Ethical Issues Concerning Information Technology - Research Proposal Example

Ethical Issues Concerning Information Technology Fahad Aloufi of Ontario Institute of Technology Ethical Issues Concerning Information Technology Introduction Since introduction of computer and information technology, much advancement has been made in various fields such as engineering, biotechnology, and chemistry. This development has not only enabled innovation but also opened avenues for growth and economic prosperity. However, as technology advances, risks such as genetic identity theft are also increased (McHughen, 2009). It has therefore been important in today’s world to ensure that technology systems are secured with the latest computer security software available. Through technology, ill-intended people have been able to steal the identity of others and orchestrate terror attacks amongst other crimes. For example, someone can misuse the internet, impersonate a public personality, and tarnish their reputation in the process (Anderson & Goodman, 2002). On the other hand, computers and technology have helped in globalization of trade and other important economic activities. Similarly, information technology has been assimilated in business activities through systems such as supply chain management systems, inventory management systems, and customer relationship management systems (Atkinson & McKay, 2007). According to Egbu and Botterill (2002), information technology can be defined as the software, hardware and management database amongst other technologies used to process, distribute and store information. This technology is responsible for electronic business operations, management of business models and improved efficiency in commercial as well as personal operations. Information technology is enabling many establishments innovate ways of increasing their competitiveness and profitability as well as managing their business processes (Atkinson & Mckay, 2007). Many activities in most companies are now conducted electronically with the use of information technology. This requires less effort and the technology can be used to link similar institutions located in different areas. Therefore, different bureaus and offices around the world can be linked with software technology and improve efficiency in their operations (Anderson & Goodman, 2002). Literature Review The use of technology has been integrated into many aspects of business such as sales and advertising. Technology has become an instrument of value for the maintenance and development of prolific business-customer relationships. However, the issue of ethics in the utilization of technology has been overlooked for a long time now (Anderson & Goodman, 2002). According Bush, Bush, and Orr (2010), many users find no need to conduct ethical procedures on the use of technological products; as a result, it causes ethical loopholes and weaknesses in technological platforms. Technology is perceived as an instrument for changing business operations, whereby there is a substantial integration of various business activities with technology (Egbu & Botterill, 2002). For instance, inventory in a company is no longer managed using books and files, instead, managers are able to track inventory by use of technological devices such as barcodes scanners, thereby managing inventory effectively. Therefore, it is through some of these changes that technology has been able to dominate activities in industry and trade amongst other significant sectors of the economy. Galimberti (2009), states that technology has not only taken over the economical domain of many countries and organizations but also dominated the political arena. A good example is the political revolutions that occurred in countries such as Tunisia and Egypt, whereby some citizens mobilized others using social media (Safranek, 2012). Therefore, through technology, different solutions are formulated to solve problems and innovate new ways of doing things such as detecting fraudulent activities in bank systems or monitoring sales trends for a given product to avoid excess production, which can lead to wastage of resources. Moreover, information technology is also responsible for provision of information to everyone irrespective of time and location. However, the burden of dealing with ethical dilemma associated with technology lies squarely with business establishments, organizations or individuals because there no code of ethics in relation to use of technology (Mendina & Britz, 2004). For example, the rapid advancement of technology has made it impossible for nurses and other medical personnel to make sound and professional decisions (Reynolds, 2010). Moreover, advancements in technology bring about the development of new equipment for hospitals (Schultz, 2006). This interferes with the decision-making process by medical personnel because they lack the necessary training. To conduct regular training for these officials whenever a new technology is innovated can be costly and unsustainable. Therefore, failure of management to offer trainning opportunities to nurses or doctors for the use of latest technologies is, therefore, common. This has a significant effect on ethical behavior of such an institution (Salehnia, 2002). Futhermore, employees without technological skills in institutions are likely to make intentional or unintentional errors hence resulting in substandard service delivery (Brennan & Johnson, 2004). This malfunction in the ethical fiber within organizations leads to a failure in sufficient provision of necessary and sometimes basic services. Other authors such as De, (2003) have approached this