an introduction: technology, ethics, and the workplace
TRANSCRIPT
Objectives
Explore ethical questions resulting from increased
use of technology in the workplace.
Understand benefits and challenges created by use
of technology in the workplace.
Discuss the potential impact of personal use of
technology on professional life.
Explore strategies for addressing potential ethical
concerns in using technology.
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Values vs. Ethics
Values
Beliefs and/or attitudes about
what is good or desirable.
Based upon life experience,
family, culture, religion
profession, society.
Ethics Based on a set of values and
principles defined by a group.
Rules or standards of conduct
pertaining to a group of people
(e.g. – social workers).
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Types of Technology
Electronic Tools
Personal Computers
Mobile Telephones
Fax Machines
Websites
Social Media/Networks
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Snapchat
Social Media Revolution 2015
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Social Media Revolution 2015
Ethical Issues – In Review
Ethical Challenges
Situations involving ethical
principles.
Ethical decision making
based on policies,
professional code of ethics,
and/or laws.
Ethical Dilemmas
Involves two (2) or more
competing ethical principles.
Conflict of values, rights
and/or professional
responsibilities.
Each possible alternative will
result in an undesirable
outcome for one (1) or more
stakeholders.
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Codes of Conduct and Technology
Purpose:
Offer guidance and professional standards.
Improve practice & promote accountability.
Protect the public.
Examples of Professional Codes of Conduct
for Technology Use
National Association of Social Work (NASW)
Code of Ethics
Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
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Use of Technology in the Workplace (cont.)
Confidentiality
Maintaining privacy and
integrity of information
Accessibility
How accessible should one be?
Professional Integrity of Communication
What type of communication is
appropriate?
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Use of Technology in the Workplace
Benefits:
Convenient
Accessible
Cost-effective
Quick Response Time
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Use of Technology in the Workplace (cont.)
Challenges:
Employees have varying degrees of
what is “ethical” or “unethical”.
Blurred lines between professional
and personal lives.
Employees’ expectation of privacy
vs. public information
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08/26/2015An Introduction: Technology, Ethics, and the Workplace
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Let’s Discuss…
“The Case of the LinkedIn
Recommendation”
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Employers’ Access to
Professionals’ Personal Information
Potential and/or current employers may use technology
and social media to collect information
How much personal information should be available
for public view?
What is the expectation of privacy and/or free
speech?
Should information gained from social media be
used against an employee?
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Ethical Framework for Use of Technology
in the Workplace Policies, codes of conduct, laws, etc., are essential for ethical use of
technology in the workplace:
Technology can blur the boundaries between personal and
professional lives.
Adhere to ethical principles key to professions’, organization, etc.
use of technology in the workplace.
Transparency is essential when creating and enforcing policies and
procedures specific to use of technology in the workplace.
Keep abreast of technological advancements to anticipate ethical
challenges resulting from emerging forms of communication.
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An Introduction: Technology, Ethics, and the Workplace
Do You Know Your Workplace
Technology Policy?
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“Technology Is Not Evil”
Technology provides offers valuable
opportunities and tools to minimize
numerous social and cultural barriers.
Professionals, at all levels, must
understand the importance and adhere
to his or her professional code of
conduct in the use of technology in their
workplace.
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References
1. Stephen Lilley, Andra Gumbus, Frances S. Grodzinsky (2010). What Matters To Non-
Experts About Property And Privacy Rights? Ethicomp 2010.
2. Ryoko, Asai (2011). Social Media as a Tool for Change. Ethicomp 2011.
3. William Bülow, Misse Wester (2011) Autonomy and Privacy in the context of social
networking. Ethicomp 2011.
4. Karolina Churska-Nowak, Piotr Pawlak (2011) 'Growing role of the Internet services in
political marketing. Social networks in use in political life'. Ethicomp 2011.
5. Don Gotterbarn (2011) Tweeting is a beautiful sound, but not in my backyard: Employer
Rights and the ethical issues of a tweet free environment for business. Ethicomp 2011.
6. Stephen Lilley, Frances S. Grodzinsky, Andra Gumbus, (2011) Facebook: Providing a
Service to Members or a Platform to Advertisers? Ethicomp 2011.
7. Richard Mills (2011) Researching Social News – A novel forum for public discourse and
information sharing. Ethicomp 2011.
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