Assignment 1 Discussion: Ethical, Social, And Politic 757812
Assignment 1 Discussionethical Social And Political Issuesinformat
Assignment 1: Discuss the ethical, social, and political issues related to information systems. Explain each issue and analyze the potential impact if these issues are not properly managed, referencing module readings and Argosy University library resources. Respond in 300–500 words with citations in APA style, and review at least two peers’ responses by June 28, 2017.
Paper For Above instruction
The rapid development and integration of information systems within organizations have revolutionized how data is managed, stored, and utilized. However, alongside these technological advancements come significant ethical, social, and political issues that organizations must navigate to operate responsibly and effectively. Understanding these issues is crucial to mitigate risks and ensure the protection of stakeholder interests.
Ethical Issues in Information Systems
Ethical concerns primarily revolve around the management of sensitive data and the responsibilities organizations have toward their users and stakeholders. Privacy breaches are among the most prevalent ethical issues, arising when organizations collect, store, and share personal information without proper consent or safeguards (Brey, 2012). For example, mishandling personal health records or financial data can lead to identity theft or personal harm. Ethical dilemmas also occur regarding data accuracy, where organizations might manipulate or deliberately withhold information to serve specific agendas, compromising integrity (Floridi & Taddeo, 2016). Such practices undermine trust and violate ethical standards of honesty and transparency.
Social Issues Related to Information Systems
On a social level, information systems influence societal norms, behaviors, and access to resources. Digital divide presents a key challenge, where disparities in access to technology can expand social inequalities (van Dijk, 2020). Organizations that fail to consider inclusivity may inadvertently marginalize certain groups, exacerbating social stratification. Furthermore, extensive data collection can infringe on individual autonomy, raising concerns about surveillance and reduced personal freedom (Lyon, 2018). The pressure to adopt new technologies without addressing societal implications can lead to social unrest or resistance from communities opposed to invasive practices.
Political Issues Stemming from Information Technology
Politically, the control and regulation of information are sensitive issues. Governments and organizations grapple with balancing national security, individual rights, and commercial interests. Data localization laws, privacy regulations such as GDPR, and government surveillance programs exemplify political tensions surrounding data sovereignty and privacy (Kuner et al., 2017). Organizations that fail to comply with these regulations risk legal penalties and reputational damage. Conversely, misuse of data for political manipulation or misinformation campaigns poses threats to democratic processes and societal stability.
Most Adverse Impact of Poor Management
Among these issues, privacy violations and data misuse pose the most significant risks if unregulated or unmanaged properly. Data breaches can lead to financial losses, legal consequences, and loss of consumer trust, which can be detrimental to organizational longevity (Cavusoglu, Mishra, & Raghunathan, 2004). Failure to address ethical and social concerns can also precipitate regulatory crackdowns, which may impose costly compliance burdens or restrict organizational operations. Therefore, proactive governance and ethical practices are essential to mitigate these risks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ethical, social, and political issues inherent in information systems demand diligent management by organizations. Failing to address these issues not only threatens organizational reputation and legal standing but also impacts societal well-being. As technology continues to evolve, organizations must prioritize ethical standards, promote social inclusivity, and observe political regulations to harness the benefits of information systems responsibly.
References
Brey, P. (2012). The ethics of lie detection technology. Science and Engineering Ethics, 18(4), 711-728.
Cavusoglu, H., Mishra, B., & Raghunathan, S. (2004). The impact of security breaches on shareholder value: Evidence from the stock market. Management Science, 50(2), 195-208.
Floridi, L., & Taddeo, M. (2016). What is data ethics? Philosophy & Technology, 29(1), 1-4.
Kuner, C., Bygrave, L. A., Docksey, C., & Van der Sloot, B. (2017). The GDPR: General Data Protection Regulation—European Data Privacy Law. Oxford University Press.
Lyon, D. (2018). The culture of surveillance: Watching and listening in the 21st century. John Wiley & Sons.
van Dijk, J. (2020). The digital divide. Polity Press.