Introduction
Scientific discoveries and advances have yielded a broad range of technological applications that can be utilized in business settings. Today, business entities can make use of technology to reach their goals more efficiently and comprehensively than any other time in history. Computers are playing a significant role in modern business transactions. Cell phones, GPS, the Internet, and other technological marvels are transforming the way business is conducted.
However, these advances are creating new scenarios that come with new ethical challenges. When technology begins to infringe the rights of an individual, then it borders on becoming unethical. Today, computers and the Internet make the accumulation and correlation of massive amounts of information on each person possible (De George, 2008). This development has influenced the perception of privacy and issues of personal data protection (De George, 2008). Businesses and governments are aware of the ethical dilemmas created by technology. This paper focuses on the ethical issues that these advances have created.
Privacy Issues
Individual privacy is one of the critical areas that have been identified as a source of unethical business conduct through the utilization of technology. A classical example of ethical dilemmas in connection to technology use is seen in e-commerce. Today, e-commerce is a widespread practice. According to Palmer (2010), all types of businesses have adopted some elements of electronic commerce in the modern society.
Cyber technologies give companies the potential to research, market, and distribute their products more efficiently. Furthermore, firms can manage operations and facilitate the processing of transactions promptly and effectively (Palmer, 2010). However, e-business transactions raise ethical issues and pose significant moral risks. Companies can track internet usage, purchasing behaviors, and personal movements. They can also collect private information on millions of clients or potential buyers.
Although legislations are regulating the collection of personal data, firms have a moral obligation of adopting appropriate behavior regarding the collection and storage of consumer information. Palmer (2010) implies that it is the responsibility of companies to know the ethical implication of technology use and strive to promote appropriate types of e-business. For Instance, businesses should show their commitment to ethics and social duty by implementing privacy policies that prevent them from collecting and storing client information unless the individual volunteers it (Ferrell & Ferrell, 2009). Extra caution should be taken when dealing with children under the age of 13 years. Parental consent is necessary before getting private information from minors.
Security
It is not unusual for companies to monitor employees, customers, and visitors for safety reasons. Continuous monitoring of employee activity raises ethical questions. It is critical for firms to establish surveillance practices that are justifiable without offending the rights of others. Also, businesses have a moral duty of ensuring confidentiality and security of databases that contain consumer and personnel data.
Communication
Governments and businesses can easily assess digital, text-based communications like emails. It is possible to scan massive amounts of texts for specific words of interest using computers. Companies using such monitoring techniques should consider their ethical implications particularly in cases where the employees are unaware of such surveillance.
Ethical Theories
Business executives consciously or unconsciously use different moral standards to make decisions. Ethical theories are created to guide individuals in resolving moral dilemmas. The two primanry models used in business technology are the deontological and teleological discourses.
The Deontological Approach
This model puts an emphasis on the intention behind an action rather than its results (Palmer, 2010). Here the focus is on the appropriateness of behavior (Neelankavil & Rai, 2009). For Instance, a marketer using e-commerce to sell products and services might view the collection of consumer data and purchase history as wrong because it infringes a person’s right to privacy. Although this practice may assist the marketer in predicting customer behavior and satisfying their needs, these advantages do not justify the involuntary collection of personal information. One might perceive this behavior as selfish, capitalistic, and disrespectful to concerned individuals because the ultimate intention of the marketer is to increase sales. Businesses may resort to data mining only when the client is willing to volunteer that information. Consent justifies the use of personal information for economic gain.
The Teleological Approach
Unlike the deontological discourse, teleology focuses on the effects of human actions. The key issue in this theory is how bad or good the outcomes of an action are. Business entities or administrators with a teleological approach determine the ethical appropriateness of an action by examining the consequences of a decision or policy. For example, company executives enforce confidentiality and privacy policies on client and employee data because it not only protects the business, but it also keeps customers information from the malicious hands of hackers and cyber-bullies. In the absence of these security measures, private information wouLd be used wrongly, making this action of negligence immoral and irresponsible.
Conclusion
Despite the numerous advantages that business technology brings to commerce, it is also laden with ethical dilemmas. As such, companies need to evaluate the moral implications that the utilization of technological applications will create. Ethical theories offer guidance regarding the appropriate use of these programs. It is the duty of businesses to ensure that their practices do not breach moral values.
References
De George, R. T. (2008). The ethics of information technology and business. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
Ferrell, O. C. & Ferrell, J. F. (2009). Business Ethics 2009 updates: Ethical decision making and cases. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.
Neelankavil, J. P. & Rai, A. (2009). Basics of international business. New York: Routledge
Palmer, D. E. (2010). Ethical issues in e-business: Models and frameworks. Hershey, PA: Idea Group Inc.
