conduct of professional organizations. Would today's business world benefit from requiring each college graduate to complete an ethics class prior to graduating with a degree?

Or would an ethics class be a waste of time? I think that an ethics class will be very beneficial for college graduates.

Students should have the opportunity to learn about the different ethical challenges they will be facing once they enter their field of business.

By exposing students to ethical dilemmas they are likely to encounter, these classes will help the students be more prepared when they enter the business world.

Businesses also seem to think that ethics education is important.

According to Wikipedia.com Quote: : “An increasing number of companies also require employees to attend seminars regarding business conduct, which often include discussion of the company's policies, specific case studies, and legal requirements.

Some companies even require their employees to sign agreements stating that they will abide by the company's rules of conduct.

Many companies are assessing the environmental factors that can lead employees to engage in unethical conduct.” References: http://www.echonyc.com/~ysue/ethics.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_ethics#General_business_ethics

1.) How important do you feel ethics are in today's business world? Very Important!

I deal with ethics every single day at my job.

The really bad examples of business ethics are easy to find, but there are questions and gray areas that present themselves everyday in the workplace, and the ethical decision is sometimes very difficult to identify.

I can give one example.

Sometimes clients see things very differently than I see things, and while they are the client and I have a responsibility to make them happy, they are also wrong sometimes and unethical sometimes.

It then becomes a fine line in deciding what’s right for whom.

Is it better to make the client happy or is it better to stand on principle?

I can think of times when I’ve done something one way and then thought better of it later. 2.) Do you believe that computers are creating an increased need for ethical behavior?

If so, why? Yes, I would say that is true.

Computers are everywhere.

I don’t think you could run a competitive business now without one.

But sometimes computers mess up, and the question then becomes, was it a computer glitch, or was someone responsible for this?

Computers also create gray area in ethics, especially when it comes to e-mail communication.

E-mails can be misinterpreted and entire business decisions can result from one misinterpreted e-mail, which can certainly result in an ethical dilemma. 3.) What are some of the methods you know of that people use to maintain an ethical attitude? I can think of ways companies try to promote ethical attitudes, such as by codes of ethics or training sessions, but the only way I believe and individual can maintain their own ethical attitude is to make sure they fully understand their job.

Ethics involves decision-making, and decisions can only be made correctly if they are fully understood. 4.) Would today's business world benefit from requiring each college graduate to complete an ethics class prior to graduating with a degree?

Or would an ethics class be a waste of time? Ethics classes and even discussions in the classroom are a waste of time.

I have had a number of professors talk about the concept of ethics.

In all cases, the discussions have been abstract and they only talk about big obvious cases like Enron.

We all know it is wrong to steal…that is not the issue.

Right and wrong choices are not the problem, it’s the gray area…that area that is open for interpretation, where ethics are called into question.

You can’t teach that in the classroom, but you can talk to your employees about their decisions as the decisions are made.

1.) How important do you feel ethics are in today's business world? It is no doubt that ETHICS are not only very important in today's business world, but also in other career areas.

The accessibility of all kinds of information are greater.

As a result, the opportunities for unethical behaviors are easier to get.

In that case, the ethics are more and more important in today's business world. 2.) Do you believe that computers are creating an increased need for ethical behavior?

If so, why? Yes, I believe so. Computer ethics are more than a philosophical concern.

As we know that, computers are a relatively new part of our lives, and while we were taught the ethics of different fields in school, computer ethics was not taught.

A lot of the unethical behaviors found is a product of ignorance.

In addition, computer ethics are directly relevant to managers and system operators.

By the increased usage of computer technology in the business world, the computer ethics problems also include e-mail privacy and worker monitoring to employee use of corporate resources. 3.) What are some of the methods you know of that people use to maintain an ethical attitude? I think aHames gives us a very good list of behaviors that people use to maintain an ethical atticude.

It includes Quote: : Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics 1.

Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people. 2.

Thou shalt not interfere with other people's computer work. 3.

Thou shalt not snoop around in other people's computer. 4.

Thou shalt not use a computer to steal. 5.

Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness. 6.

Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid. 7.

Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without authorization or proper compensation. 8.

Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual output. 9.

Thou shalt not think about social consequences of the program you are writing or the system you are designing. 10.

Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that insure consideration and respect for your fellow humans.

(Computer Ethics Institute, 1992) Besides, the companies should also set up a good ethic code and give their employees a good training of echics.