issue from a different perspective, while according to Azari (2003), it is important for organizations to make correct decisions when dealing with ethical concerns. Nonetheless, when technology influences some of the ethical considerations within an institution, it becomes necessary for issues to be addressed (De, 2003). Research Question/Hypothesis According to Kizza (2010), every new technology can be measured according to the value it adds to the society; thus, every system must have ethical principles by which it is governed and run. These principles should be guidelines for its use; thus, protect users from abuse. A lot of research has been done on ethical considerations for many emerging technologies (Anderson & Goodman, 2002). In the present world, computers and technologies evolve at a very fast rate. In fact, evolution of new technologies benefits many industries and institutions by making work and communication easier (Egbu & Botterill, 2002). Nevertheless, research questions in this paper focuses on exploring ethical issues relating to use of technology. On the other hand, though, these technologies are introduced to the public domain without regard to their ethical views and concerns. The result is existence of technology that is introduced for use by people without necessary training or knowledge (Egbu & Botterill, 2002). When technology is used by untrained personnel, it is exposed to abuse or irrelevant use leading to errors. To avoid such incidences where a technology is introduced without prior training or knowledge on the intended users, organizations should always conduct regular training to their staff. However, since new technology is developed almost every day, it becomes unsustainable to train employees every now and then (Brennan & Johnson, 2004). Moreover, there is little research on how ethical concerns facing computers and technology can be addressed (Brennan & Johnson, 2004). This is an area of great importance since it affects almost all areas of modern life. It, therefore, requires further research to ascertain how ethical concern surrounding use of new technology can be addressed upon introduction of such technology into the public domain. Therefore, the research question is; why are the ethical issues concerning use of technology overlooked? The hypothesis of this research concerns perception towards solving ethical that concerns use of technology. In fact, this relates to assumptions that people view effort to solve these ethical issues as extra work in the process of dealing with their own areas of expertise or assignment (Azari, 2003). Theoretical Framework Testing the research hypothesis requires analysis of ethical issues relating to technological development and limited capacity of present ethical approaches, which are aimed at addressing challenges (Buligina, 2010). Therefore, this research offers a theoretical framework, which addresses ethical challenges in use of technology and technological devices. The approach is based on the concept of formulation and efficiency of ethical norms in a given context (Atkinson & Mckay, 2007). In fact, the theoretical framework is based on the theory of governance, which is established by making substantial adjustment to research objectives. Moreover, the theoretical framework is aimed at addressing the research question concerning people’s negligence to ethical issues in use of technology. Effectiveness of approaches used aimed at dealing with ethical issues regarding information technology are questionable, and it has not been discussed a lot. In this case, this research seeks to identify existing practices and policies aimed at dealing with these issues (Kramer, Jenkins & Katz, 2007). Nevertheless, there are principal theoretical approaches that are unreservedly presupposed in terms of conditions that are evaluated and effectiveness of norms implementation. Moreover, the process of norms implementation is associated with rules, which are associated with functions of mental capacities and they are independent of external subjects (Atkinson & Mckay, 2007). On the other hand, the interest of research is to establish and ethical norms and implementation process in a business context. However, the research will not be purely theoretical; instead, it will focus on associating theoretical approaches to the practice of being ethical. Moreover, the research will focus on the governance practices in relation to ethical norms, which will be in line with theoretical framework (Kramer, Jenkins & Katz, 2007). In this case, this will provide a basis of addressing immediate conditions through a substantial theoretical foundation. Furthermore, this will facilitate making recommedation that can enable people to deal with identified limitations associated with these ethical issues. Qualitative Research Methods The qualitative research methods reflect on empirical analysis and crucial perspective of results in relation to the level of ethical norms implementation and analysis of empirical data. Therefore, there will be a presentation of relationship established between theoretical framework and the hypothesis. In qualitative research method involve, there will be an outline of limitations of the models, which will be proposed (Egbu & Botterill, 2002). Moreover, the qualitative research will also facilities understanding outcomes of guidelines in implementing ethical norms. Therefore, there will be a development of substantial relationship between theoretical framework and the perspectives to the policy aimed at addressing these ethical issues. The second qualitative research will focus exploring implication of policies aimed