Discussion question for Business wk 6 disc 2 responses

Assignment:

Respond to two or more of your classmates in one or more of the following ways:

· Offer your thoughts on where the example codes of conduct provided by your colleague either assisted or could have assisted in preventing negative consequences. Support your position by suggesting potential scenarios to which the code of conduct/ethics may apply.

· Offer specific examples from your experience or observations/research of situations where such codes would have made decision making simpler or kept individuals from making bad choices in the use or management of information or information systems.

· Compare the findings of your colleague with your own. What insights did you gain or can you offer as a result of your comparison? Did your colleague take a stand regarding the value of establishing a code of conduct/ethics related to information and information systems that was different from yours, and if so, was the argument made persuasively, or do you think your stand is still more appropriate? Defend your position with evidence and specific examples.

· Offer your insights on how a code of conduct can assist businesses operating globally when there are potential compromises as a result of different cultural norms, practices, expectations, or regulations. Provide examples of where global practices might differ and what managers may need to ensure their employees are not compromised in various situations that may occur. Provide specific examples from your experience or observations.

1st Colleague to respond to:

Technology is used today for a variety of reasons, to communicate, to send information, to store information, and can pose ethical issues. According to Brooks (2010), technology, primarily computer-based systems, can be responsible for unethical information.  Businesses need to utilize a code of ethics/conduct to align their business decisions with their systems. Technology is an avenue for a person to be exposed to privileged information. Having a code of ethics enables the organization to hold employees to a set of standards about how to behave. When policies are not in place, it exposes the organization to risks. According to Brooks (2010), when policies are not clear, ethical decisions are left to the discretion of the employee, and this judgment varies widely from person to person. Unethical issues can range from improper and dishonest use of privileged information. According to Brooks (2010), developing a code of ethics specific to IT is necessary to establish trust, foster a culture of honesty, and corporate integrity. The increase in technology development has opened us to all kinds of information, and companies need to communicate how technology is to be utilized. Leaders must apply the code of ethics to daily business; having a policy in an of itself does not guarantee ethical behavior (Brooks, 2010).

Goggle is a widely known and highly trusted search engine with approximately 3 billion searches per day. The code of conduct for google is to provide unbiased access to information for its users by giving them the best products and services, and also about encouraging the employee to do the right thing, follow the law, treat others with respect, and dignity (Google).  The following code of conduct analyzed is from Medtronic. Medtronic has shared ethical expectations of behavior when interacting with patients, customers, and each other. They have a Global Privacy and Data Protection Policy. They have access to many patient's personal health information, and healthcare providers expect Medtronic to dispose of their data safely and securely (Medtronic).

The observations I have made about Google's code of conduct are centered around preserve each other, respect confidentiality, and obeying the law. These rules focus on protecting the company as well as the person. Medtronic's code of conduct centers around the patient. They want to provide the best innovation to promote life, relieve pain, and enhance one's life. The company's code of conduct protects the company with guidelines and policies on how employees need to act, but also protects the clients.

As a leader in the healthcare industry, we must model the appropriate behaviors when it comes to protecting patients health care information. We comply with online learning that covers the importance of protecting one's privacy. If we violate this, we are in HIPPA compliance. The organization monitors HIPPA compliance, and if a nurse or tech breaks that practice and goes into a patient's chart, they send me a notice. Then I have to interview the employee through a series of questions and turn it into the compliance officer. Upon their review, I have to either give them a final written warning or terminate them. We also have phishing emails, and staff needs to comply with them. I encourage them to hit the phishing button if they receive an email they do not recognize. The more you communicate the expectations as a leader, the more the employees comply.

                                                                        References

Brooks, R. (2010). The development of A code of Ethics: An online classroom approach to making connections between ethical foundations and the challenges presented by information technology. American Journal of Business Education, 3(10), 1-13.