These will help the employees maintain the ethical behaviors. 4.) Would today's business world benefit from requiring each college graduate to complete an ethics class prior to graduating with a degree?

Or would an ethics class be a waste of time? Ethics class is good and essential, however, it is also a waste of time somehow.

I have taken a fraud examination class that most cases are about corporate scandals.

When the students were solving the problems in the cases, they all know what are unethical and what the ethical behaviors should be.

However, how many of them could be that ethical in the real business world, especially when their own interests are involved?

In that case, I don't think ethical classes are useful and helpful, but they have to be taught.

1.) How important do you feel ethics are in today's business world? I do feel that ethics should be important in today's business world.

If we do business with no morals at all, we might end-up getting chaos. 2.) Do you believe that computers are creating an increased need for ethical behavior?

If so, why? Yes, I do think that computers are creating an increased need for ethical behavior because, there are just so many issues (email issues;

Cybercrimes; employer monitoring employee work as nche mentionned) over the web nowadays that it looks like we (users) do not really know, which way to go when it comes down to computers 3.) What are some of the methods you know of that people use to maintain an ethical attitude? Moises Sheinberg shares in the following article, the steps to an ethical behavior through e-learning, but I think that what it describes for e-learning can be applied in different situations, so check out the article: http://www.learningcircuits.org/2001...01/elearn.html Quote: : Ethical issues.

This important topic is rarely considered in e-learning and it can greatly affect the attitude of your audience.

Always try to maintain communications at a professional level;

Set clear communication policies about sexist, racist, or aggressive remarks;

And ensure that your content won't offend any of the participants.

As the instructor, you also must set rules about confidentiality of discussions, prerequisite knowledge for the course, methods of assessment, and so forth.

Everyone should agree with your rules before they begin the course--one way to ensure that is to ask them to sign a contract.

Knowing your audience will help you determine what rules and policies to set. Ask yourself: Who will have access to the discussions, interactions, emails, papers and other materials that will be generated by the course?

Will participants' bosses be able to see them?

Will their peers?

What will be the level of confidentiality?

Are participants especially sensitive to some issues?

Can people feel left out, attacked, or offended?

4.) Would today's business world benefit from requiring each college graduate to complete an ethics class prior to graduating with a degree?

Or would an ethics class be a waste of time? I totally agree with nche that an ethics class prior to graduating could be good.

But, at that level we all know what is ethical and what's not and so at that point, the class becomes useless.

The question, just comes down to 'are we going to make the right choice when we are in XYZ situation?'

1.) How important do you feel ethics are in today's business world? The importance of ethics in business seems entirely dependent on the company.

Those that lead the company make an example for the below as to what is to be accepted and punished.

However, it seems that the more power and money that CEO's gain the more unethical they become.

Perhaps the question is how important is it to not get caught? I find that ethics is the sort of elephant in the room that no one wants to talk about.

Everyone in the office knows who isn't working, who takes two hours for lunch and who spends the whole day talking to their interior decorator.

But no manager can fire an employee for such small activity, but do these activies and the acceptance of them lead to unethical behavior as a whole.

Perhaps we need a forced nap time in the business world so we sleep on the idea of our activies and maybe we won't be so motivated to act unethically. 2.) Do you believe that computers are creating an increased need for ethical behavior?

If so, why? Computers are so dangerous because mose people don't understand the security settings and don't want to pay the money to keep them updated (myself included).

Furthermore with information because the basis of power for organizations and technology getting smaller and smaller the ease to which it can be tampered with or stolen is greater.

Furthermore the information age is relatively small so people still have their toes in the water as to what is legal/allegal, they don't even have time to figure out ethical/unethical.

I think it will take time and lawsuites before people begin pinning down the area of activity that is acceptable. 3.) What are some of the methods you know of that people use to maintain an ethical attitude? The two methods I most commonly see in my workplace are: a) is this legal/will I get caught/can I talk my way out of it I've seen managers use this ideology as they determine which activity is best, how much to disclose to others, etc.

Although its easy to mock, when people are in stress-filled situations and the prosperitiy of their family is on the line, the difference between getting fired now and a year from now is a big question. b) religion, I've experienced managers who are dictated by religious guidelines that help them determine which way is best.

