Ethics in Information Technology
Over the past few years, many businesses have increasingly become reliant on information technology for their survival. Equally, the explosive growth of inexpensive but powerful computing systems have made possible for individuals and businesses to utilize IT applications in various activities. From simple automations to sophisticated IT applications and computing technologies, it is undeniable that the IT industry will continue to experience rapid growth. Despite this growth, information technology has played a hand in past corporate scandals. This sparkled intense interest and equally varied debates in the concept of ethics in information technology. A typical example is the Sony BMG rootkit scandal.
Sony BMG and the Rootkit Scandal
In this scandal, Sony BMG was accused of loading copy protection software onto several CD titles. The said software could automatically install itself when loaded into personal computers and cause vulnerabilities that were capable of being exploited by computer viruses and worms (Fourie, 2008). The particular software included the MediaMax CD-3 and Extended Copy Protection (XCP) software. The later was loaded onto 52 CD titles while the former software was loaded on 50 CD titles (Fourie, 2008). This software is capable of interfering with the normal capabilities of Windows music playing routine thereby creating an avenue for other malwares to cause vulnerabilities. This act in itself was a copyright infringement of codes such as the LAME and GNU LGP License. Other additional software that could be uninstalled was added into individual computers. For this reason, Sony created a software removal utility for removing the rootkit and its components (Fourie, 2008).
While there were no individual players in this scandal, the overall damage went to Sony BMG, which was forced to recall all unsold CDs from music stores while offering consumers new CDs without the copy protection software. Interestingly, the software removal utility showed other inappropriateness of the software including the need to supply an e-mail address in order to complete the uninstaller download. This increases the volume of bulk emails sent by Sony BMG to users.
Moral Implications
First, installing a copy protection software to CDs without informing consumers of the availability and the characteristic of the software including the possible damages it could cause to their machines was a morally wrong thing. Even though the situation involved a right verses right situation for Sony BMG, installing the software on the CDs at the expense of consumers was a violation against the ethical standards. Second, the software increased the level of vulnerabilities or exposed user PCs to increased chances of malware attacks in addition to slowing down the performance of their computers. Such externalities and inconveniences are unethical and could possible damage the reputation and integrity of Sony BMG. Certain licensing codes such as the LAME were also infringed. Finally yet important, including conditions such as the case with the need for an email address when uninstalling the software violates user privacy.
Undeniably, music piracy is among the leading factors that undermine the credibility of the music industry in addition to causing lost profits. While it is important to install copy protection software to music CDs, it is unethical to do so in a manner that causes more harm than good. It was therefore emphatically crucial that Sony BMG install proper copy protection software and include software details alongside every purchase. I could have developed friendly software without any conditions attached to the uninstaller during the removal process. Lastly, I could have adhered to the code of ethics and standards that govern the development and distribution of copy protection software in order to uphold the integrity of the company.
Comparison of Google and Intel Code of Ethics
The code of ethics at Google and Intel apply to both employees and customers. For instance, Google uses integrity, usefulness, responsiveness, and privacy of freedom and expression when serving its users. On the other hand, Intel is customer oriented, strives to achieve this objective by listening and responding to the needs of stakeholders, fosters innovative and creative thinking, and encourages workers to excel by offering freedom (Reynolds, 2010).
On quality matters, Intel strives to deliver the highest standards of excellence by doing things in the right way, taking pride in its work, and using benchmarks to develop and improve on its products. Google tries its level best to ensure that the products offered are useful and can be trusted by users (Google, 2012). Creation of quality and innovative products remains a top priority to Google. Speaking of creativity, Intel fosters creative and innovative thinking during the development of its products. In such situation, it pays close attention to the ideas and viewpoints of developers while using its mistakes and successes to guide future directions. This principle guides the process of taking risks in new projects. Google also encourages creativity and innovation by allowing workers to take some time to work on individual projects provided they add value to the company (Google, 2012).
Both Intel and Google have implemented ethical measures to offer employees a good working environment. This includes promoting a challenging working environment that encourages the development of workers creativity, and creating respect for each other. For instance, rewards, and recognitions for accomplishments is offered to workers. Additionally, employees a fun working environment is created coupled with firm and fair management of employee performance. Similarly, Google offers a safe working environment characterized by equal employment opportunities, respect for one another, and high levels of confidentiality. Finally, both companies aim to be strong assets in the community as evidenced from their community social responsibility initiatives, strong financial integrity and responsibility, avoiding conflicts of interest, and strict measures for obeying the law (Reynolds, 2010).
Comparison of Intel and IBM Ethics
IBM and Intel are committed to upholding the tenets of operating ethics. For this reason, IBM’s ethical policy entails undertaking ethical operations that encourage the company to keep up with its high integrity standards (IBM Business Conduct Guidelines). Similarly, Integrity forms a major component of Intel’s code of conduct. Since its inception, uncompromising professionalism and integrity have dominated the cornerstone of Intel’s business activities (Intel Code of Conduct (January 2012). All Intel’s business activities affirms to a set of five key principles of conduct that include undertaking business activities with integrity and honesty, obeying the law by following its spirit and the letter, treating each individual or stakeholder with equality and fairness, and protecting the company’s reputation, and assets (IBM Business Conduct Guidelines). Finally, acting in the best interests of the company and avoiding conflicts of interests.
