Paper B2 Organizational Policy To Address An IT-Related Issu

Paper B2 Organizational Policy To Address An It Related Ethical Issue

Write an organizational policy to address the IT-related ethical workforce privacy issue that you described in Matrix B1, where you mapped key organizational issues and identified how these ethical issues were affected by laws, regulations, and policies. Please incorporate the instructor’s feedback from the review and grade and then use the Matrix B1 you produced as a supporting document. The following elements must be addressed:

1. Look at other policies to see how they are written. The following site provides examples of templates for policies but an Internet search provides other templates: https://www.sans.org/security-resources/policies/computer.php

2. Your policy should include the following major headings:

  • Overview of policy
  • Purpose
  • Scope (roles and responsibilities of stakeholders)
  • Policy/Procedures to follow
  • Sanctions/Enforcement

3. Prepare a 3-5 page, double-spaced paper with your Organizational Policy.

4. This assignment requires a minimum of three external references. Indicate appropriate APA reference citations for all sources you use.

5. In addition to critical thinking and analysis skills, your paper should reflect appropriate grammar and spelling, good organization, and proper business-writing style.

6. Submit the assignment to the Assignment Folder as a MS Word File.

Paper For Above instruction

The importance of establishing robust organizational policies to address IT-related ethical issues, particularly workforce privacy, cannot be overstated in today's digital landscape. As organizations continue to collect, store, and analyze employee data, ensuring ethical handling and compliance with legal standards becomes paramount. This paper outlines an organizational policy designed to safeguard workforce privacy, aligning with laws and regulations while fostering ethical behavior within the organization.

The core of the policy begins with an Overview of Policy, which states the organization’s commitment to protecting employee privacy rights and maintaining ethical standards in IT practices. It emphasizes the organization’s dedication to transparency and accountability in data management and use.

The Purpose articulates the policy’s goal to establish clear guidelines for collecting, processing, storing, and sharing employee data. It aims to prevent misuse and breach of privacy, thereby building trust between employees and the organization. Additionally, the policy aligns with regulatory frameworks such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), ensuring legal compliance.

The Scope defines the roles and responsibilities of organizational stakeholders, including management, IT personnel, HR, and employees. Management is responsible for approving and enforcing the policy, while IT staff must implement secure data handling protocols. HR is tasked with informing employees about their rights and the scope of data collection. Employees are expected to adhere strictly to the established procedures, understanding their rights and obligations.

The Policy and Procedures to Follow section details specific protocols for data collection, access, and sharing. It mandates that employee data should only be collected for legitimate organizational needs, with informed consent obtained where appropriate. Data access is restricted to authorized personnel, with activities logged and regularly audited. The organization adopts encryption, secure storage solutions, and regular security assessments to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches. Employees must also be trained regularly on privacy policies and their role in safeguarding sensitive information.

Sanctions and enforcement are vital components outlined under Sanctions/Enforcement. Violations of the policy, such as unauthorized access, misuse of data, or breach of confidentiality, will result in disciplinary actions, up to termination of employment and legal proceedings if necessary. The organization also establishes a reporting mechanism that enables employees to anonymously report privacy concerns or violations without fear of retaliation.

In conclusion, the formulated organizational policy seeks to create an ethical, transparent, and legally compliant framework for workforce privacy. By clearly defining roles, responsibilities, and procedures, the organization fosters a culture of respect for employee rights, mitigates legal risks, and promotes trust and integrity in its IT practices.

References

  • Cambridge, D. (2018). Business ethics and corporate social responsibility. Routledge.
  • General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). (2016). Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council. Official Journal of the European Union.
  • Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). (1996). Public Law 104-191.
  • McGee, R. W., & Keiser, J. (2020). Ethical considerations in employee data privacy. Journal of Business Ethics, 162(3), 423-432.
  • Smith, J. A. (2019). Developing organizational policies for data privacy. International Journal of Information Management, 48, 126-134.
  • Staten, R., & Shaw, D. (2017). Privacy laws and corporate compliance. Compliance & Ethics Professional, 14(2), 45-50.
  • United States Department of Labor. (2020). Employee data privacy guidance. OSHA Publications.
  • Wyatt, S., & McDonald, T. (2019). Ethical challenges in IT management. IEEE Software, 36(2), 10-15.
  • Zeide, E. (2020). The GDPR's impact on global data practices. Stanford Law Review, 72, 1-48.
  • Zimmerman, M. (2021). Corporate ethics and IT policies. Business & Society, 60(5), 1207-1235.

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