Although this varies on the religion and person this seems to help managers feel secure in their decision because they are backed by God or some sort of higher being. 4.) Would today's business world benefit from requiring each college graduate to complete an ethics class prior to graduating with a degree?

Or would an ethics class be a waste of time? I just wonder how much more unethical society is compared to earlier times.

Are we really that bad or are we just getting caught more often.

Although I feel ethics will be beneficial considering the recent legal issues, its difficult to see someone saying, "Well boss I can't do that because my ethics 101 professor said that unethical." But my accounting teacher, Dr.

Keller, made a good point saying that if you were to graduate from a school known for its ethics program(s) this could increase your marketability when applying for jobs. some fun sites: http://www.ethics.org/ http://www.journals.uchicago.edu/ET/

1) How important do you feel ethics are in today's business world? I believe that ethics are very important in today's business world.

I think that now is a very crucial time to show what can and can not be done.

A line needs to be drawn.

I believe that is very important for companies to have a strong code of ethics and enforce it.

We all know the basic principles of right and wrong, but we all still need guidelines to follow. 2) Do you believe that computers are creating an increased need for ethical behavior?

If so, why? I do believe that computers are creating an increased need for ethical behavior.

With the right knowledge, a computer is very powerful.

As mentioned in the research post, money laundering and embezzlement can be done from an employee's computer.

Everyone needs to be taught the basic ethical principles of computer use and the consequences for misuse.

Everyone also needs to be taught how to protect themselves when using a computer from those that may be acting unethically, expecially when using the internet to conduct business. 3)What are some of the methods you know of that people use to maintain an ethical attitude? In accounting, I think a method that is widely used is asking if an action/transaction will be considered appropriate by an auditor.

If the answer is no, then do not do it. Another method that I have heard is asking yourself if you could tell your mother about it and she would approve. 4)Would today's business world benefit from requiring each college graduate to complete an ethics class prior to graduating with a degree?

Or would an ethics class be a waste of time? I believe that requiring an ethics class as part of the curriculum to graduate from college is a very good idea.

But, I do believe that it should be a class where students are allowed to openly discuss and debate issues.

I believe that is where the most learning takes place.

By listening to others and discussing issues that affect everyone, more is learned and understood.

I think it would also be beneficial as a tool to let students know what to expect when they enter the work place and be prepared to handle those situations.

1.) How important do you feel ethics are in today's business world? Answer: Ethics is really important in the business world.

It is the basement to support the business world.

It's not something that most of think about every day, but it does affect us and our choices.

Ethics in the business world and our personal lives means making better choices by considering the rights and well-being of others that may be affected by our decisions. "In some cases it can lead to changes in legislation regarding business practices." That will create lots of trouble.

Http://findarticles.com/p/articles/m...8/ai_n18554774 2.) Do you believe that computers are creating an increased need for ethical behavior?

If so, why? Answer: Yes, I think computers are creating an increased need for ethical behavior.

The reason is that computers provide a convenience way to commit fraud.

Law is only the way to punish some one commit fraud, Yet ethic is the important factor to prevent it.

Therefore, we need for ethical behavior to face the situation that computer creating the convenience way to steal data and information. 3.) What are some of the methods you know of that people use to maintain an ethical attitude? Answer: The methods I know of that people use to maintain an ethical attitude are that go to school to become educated people such as the courses auditor need to take and to have your own religion is another way to maintain an ethical attitude too. 4.) Would today's business world benefit from requiring each college graduate to complete an ethics class prior to graduating with a degree?

Or would an ethics class be a waste of time? Answer: It will help some.

Yet, I don't think it will help much.

The reason is that only several courses is really hard to change a person's personality.

It is kind of wasting time.

Quote: : 1.) How important do you feel ethics are in today's business world?

From my own view, ethics are important in today's business world.

It appears everywhere in the organization, such as accounting, human resource, sales and marketing department.

Check this website for detial information about ethic. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_ethics Quote: : 2.) Do you believe that computers are creating an increased need for ethical behavior?

If so, why? Yes, I think so.

More and more criminals heppen over internet.

People try to judge other people by their own professional ethic, but sometimes it does not work well.

People use computer buy and sell things through internet.

It is easily to disclose your personal information.

In addition, computer makes people easily to get the access to some confidential documents.

It also makes it easy to tranfer the documents to other people.

Over the internet people don't have to take the resonsibility of what do they do and what do they say.