IBM’s codes of ethics are divided into several categories including the work environment, IBMer’s own time, and in the market place (IBM Business Conduct Guidelines). In whichever situation, all conducts are expected to be consistent with the core values of IBM that include being innovative in all matters, generating trust and responsibility at all relationship levels, and being dedicated to the success of each client. Integrity in IBM’s values often entails a matter of making good judgments in particular situations and ascertaining the level of conformity to the business guidelines and conduct. Evidently, the code of ethics for IBM can be related to those of Intel. The aspect of conflict of interests for IBM is also specified in situations that include assisting competitors, competing against IBM, and personal financial interests among others. The code of ethics for Intel and IBM also address ways of approaching Insider information and Insider trading.
Comparison of Intel’s and CA
Computer Associates is one the leading suppliers for IT technologies utilized by majority of fortune 500 companies in the management of their information technology systems. Coupled with its abilities to provide IT expertise in different fields, CA ensures that it delivers flexible and innovative services to consumers. Despite its scandal-ridden past, corporate responsibility at Computer Associates entails undertaking actions according to what is right. First, respect is accorded to all individuals from all over the world. Second, business activities at CA are conducted with highest integrity levels thereby ensuring that shareholders receive value for their investments. Third, the company ensures that it strives its best to deliver innovative software that fulfills the needs of its client’s majority of which are fortune 500 companies.
Fourth, it is the responsibility of the company to engage in fair business practices when delivering products to suppliers or vendors. This factor is critical in ensuring the promotion of a secure business environment conducive to all stakeholders. Fifth, the company is mindful of all relationships with clients and stakeholders by using integrity and trust as the guiding principles. Finally yet important, diversity of cultural and business practices is another aspect that CA technologies try to fulfill in order to satisfy the needs of its customers. By comparison, the code of ethics for Computer Associates is related to those of Intel because they aim at improving the overall image and consistency of services delivered by CA.
Comparison of Dell and Intel’s Code of Ethics
While the code of ethics for Intel is governed by five key principles such as integrity and honesty, obeying the law, treating each individual or stakeholder with equality and fairness, and protecting the company’s reputation, and assets; Dell’s code of ethics is guided by several standards that include Trust, Integrity, Honesty, respect, judgment, respect, responsibility, and Courage. All individuals, regardless of their positions, geographical locations, or grade levels are expected to base their daily conducts and actions on the above-mentioned standards (Dell Code of Conduct, 2012). This sums up the Soul of Code Dell beliefs, values, and ultimate success levels.
Integrity forms a crucial factor in the code of ethics for both Intel and Dell given that it provides guidance to the daily activities. Following the law to the letter and spirit is applicable to Dell as it is applicable at Intel. Speaking of the work environment and personal conduct, Dell encourages and values the diversity of the workplace (Dell Code of Conduct, 2012). For this reason, it encourages inclusiveness, equal opportunity, offering respect, and fosters a culture that ensures equal contribution from all individuals in the workplace. Equal employment opportunities are offered to all workers coupled with the ability to provide a free working environment devoid of harassment and discrimination.
Dell’s policies ensure that the work environment is free from alcohol and other illegal drugs including drugs inconsistent with a safe and productive work environment. It is also the responsibility of Dell to ensure that is employees and customers are treated with care and respect. Largely, Dell’s code of ethics is similar to those of Intel in more than one ways.
Summary of Ethics
Ethics is one of the issues that forms a topic in many debates in addition to receiving equally varied interpretations from many a person. While it is difficult to ascertain what should be considered whether right or wrong as far as moral issues are concerned, the identification of codes to guide appropriate behavior is extremely essential in every society or business environment. In the contemporary society, several institutions such as education, religion, or authorities have specified a code of conduct that must be adhered. While these generally accepted rules to govern behavior, certain complex situations exist where it the applicability of these generally accepted rules becomes a problem. For instance, situations guided by personal interests’ calls for individuals to weigh between right verse right issues even though the resultant behavior is grossly inappropriate or unprofessional. This has been evidenced by the factors that facilitated major corporate scandals that brought down leading companies such as Enron, HealthSouth, WorldCom, and Sony BMG.
I believe that every organization has atleast an ethics program that outlines the ethical rules and regulations and it is important that frequent ethics seminars be conducted in every organization to encourage employees to be consistent in their behaviors. Punitive measures and control measures should be put in place to prevent employees or individuals from engaging in unethical behaviors. Worse still, this age of increased use of information technologies has led to increased comprise of ethical standards particularly when it comes to infringement of privacy and confidentiality. What used to be treated as private and confidential can now be accessed by the click of a button. I strongly believe that organizations should consider strengthening the ethical standards that can be infringed using IT applications. Finally yet important, ethics has largely to do with an individual and hence, it is crucial that individuals incorporate a decision making model to guide their ethical behaviors.
References
Dell Code of Conduct, Winning With Integrity. Retrieved from
http://www.dell.com/downloads/global/corporate/vision_national/code_of_conduct
.pdf
Fourie, I. (2008) "Digital Rights Management: The Problem of Expanding Ownership
Rights", Electronic Library, 26 (5), pp.765 – 766
Google (2012). Investor Relations: Code of conduct. Retrieved from
http://investor.google.com/corporate/code-of-conduct.htm
IBM Business Conduct Guidelines. Retrieved from
http://www.ibm.com/investor/pdf/BCG2012.pdf
Intel Code of Conduct (January 2012). Retrieved from
http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/policy/policy-code-conduct-corporate-
information.html
