Overview For This Assessment: You Will Answer A Series Of Qu ✓ Solved
Overview for This Assessment, You Will answer a series of questions about ethical issues
For this assessment, you will answer a series of questions regarding ethical issues related to information technology (IT) systems. The focus will be on understanding how positive social change can influence an organization’s approach to addressing these ethical issues. Your task includes conducting research to identify a real-world company that has experienced an ethical dilemma involving IT, and then examining how societal influences and efforts toward positive social change played a role in how the company responded to the issue.
The assessment requires you to respond to seven items, with each answer ranging between 150 and 450 words, or approximately 2 to 6 paragraphs. You will demonstrate your skills in written communication, information literacy, inquiry and analysis, and technology use. To ensure a thorough and well-supported response, reference at least one scholarly source per item, using proper APA citation style. Failure to meet scholarly referencing and writing standards will result in your submission being returned ungraded.
Important resources are provided to guide your writing, including the IS3004 Written Response Template and the Academic Writing Expectations Checklist. Reviewing these resources before submitting will help ensure your work aligns with academic standards. Additionally, you should carefully read the assignment rubric, which details the criteria for evaluating your responses and helps you focus on key requirements.
Your responses should reflect critical thinking about ethical decision-making processes in IT, considering professional codes such as the IEEE Code of Ethics and broader societal impacts. Use scholarly articles, reputable blogs, and resource guides to support your analysis. Topics may include ethical dilemmas in computing, the application of ethical theories to IT professionals, legal and ethical implications of information systems, and how social responsibility influences ethical decision-making in technology organizations.
Sample Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
In today's technology-driven world, ethical considerations in information systems are paramount. Organizations face numerous dilemmas related to data privacy, security, intellectual property, and algorithmic bias, making it essential to understand how ethical principles shape decision-making in IT. This paper explores this landscape by analyzing a real-world example where a company confronted and addressed an ethical challenge, highlighting the influence of societal values and the drive for social change.
Ethical Issues in IT and the Role of Societal Influence
One prominent example is the case of Facebook and the Cambridge Analytica scandal. Facebook faced significant ethical issues regarding user data privacy when it was revealed that personal data had been exploited without user consent for political profiling. This incident underscored the importance of maintaining transparency, respecting user privacy, and adhering to ethical standards. Society's growing emphasis on data privacy rights and social responsibility has influenced organizations like Facebook to implement stricter policies and greater transparency. As public awareness and social activism increased, Facebook took steps to improve data governance, demonstrate accountability, and rebuild trust among its users.
Application of Ethical Theories
Applying ethical theories, such as utilitarianism and deontology, can help organizations navigate complex dilemmas. Utilitarianism emphasizes maximizing overall well-being, guiding companies to weigh the benefits of data use against privacy risks. Deontological ethics stresses duty and adherence to moral principles, reinforcing organizations’ obligations to respect user rights. In the Facebook scenario, the company’s response involved implementing more robust privacy policies and ethical guidelines aligned with these theories, emphasizing transparency and user control.
Legal and Ethical Implications
The incident also highlights the legal and ethical implications of information systems. Legislation such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe reflects societal efforts to enforce privacy rights and hold organizations accountable. Companies like Facebook have needed to adapt to these legal standards to ensure compliance and ethical integrity. Failure to do so not only results in legal penalties but also damages reputation and stakeholder trust.
Social Responsibility and Positive Social Change
The drive for positive social change influences corporate behavior by fostering a culture of accountability and ethical stewardship. Many organizations now see social responsibility as integral to their identity, aligning their operations with societal values. In Facebook's case, it has led to increased investments in data security, ethical AI development, and user empowerment initiatives, exemplifying how organizations can leverage social change to promote ethical standards and public trust.
Conclusion
Ethical issues in IT are complex and multifaceted, requiring organizations to critically evaluate their practices through ethical frameworks and societal expectations. The Facebook case demonstrates how society and social change pressure organizations to uphold higher ethical standards, ultimately fostering more responsible and sustainable technology use. Continued research and adherence to professional ethics are vital for navigating future challenges in the digital age.
References
- Berzai, L. (2017). Ethical decision making and the IT professional. Time Estimate: 7 min.
- Berzai, L. (2017). Ethical problems in computing. Time Estimate: 9 min.
- Berzai, L. (2017). How ethical theories apply to IT professionals. Time Estimate: 6 min.
- IEEE.org. (2018). 7.8 IEEE code of ethics. Retrieved from https://ieee.org
- Woo, M. (2017). Ethics and the IT professional. Retrieved from https://example.com
- Bourgeois, D. T. (2014). The ethical and legal implications of information systems. In Information systems for business and beyond. Time Estimate: 33 min.
- Olumoye, M. Y. (2013). Ethics and social impact of information systems in our society: Analysis and recommendations. International Journal of Science and Research, 2(11), 154–158. Time Estimate: 10 min.
- Payne, S. (2017). You can't ignore business ethics & social responsibility in 2017. Time Estimate: 8 min.