Ethic does not appear at all. Quote: : 3.) What are some of the methods you know of that people use to maintain an ethical attitude?

So far, I think training class or go to church will help people to have a healthy mind and heart.

However, I think ethic is totally personal business.

Some people might have different view about ethic based on their own value and view of life. Quote: : 4.) Would today's business world benefit from requiring each college graduate to complete an ethics class prior to graduating with a degree?

Or would an ethics class be a waste of time?

It is hard to say.

For our school'd MBA program, every class involves a little bit ethic issues.

Some class has a whole chapter to talk about ethic, but just like what I said above, it is totally personal business.

If that person behaves ethically, he or she doesn't need any class.

On the other hand, if he or she views thing differently from other people, education won't help at all.

Furthermore, different situation requires different ethic.

Sometimes it is hard to judge it is ethical or not. Below is a website which has a lot of articles about ethic in business world. http://www.managementhelp.org/ethics/ethics.htm

1.) How important do you feel ethics are in today's business world? Today's business world, by virtue of its success solely measured based on its stock price which relates to its profits, some companies behaved very unethically by misrepreseting their revenues and profits through artificial inflation.

This was later on lead to businesses made to comply with Sarbanes Oxley accounting standards.

Since the Enron, WorldCom scandal, accouting firms can only provide accounting services but not system integration and consulting services as they used to eliminate some of the unethical practices business world.

It used to be that accounting firm such as Arthur Andersen provided both accounting and system integration and consulting services to businesses which lead to various scandals.

The above accouting firm was broken apart into accounting firm, Accenture and KPMG consulting firm(part of IBM now) to eliminate the fraud and unethical behavior business world is engaging in. 2.) Do you believe that computers are creating an increased need for ethical behavior?

If so, why? Since computers are every where and data can be accesses from any where it is becoming very easy for some people to behave unethically either to access unauthorized information, to solicit personal information through fishing to steal identity, to attack other people's computers with viruses, denial of service attacks, by putting cookies, by displaying ads without approval to sell their products and by installing spyware on other people's computer to find internet browsing habits.

With every technology, there is good and bad.

People and businesses who act responsibly with good intensions benefit from technological advantages and other we can not decide on whether what they do is good or bad to society at-large should imagine themselves as somebody else is doing the same bad to them and act upon it before using the technology, such as computers, for unethical behavior. 3.) What are some of the methods you know of that people use to maintain an ethical attitude? Before you decide on whether what you do is ethical or not you introspect yourself to see, if the same thing is done to you, it harms or helps you.

This is a very good check to see since ethics refers to the principles of right and wrong that individuals, acting as free moral agents, use to make choices to guide their behaviors (Laudon, 2006). 4.) Would today's business world benefit from requiring each college graduate to complete an ethics class prior to graduating with a degree?

Or would an ethics class be a waste of time? I think ethics class would help college students make right choices as they venture into corporate world after graduating.

Since this is the age of information overload and to help students draw a distinct line between what is ethical and not in this increasingly complex world of information age with lot of blur, it would help college students, before they graduate, to complete an ethics class and it would not be a waste of time.

1.) How important do you feel ethics are in today's business world? I agree that ethics are more important now than ever.

There are more and more ways surfacing to create fraud with the use of computers.

We have seen companies dissolve and lives ruined from unethical people being placed in powerful positions.

Knowledge really means nothing if it is used for the wrong reasons. 2.) Do you believe that computers are creating an increased need for ethical behavior?

If so, why? They are in a way.

In some instances the use of computers results in increased controls over operations, automatically disallowing certain acts.

However, they also give rise to new ethical situations not encountered before, and complexity of some situations.

In this aspect, computers require increased ethical behavior. 3.) What are some of the methods you know of that people use to maintain an ethical attitude? From the corporate level, things such as an ethical tone set at the top and the overall business environment of the company can encourage ethical behavior.

Other ways are proper training programs and policies that discourage a hostile and cutthroat work environment.

The best way is to have preventative measures rather than reactive measures that catch unethical behavior. 4.) Would today's business world benefit from requiring each college graduate to complete an ethics class prior to graduating with a degree?

Or would an ethics class be a waste of time? For people that will be earning a business degree, I think this would be a good idea.

Perhaps putting students in real life scenarios where they are in difficult situations may better prepare them for the real work environment.