Google Code of Conduct. N.d. Retrieved from http://investor.google.com/corporate/code-of-conduct.html

            Medtronic Code of Conduct. N.d. Retrieved from http://medtronic.com/corporate/code-of-conduct.html

2nd Colleague to respond to:

Hello Class,

Ethical behavior is just as important in the workplace as it is in our personal lives. A successful business depends on the trust of various people like employees, managers, executives, customers, and suppliers. Ethics refers to a set of rules that describes acceptable conduct in society. These rules are what society views as right from wrong. Computer ethics is very important; one goal of computer ethics is to determine what we should do with new capabilities. Computer ethics includes considering personal and social policies to the use of computer technology. According to Brookes (2010), “Organizations must not tolerate illegal, dishonest, improper or irresponsible use of privileged access of information. Establishing a code of ethics does not, in and of itself, guarantee ethical behavior. That will only be achieved by applying the principles of the code of ethics to the execution of daily business” (p. 10). A Code of ethics should be developed to maintain a culture of trust and commitment, trust, responsibility, and honesty. We as humans should abstain from conflicts and dishonesty. Technology is the future and it should be proactive in creating that change to build on ethical morals.

 

Examples of the use of ethical policy are Amazon and Wal-Mart. Amazon perfects its technique by collecting data from customers from previous visits, patterns of interests, or other websites. They track their data to ensure perfect suitable ads tailored to their needs. This supplied information has a purpose. This is to ensure customers are finding their exact wants and needs and will trace to their website. Amazon is one of the largest online retail companies. They are known for their integrity, fast and deliverable products. They also have guaranteed customer satisfaction. Wal-Mart tailors its orders from suppliers to suit each store. This way stores can receive products whenever needed. According to George (2000), “This is extremely efficient. Wal-Mart does not use suppliers that cannot meet its rigid demands. It presages one of the waves of the future” (p. 65). Wal-Mart is known for its extremely efficient and cost-saving products. Wal-Mart is using technology to deliver products at a faster pace and stay on top of their game.

 

Some observations I have reviewed from reading these resources is that being ethical is a personal choice. When a job hires you, they place their complete faith in you that you will not do anything prohibited even though you can. As mentioned in the resource by Brooks (2010), “IT employees have privileged access to digital information, both personal and professional, throughout the company, and they have the technical powers to manipulate information” (p. 5). When an employee assumes, they can proceed with immoral behavior and not get caught they are incorrect. Every unethical behavior will be accounted for. It may take days, months, or years but it will happen.

 

Staff uses administration rights to snoop on other colleagues. Some even admitted to these inquiries. IT employees have accessed other employee’s computers without permission, read sensitive information without reason, violated company’s policies, or IT rights. Sometimes supervisors make unethical decisions and expect followers to go along with it. Followers know this action is wrong and do not report it. This is morally and ethically wrong on both ends. Managers are not supposed to make decisions that are proven to be wrong and should not involve others in this wrong decision making.

 

For information to be useful it must be communicated. Truth can be misleading and transformed if not projected accurately. Communication should be clear for it to be channeled and heard from the recipient.  Much of the information in databases is supposedly accurate but it is up to us to check our resources, and books to maintain this accurate information. For example, before we trust a doctor, we look at reviews to ensure they are trustworthy and accurate. Thankfully, with technology, we can look this information up and check for ourselves.

 

As a manager to conduct ethical behavior and make sure it is instilled in my colleagues, I will give proper training on what is morally correct and incorrect. I will put up poster boards and flyers on the company’s guidelines and policies to ensure my employees absorb this information. We will have group meetings and solo meetings to ensure everyone is on the same page. There will be room for questions. Colleagues must know what is to be expected after a couple of months of training and practice. Steps I can take to ensure privacy is installing cameras in corners to monitor employees and ensuring employees to lock computer screens every time they step away. All papers and confidential information must be put away before going home for the day. I want to be the role model my employees look up to. I will be conducting these behaviors so they can learn from me and follow my footsteps. I will not encourage negative behavior and will tell my colleagues to report any behavior they find unusual. We should all know better and communicate. In a work environment learned behavior is often picked up. Employees follow manager orders and do as they do. We will pick up on respect, integrity, and honesty. I know with these proper steps in place my team and I will know where we each stand.

 

Reference:

 

Brooks, R. (2010). The development of A code of ethics: An online classroom approach to making connections between ethical foundations and the challenges presented by information technology. American Journal of Business Education, 3(10), 1-13. Retrieved from https://ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fsearch.proquest.com%2Fdocview%2F757070798%3Faccountid%3D14872

 

De George, R. T. (2000). Business Ethics and the Challenge of the Information Age. Business Ethics Quarterly, 10(1), 63–72. https://doi-org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.2307/3857695