facilitating adherence to ethical norm in use of technology (Buligina, 2010). Moreover, this will involve a focus on substantial challenges in order to determine ways to address research policies on ethical governance. In fact, there are fundamental situations, which will be met by proposals of the qualitative research (Buligina, 2010). Futhermore, this will provide a basis of approaching the hypothesis testing based on theoretical conclusions and translation of into the practice. On the other hand, this qualitative research will focus on ethics and govenamce based on the background in relation to theoretical framework of current thesis. It will also provide a basis for interlinking issues of governance and technology projects. Therefore, this will explore the reflexive governance in relation to deliberartion on ethics in technological development. Quantitative Research Methods A quantitative research will be conducted through analysis of a questionnaire survey from existing firms. In this case, this qualitative research methods will be relevant in the process of testing implementation of policies relating to ethical issues (Atkinson & Mckay, 2007). In fact, this quantitative research is necessary for exploring perception of people in firms regarding the governance of ethical framing for the framework of existing program project. Moreover, the methodological approach in this quantitative research will be based on the premise of the theory established in the theoretical framework. Therefore, information will be interpreted in order to form a conclusion of the research (Kramer, Jenkins & Katz, 2007). Futhermore, this information is crusial for explaining the greater details relating to reasons of need for approaches that can improve the implementation of ethical norms in a firm. The other qualitative research will involve a textual analysis of legal and political documents, reports and other documents, which will generate a normative analysis. In fact, this analysis will be conducted through quantitative research methods, thereby conveiving respective policies involved in implementation of ethical norms related to technological developmemt (Buligina, 2010). Moreover, it will involve empirical data gathering from intereviews in order to generate normative and descriptive analysis. Moreover, this approach become a necessity for relating the policy and actual implementation process based on these perception. Therefore, this research method will facilate achievement of research objective and testing of hypothesis. Discussion During the research, there will be crucial findings relating to policy implementation levels aimed at addressing ethical issues in use of technology. In fact, from analysis of information gathered through qualitative and quantitative research methods, it is evident that numerous businesses do not adhere to requirement of ethical norms in relation to use of technology. Moreover, the research will focuses on a project that oversee the process of implementing norms of adhering to requirements, which are in form of a checklist and related practices. In this case, the research will involve a qualitative analysis performed through a project focusing on implementation of governance approaches, which depict a sence of ethical reflecivity. In fact, the findings from qualitative analysis will indicate that organizations are not able to attain ethical reflexivity. Thereofore, this will be a clear indication of the faliure of businesss entities in meeting ethical reflexivity in relation technology development. Empilical data will be gathered and analyzed through quantitative research, by use of interviews conducted on participats in various organizations in order to obtain results for normative and descriptive analysis. In fact, information gathered through quantitative research method, is directly involved with relating policies, which facilaite implementation process based on the perceptions of the officials involved in the research, unlike information gathered through qualitative research methods. Futhermore, analysis through descriptive measures will offer vital information that can contribute significantly to testing the hypothesis. Therefore, information obtained through analysis of data obtained through quantitative research methods is reliable for making reasonable discussion, recommendation and conclusion in this research. Conclusion This research proposal focuses on ethical issues concering information technology in the business field. In this case, the proposal has a section of literature review, where different academic sources are reviewed in order to gather substantial ideas to contribute to the research and provide a basis of developing the hypothesis. The other section of the research involves a theoretical framework which relates the hypothesis to a theory from a reliable source. The paper focuses on exploring ways through which qualitative and quantitative research methods are applied in conduting this research, thereby determining findings in relations to the hypothesis. In the other section, the paper has a discussion that seeks to compare and contrast the findings in qualitative and quantitative research. Therofore, through this research design objective set by the thesis statement will be achieved, the hypothesis will be tested; hence, answering the research question. Annotated Bibliography Atkinson, R. & Mckay, A. (2007). Digital Prosperity: Understanding the Economic Benefits of the Information Technology Revolution. The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. Retrieved from: http://www.itif.org/files/digital_prosperity.pdf This article explores the new