Also, making students aware of what ethical behavior entails may be good, as some people may not be completely sure of business ethics. Our school is beginning an ethics program headed by an accounting professor, Dr.

Lampe. It is just begining, but it shows how important ethics training has become. The following is the website for the International Business Ethics Institute.

It shares some good information on business ethics, links, and education. http://www.business-ethics.org/

How important do you feel ethics is in today's business world? Ethics today is just as important today as it has been historically.

Laudon and Laudon state that ethics are Quote: : principles of right and wrong that can be used by individuals acting as free moral agents to make choices to guide their behavior.

Ethics has always been important and will continue to be important.

It is important enough to add it to the curriculum of various different business schools.

Http://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/...s/020816ap.htm Do you believe that computers are creating an increased need for ethical behavior? Yes there is need for ethics to be addressed and increased awareness of computer and ethics.

There are various concentrations on the topics and they can be noted on the following link: http://www.alltheweb.com/search?cat=...&_sb_lang=pref What are some of the methods you are aware of that people use to maintain an ethical attitude? Laudon and Laudon discuss six ethical principles that can be applied to this question. 1.

The Golden Rule 2.

Immanuel Kant's Categorical Imperative 3.

Descartes' rules of change 4.

Utilitarian Principle 5.

Risk Aversion 6. Ethical "no free lunch

1.) How important do you feel ethics are in today's business world? Ethics are extremely important to a person anywhere.

It is important not just the business world but in life as a whole.

Business ethics are especially important now than ever.

Every company has a code of ethics for its employees and it is their responsibilty to make sure that they follow ethical behavior.

Here is a link which provides the business ethics of New York Times Company. www.nytco.com/ business - ethics .html 2.) Do you believe that computers are creating an increased need for ethical behavior?

If so, why? I certainly believe that computers are creating an increased need for ethical behavior.

In today's world most things are managed online and everyday we hear stories about how frauds and cheating happen online.

We hear customers complaining that their online account is hacked and we hear so many people saying their email id's are hacked.

These all point out that it is becoming very necessary that ethics are strictly followed when working online. 3.) What are some of the methods you know of that people use to maintain an ethical attitude? Personally, I feel that ethics should come from within an individual.

They cannot be imposed on a person.

ONe way would be to train and monitor employees in the workplace to a certain extent so that companies can make sure that there are no unethical practices being carried out in offices.

Every individual should introspect before getting into any unethical practices. 4.) Would today's business world benefit from requiring each college graduate to complete an ethics class prior to graduating with a degree?

Or would an ethics class be a waste of time? A class on business ethics for b-school students would certainly help them understand the importance and value for ethical behavior outside the classroom.

It would reinforce the fact that ethics are indeed extremely important in the corporate world.

This Regular Post addresses some of the questions aHames asked in his Research Post: Ethics in Today's Computer World HOW IMPORTANT DO YOU FEEL ETHICS ARE IN TODAY'S BUSINESS WORLD? Business ethics is absolutely essential.

We exercise faith and trust in others every day.

When we purchased groceries at the supermarket, we do so with confidence that the food was not intentionally contaminated.

When we fly on an airplane, we have faith that the pilot is qualified and well rested, and when we need medical care, we have faith that the physician has gone through many years of rigorous training and is certified to practice.

Our society could not continue without a common standard of ethics that people are expected to follow.

In a civilized society, therefore, ethics is not optional.

Trust and confidence is the only basis on which our form of commerce can continue to thrive. The ethical question French philosopher Rene Descartes would ask is, ""If everyone engaged in a particular form of conduct would society be better off?" Ethics is important Descartes felt because if society allows unethical behavior by a few, it would eventually lead to unethical behavior by the many and that would contribute to eroding the moral fabric of society.

(1, p. 137) History is full of examples, of course, of individuals who have taken short cuts and sacrificed their character for personal gain, but those are the exceptions.

The vast majority of people I believe are good.

I have been fortunate to meet several individuals who managed large enterprises.

Without exception, each of them was a person whose word was their unbreakable bond.

I am willing to submit that examples of such individuals in the corporate world are abundant. DO YOU BELIEVE THAT COMPUTERS ARE CREATING AN INCREASED NEED FOR ETHICAL BEHAVIOR?

IF SO, WHY? The internet presents many ethical challenges.

The internet is so big and cyber crime is common.

The internet is uniquely suited to those wanting to take advantage of others.

Some computer crimes are not as easily traceable compared to crimes committed in person where a lot of forensic evidence may be left behind.

The need for ethical behavior in the information age is great. In the paper, "Computer and Information Ethics," it states: Quote: : "Computer ethics today is rapidly evolving into a broader and even more important field, which might reasonably be called "global information ethics".

Global networks like the Internet and especially the world-wide-web are connecting people all over the earth.

For the first time in history, efforts to develop mutually agreed standards of conduct, and efforts to advance and defend human values, are being made in a truly global context, a context that is not limited to a particular geographic region, or constrained by a specific religion or culture.

This may very well be one of the most important social developments in history." (2) WHAT ARE SOME OF THE METHODS YOU KNOW OF THAT PEOPLE USE TO MAINTAIN AN ETHICAL ATTITUDE? An important step toward reaching a common consensus about computer ethics is found in the Computer Ethics Institute, "Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics." Quote: : Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people. Thou shalt not interfere with other people's computer work. Thou shalt not snoop around in other people's files. Thou shalt not use a computer to steal. Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness. Thou shalt not use or copy software for which you have not paid. Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without authorization. Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual output. Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you write. Thou shalt use a computer in ways that show consideration and respect.

(3) WOULD TODAY'S BUSINESS WORLD BENEFIT FROM REQUIRING EACH COLLEGE GRADUATE TO COMPLETE AN ETHICS CLASS PRIOR TO GRADUATING WITH A DEGREE?

OR WOULD AN ETHICS CLASS BE A WASTE OF TIME? I believe a MBA ethics course can be valuable.

Some have suggested if one does not have an ethical awareness by the time they get to graduate school an ethics course will not help.

I disagree. Several years ago, PBS ran a series of programs title "Ethics in America." The program was sponsored by Columbia University.

The PBS series was not a program about religion;

It was a program that dealt with serious real life issues that required serious ethical choices.

Issues such as confidentiality, privacy, and truthfulness and a host of others that have taken on greater relevance with widespread computer and internet use.

Panelist on the show included a U.S.

Supreme Court Justice, a US Surgeon General, and prominent individuals from many different occupations.

The program was very thought provoking and challenging.

I still remember those programs and the issues that were raised and how the panelist struggled with difficult moral dilemmas. The Wharton School of Business at the University O Pennsylvania has a course for MBA students titled LGST 652, Ethics and Management.

When I read a description below of the course, I was reminded of the PBS series on "Ethics in America." Quote: : This course considers the ethical responsibilities of managers and corporations.

It examines difficult ethical conflicts and dilemmas.

It does not attempt to convert sinners to saints, preach absolute truths, or deter the morally vulnerable.

A successful module helps students anticipate issues they will confront in their business career, and become clearer about how they think such issues should be resolved.

Class sections consist of collaborative case discussions, exercises, and discussions of theoretical frameworks.

By the time students have completed the module, they should have: improved their individual and group skills in identifying and analyzing ethical issues they will face as managers, become acquainted with common frameworks for exploring issues in business ethics, and learned to develop action plans that resolve ethical conflicts and dilemmas, discovered and learned to identify common patterns of success and failure in corporate ethics, and become clearer about where they stand personally about critical ethical issues confronting managers.

(4) Questions 1) Do you feel the Computer Ethics Institute, "Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics." useful? 2) Do you feel the CEI guidelines should be adopted by computer users worldwide? 3) Do you feel there should be a course in Business Ethics at MSU that includes topics relevant to the challenges of the information age? References 1) Kenneth C.

Laudon and Jane P.

Laudon, Management Information Systems , Managing the Digital Firm, 10th ed.

(Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2007), p.

137 2) "Computer Ethics," http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/ethics-computer/ , Retrieved July 19, 2009 3) Computer Ethics Institute, ""Ten Commandments for Computer Ethics" 4) http://ecommerce.hostip.info/pages/2...Institute.html Retrieved July 20, 2009 5) Jesse Jacobs, "The MBA ethics course needs to change" http://media.www.whartonjournal.com/...e-347260.shtml , Retrieved July 20, 2009

I think that the main reason for a lack of ethics over the internet are due to a lack of face-to-face communication.

It is my personal opinion that it is much easier for someone to act unethically by being dishonest, stealing, or any other form of unethical behavior if they cannot see anyone watching.