global economy information communication technology, which is considered a substantial driver of factors that improve people’s quality of life and economic growth. Moreover, it offers a significant illustration of the information technology’s potential to facilitate growth in the future. In this case, this article facilitates understanding of economic benefits offered by information technology revolution. Brennan, L. L., & Johnson, V. E. (2004). Social, ethical and policy implications of information technology. Hershey, PA: Information Science Publ. The author of this book addresses issue of ethics as well as their implications to technology and computers. It is an insightful text about how technology brings about different ethical concerns when it is introduced as well as its implications. Therefore, this is a book that fosters a substantial understanding of issues relating to ethical issues and ways through which users of technological devices can deal with these issues. Buligina, I. (2010). Ethics and Governance Aspects in the TechnologyProjects of the European Union Framework Program:Implications within EU Research Policy. The European Inter-University Association on Science, Society and Technology. Retrived from: http://esst.eu/wpcontent/uploads/Thesis_I.Buligina_04.10_FINAL.pdf This is a scholary journal that explores ethics and governance in regard to the aspect of technological projects in the European Union. Moreover, ideas raised in this source are based on implications of ethical issues to the EU. This source offers both qualitative and quantitative research methods in order to analyze data gathered through surveys conducted by interviewing officials. Morever, this source introduces a theoretical framework through which research hypothesis is tested and results discussed. De, G. R. T. (2003). The ethics of information technology and business. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishers. This author, just as the previous one, discusses how ethical issues arise when dealing with technology. In addition, this text also deals with the business implication of technology. This text specifically talks about ethical concerns in information systems that are used in most networked organizations. Therefore, this book focuses exploring ethical issues that are faced by an organization that relies on technology to undertake their operations, thereby recommending ways through which these issues can eliminated. Egbu, C. & Botterill, K. (2002). Information Technologies For Knowledge Management: Their Usage and Effectiveness. ITcon, 7(1): 126-137 Retrieved from: http://www.itcon.org/2002/8/paper.pdf This scholary journal presents a research that was aimed at identifying technology which is applied in management of knowledge in construction industry. In this case, it focuses on the technologies, which are discuses in terms of the strenthes and weakneses. Moreover, the source identifies the challenges and complexities relating to managing knowledge and environemental based various construction projects. Kizza, J. M. (2010). Ethical and social issues in the information age. London: Springer. Kizza not only looks into ethical issues but also addresses social concerns. These two aspects normally go hand in hand in any platform. It also has an edge in the emerging technologies. Moreover, this book offers ways through which various users of technological devices can unsure that they are not overlooking ethical issues, which can lead to negative implications such as crime and cyber attacks. Kramer, W., Jenkins, B. & Katz, B. (2007). The Role of the Information and Communications Technology Sector in Expanding Economic Opportunity. Economic opportunity series. Retrieved from: http://www.hks.harvard.edu/m-rcbg/CSRI/publications/report_22_EO%20ICT%20Final.pdf This report offers a overview of past and present in regard to changes caused by technological advancement. In this case, this focuses on revolution of global economic growth facilitated by technological advancement. On the other hand, this report focuses on identifying participation in this revolution across different countries. Opportunites offered to business by technological advancement are identified. McHughen, A. (2004). Technological Advances Increase the Risk of Genetic Identity Theft. Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News. 29(14) Retrieved from: http://www.genengnews.com/gen-articles/technological-advances-increase-the-risk-of-genetic-identity-theft/2979/ This article explores negative implication of technological advancement, whereby there are issues such as increased risk caused by increased cases of genetic identity theft. In this case, ways though which people with bad intentions use technology to steal other peoples identity in order to engage in fraudruent or criminal activities are described. Therefore, this fosters understanding of risks involved due to technological advancement. Mendina, T., & Britz, J. J. (2004). Information ethics in the electronic age: Current issues in Africa and the world. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland These authors have concentrated on how ethical issues arise during this electronic age, especially for the application of technology. A narrower scope of Africa has been given by the two authors. This is an excellent text for comparison studies on the diversity of ethical concern in technology. In fact, this comparison is vital in making a substantial contribution to understanding of the ethical issues arising with technological development. Schultz, R. A. (2006). Contemporary issues in ethics and information technology. Hershey, PA: IRM Press. This author addresses contemporary issues that arise when technology is applied to various processes. The effect of new and emerging technology has also been addressed by the author. The relevance of this text in the research cannot be overlooked. Therefore, this book seeks to depict issues faced by modern institutions, which relies on technology for their functionality. Moreover, the book identifies emerging issues in regard to contemporary ethical issues and information technology. Reynolds, G. W. (2010). Ethics in information technology. Boston, MA: Course Technology, Cengage Learning. Reynolds is specific about ethics and how they arise in information technology. This is also a helpful text for this research and shall be utilized for deeper insights in emerging information technology. Therefore, this books offers substantial ideas in relation to information technology ethics and ways through which an organization or business entity can overcome these issues in order to avoid negative implications such as increased vulnerability to cyber crime. Soraj, H., & Ess, C. (2007). Information technology ethics: Cultural perspectives. Hershey, Pa: Idea Group Pub. This text discusses the cultural perspective of new and emerging technology. The interrelationship of culture and ethics is important in understanding how to addresses ethical concerns in technology and computers. In this case, the book focuses on exploring the relationship between the cultural perspectives and information technology ethics. Therefore, this offers a basis of dealing with ethical issues in the field of information technology based on cultural perspective. Salehnia, A. (2002). Ethical issues of information systems. Hershey, PA: IRM Press. This author, just as the previous one, discusses how ethical issues arise when dealing with technology. This text specifically talks about ethical concerns in information systems that are used in most networked organizations. Futheremore, this book focuses on offering the reader a substantial illustration regading ways through which ethical issues of information systems affect various organizations. Safranek, R. (2012). The Emerging Role of Social Media in Political and Regime Change. ProQuest Discovery Guides. Retrieved from:http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/social_media/review.pdf This article explores issues related to the uprising that occurred in 2011, whereby countires such as Tunisia, Egypt and Syria used technology to facilaite their political revolution. Mobilizatiosn among citizens occureed through social media such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Therefore, this article offers an illustration of the ways through which information and communication technology, has taken a substantial role in political activism. Moreover, it explains the role played by social media in different countires things that occurred. References Atkinson, R. & McKay, A. (2007). Digital Prosperity: Understanding the Economic Benefits of the Information Technology Revolution. The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. Retrieved from: http://www.itif.org/files/digital_prosperity.pdf Anderson, J. G. & Goodman, K. W. (2002). Ethics and information technology: A case-based Approach to a health care system in transition. New York, NY: Springer Azari, R. (2003). Current security management & ethical issues of information technology. Harrisburg, PA: Idea Group Inc. Buligina, I. (2010). Ethics and Governance Aspects in the Technology Projects of the European Union Framework Program: Implications within EU Research Policy. The European Inter-University Association on Science, Society and Technology. Retrieved from: http://esst.eu/wpcontent/uploads/Thesis_I.Buligina_04.10_FINAL.pdf Brennan, L. L. & Johnson, V. E. (2004). Social, ethical and policy implications of information Technology. Hershey, Pa: Information Science Publishers. De, G. R. T. (2003). The ethics of information technology and business. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishers. Egbu, C. & Botterill, K. (2002). Information Technologies for Knowledge Management: Their Usage and Effectiveness. ITcon, 7(1): 126-137 Retrieved from: http://www.itcon.org/2002/8/paper.pdf Kizza, J. M. (2010). Ethical and social issues in the information age. London: Springer. Kramer, W., Jenkins, B. & Katz, B. (2007). The Role of the Information and Communications Technology Sector in Expanding Economic Opportunity. Economic opportunity series. Retrieved from: http://www.hks.harvard.edu/m-rcbg/CSRI/publications/report_22_EO%20ICT%20Final.pdf Mendina, T., & Britz, J. J. (2004). Information ethics in the electronic age: Current issues in Africa and the world. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland McHughen, A. (2004). Technological Advances Increase the Risk of Genetic Identity Theft. Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News. 29(14) Retrieved from: http://www.genengnews.com/gen-articles/technological-advances-increase-the-risk-of-genetic-identity-theft/2979/ Reynolds, G. W. (2010). Ethics in information technology. Boston, MA: Course Technology, Cengage Learning. Salehnia, A. (2002). Ethical issues of information systems. Hershey, PA: IRM Press. Schultz, R. A. (2006). Contemporary issues in ethics and information technology. Hershey, PA: IRM Press. Soraj, H., & Ess, C. (2007). Information technology ethics: Cultural perspectives. Hershey, Pa: Idea Group Pub. Safranek, R. (2012). The Emerging Role of Social Media in Political and Regime Change. ProQuest Discovery Guides. Retrieved from: http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/social_media/review.pdf Read More