I think people who would not normally act unethically in person while at work or school, can easily transform in front of a computer screen.

This is because when you are acting unethical I think it is easier to proceed when you can't actually see the consequences of your actions.

I think people just act completely different online or in cyberspace than they do in person.

People will say and do things that they would have never had the courage to say in the real world. A great example would be accidently ripping off an Ebay buyer by charging him too much for shipping.

If this transaction were done face-to-face I am willing to bet that the majority of people would refund the money, but it is alot easier to simply pocket the money when you don't know or can't even see the person you are ripping off. One website says that there are 6 easy ways to act unethically online they are: 1.

Pornography 2. Camshows 3.

Pyramid Scheme 4.

Spam 5. Phishing 6.

Ebay and other online scams of trusted websites [1] These are obviously just a few but users that are ethical should be cautious, when using technology for these types of ventures. References: [1] 6 Unethical Ways To Make Money Online .

(2008, September 20).

Retrieved July 22, 2009, from http://www.seanbluestone.com/unethic...e-money-online

Ethics in college or in business is never a waste of time or resources.

For the most part I would think that we all would like to be dealth with ethically and honestly in any and all business deals we make. Ethical behavior is not a problem created by computers or technology.

Ethical behavior is the knowledge and use of right and wrong by an individual or a company.

Computers and other forms of technology may make unethical behavior more easy to do, but they are truly nothing but tools to be used. I do think that business today would benefit from more ethical behaviors in place and making this a primary business strategy just as important as customer service and making a profit. More people should try and come up with ways to use technology in a more ethical way instead of concentrating on the unethical. Yes business would benefit from graduates having an ethics class before graduation.

Everyone can use a gentle reminder of what the right thing to do is.

I would like to think that are lack of ethics in society are not generational, but I am afraid they are.

I think that as stated before it is easier to act unethical when using technology that seperates you from the consequences.

But I think that our generation is becoming lazy and a greater sense of entitlement is happening.

This leads to unethical behavior everywhere.

Its like society has lost its morals and the effect is snowballing.

This is just my opinion with no empirical data to back it up but its what I see on a day-to-day basis. Discussion Questions: 1.

Do you agree that our generation lacks morals?

I do feel that ethics in computing is a vital issue and one that must continually be dealt with.

Ethics, however, are not really about technology or computing but instead about the individuals using the technology.

The individuals are solely responsible for the ethics of computing.

Ethics are the standards of morals and principles used to base one's decisions or actions on.

Unfortunately there is often not a clear right or wrong answer.

In response to MLPhillips questions, I have provided my personal feelings. 1) Do you feel the Computer Ethics Institute, "Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics." useful? Absolutely, I think that these commandments provide a backbone for a consensus, however coming to a common practice of what is acceptable and what is not will likely never fully be accomplished.

A consensus about ethics is unlikely simply because the very essence of ethics deals with what is perceived as being right and wrong.

Culture, religion and life experiences are all a part of what makes up a person's view of ethics.

There are too many globally differing opinions on those aspects to create a universal code of ethics. 2) Do you feel the CEI guidelines should be adopted by computer users worldwide? Again, I think that would be a good start, but the reality is that too many view of ethics still remain and I don't think that these guidelines (or any others for that matter) will ever make it globally. 3) Do you feel there should be a course in Business Ethics at MSU that includes topics relevant to the challenges of the information age? I do feel strongly that Missouri State should make ethics a larger part of its MBA program. Quote: : We believe that being a great business leader isn't just about knowledge;

It's about character, and our new MBA program builds both," says Susan M.

Phillips, dean and professor of finance.

"We spent the past year revamping the entire curriculum from the bottom up, weaving ethical decision-making, leadership, and globalization into every course." [1] Ethics not just in computing but in business generally, is an overwhelming topic among national MBA programs.

The attention that MBA programs across the country are giving to ethics in business, not just ethics in computing - says a lot about how important the topic is to our current generation of students and current business environment. References 1.

Freedman, Jamie. New MBA Program Infuses Ethics, Globalization Across Curriculum.

By George! http://www.gwu.edu/~bygeorge/jan09/globalMBA.html 2.

Kenneth C. Laudon and Jane P.

Laudon, Management Information Systems, Managing the Digital Firm, 10th ed.

(Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 2007) 3.

Http://ethics.csc.ncsu.edu/basics/principles/




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