Social Impact of Information Technology and Social Responsibility of IT Professionals - Essay Example

Name : xxxxxxxxxxx Institution : xxxxxxxxxxx Course : xxxxxxxxxxx Title : IT Professional and Society Tutor : xxxxxxxxxxx @2010 Table of Contents Title : IT Professional and Society 1 Table of Contents 2 Introduction 3 The social impact of information technology that I have discovered and the social responsibility of IT professionals 4 Continuity of cultural activities 4 Institutions 5 IT profession’s Codes of Ethics and Codes of Conduct that I expect to learn, and my personal ethical framework. 7 Workplaces using computers 7 Crimes 7 Intellectually property 8 Globalization 8 Disclosure 10 My expected role as the IT professional and the legal and moral responsibility I have for my profession and society. 10 Conclusion 11 Bibliography 13 Gorlin, R. A., 1999, Codes of professional responsibility: ethics standards in business, health. Prentice Hall, Washington DC. 13 Dhillon, G., 2002, Social Responsibility in the Information Age: Issues and Controversies. Macmillan Publishers, New Jersey. 13 Kizza, J. M., 2002, Ethical and social issues in the information age. Chattanooga, McGraw Hill New York. 13 Introduction Information technology Profession and Society from my discovery, involves computer technology and software use in the management of information and how the professionals in this field effectively apply their knowledge to meet the demands of the societies they work for . I have learnt that the expansion and advancement of information technology profession has resulted into a broad dissemination of applications, hence increasing their financial and social impact. Electronic commerce from my investigation, has globally improved consumer market and enhanced the level of businesses across the globe facilitated by the internet. Due to the rapid advancement in the Information technology in industries, I have been trained on the importance and the need to practice the ethics in being socially responsible IT professionals. The social impact of information technology that I have discovered and the social responsibility of IT professionals It is very clear, according to my own opinion, that several technological developments which have taken place in information technology sector have had a big influence in categorizing people as I have identified groups with similar traditions, shared activities and institutions.The grouping majorly takes place in industrialized globe commonly used by information technology according to my review of the research conducted by (Schneiderman, 2000). Continuity of cultural activities I think the the social attitudes of societies have been transformed causing the urgent need for being informed about the elements to the people from these groups.The need to access adequate information on a particular product, organization or services being delivered is essential for decision making. I have a feeling that Information technology has played a greater role in facilitating the process. Information technology’s influence on religious activities,has gtreatly facilitated the accessibility of information concerning these regions.This has inluenced the continuity of customs and the social developments in the society. As a result, I have analyzed that there is increased level of interraction between different traditions (Gupta, 2007). Institutions I noticed that several organizations have been formed as a result of information technology transformations leading to the improvement of business processes of the organizations.With information technology,today I understand the governments are able to defend themselves against the attacks with the complex weapons designed with advanced level of Information Technology.I have also identified the services of e-governance influenced by information technology;new reforms and online data interface for effective management of custom transanctions have been developed according to my review of (Gorlin, 1999) research on e-commerce. Commercial businesses from my observation, have been computerized with the influence of information technology through commercial advantage.The improved information technology of softwares like spreadsheets,word processors, computer-aided applications and the technologies of databases have cotributed largely to the commercial advantages to the institutions. Organizations that deal in news and delivery of media services greatly use information technology in distributing the information, storing and maanipulating.There is rich distribution of the information that is facilitated with the resouces of information technology such as the internet (Dhillon, 2002). I have realized that Information technology innovations have contributed largely to the formation of employment opportunities for highly- skilled experts, I have also confirmed that that several professionals are from the field of IT such as;software engineers,programmers,website developers,network administrators and database programmers. I have found that IT professionals however, have replaced other workers who are unskilled in some industries, which has greatly led to the re-skilling workforce.Today,I use the technology and it has made communication easier with several profound effects. In the areas of business, I find most activities are done through emails as well as the video conferencing. Availability of the advanced technology of mobile phone and the network, has I have observed that several people send emails 24/7 enabled by the worldwide connectivity of the network. However, to a large extent the the analysis I made on the use of cold impersonal emails has reduced socialization especially in offices, loosening the bonds at workplaces. From my online research,I have examined that the formation of computer professionals for social responsibility(CPSR) empowers the policymakers with confidence and assessment of impacts of information tecnology to the public.This raises the public awareness to the dangerous decisions involving information technology applications and their effects to the society.I have learnt that the issues of privacy and policy making is worldwide concern of Online frontier foundation(EFF) I understand that it ensures that the new tools developed fit the non-technical users and faster accessibilty of computer-aided telecommunications. It is therefore clear that there has been increase level of the creation of public attention on civil liberty and I think this has been aided by the outcomes of the frequent advancement of computer-aided media of communications (Kizza, 2002). IT profession’s Codes of Ethics and Codes of Conduct that I expect to learn, and my personal ethical framework. I have been trained on variety of codes of ethics and conduct of information technology profession that I need to apply in my duties as am very much concerned in the follwing areas expertriate: Workplaces using computers As far as Iam concerned, the computer-generated unemployment is a critical social concern, though computer industry has created several jobs. There are various health and safety issues that I have discovered are put in place as a result of information technology introduction at places of work. My suggestion is that the impacts should be cosidered on the job comfortability and on health of the workers. I also acknowledge the reduced level of stresses due to the use of high speed computerized devices which I find them being used in several organizations. Crimes This being the generation of computer technonoly, I agree on the increase of the number of crackers and hackers working as virues to computers systems and they also corrupt information. From this lesson, I agree on the security measures especially for computers as being an ethical concern.I notice how Logical security raises a more concern than the physical security of fire and theft cases,this is because with the advanced IT professionals such as programmers and software engineers who design harmful programs that can negatively affect IT resources in societies.As per my opinion,the security issues such as controlled access to resources, privacy and confidentiality and information integrity should be put into consideration. Intellectually property I have learnt that due to upcoming and increasing IT professionall,the software ownership in the information technology applications raises critical concern on the rights of intellectual property.This eliminates several upcoming software companies, competing and reducing the availability of programs that I realize are critically needed by the society. The information technology professional responsibity from my own understanding of the subject and as per the needs of the societies ,involves the attention of the IT professionals to be expectants of the conflicts as a result of interest and I wanted to find out the importance of avoiding them. I have confirmed that this is because they deal in different professional relationships that are of interests which are diversified. Globalization I found world wide network (internet) to be widely used to connects several people in the whole earth. Therefore I support the need to have accepted codes of conduct and measures to protect human values arises not for a particular geographical location and culture, but to the whole world. The codes of conduct that I have researched, concerns the following aspect that are critical to all societies: Privacy protection The confidentiality of the entire delegated information must highly be secured. I have learnt that as an Information technology professional, I need to have specific regard concerning the prospective effects caused by computer-aided systems onto rights of privacy. Computer professionals have the advantage of accessing computer files. I have been, therefore, advised to trust credible people, those that can be fully trusted with the information to handle the machines. I have also been cautioned that other people can end up using the data for their own malicious gains. Accountability As an Information dispensation professional, am called upon to be responsible for taking suitable action regarding unlawful or unethical customs that call for attention. Individual accountability of technical experts, I understand are very important given the available positions of exceptional reliance inherent through the advisory roles. Conflicting interests Since Iam being trained as IT professional, I look forward to being an employer of IT professionals and I have been informed of the potential conflicts of interests. There will be no denigrated honesty and proficiency about my fellow experts or competitors. As IT professionals am expected to be responsible for the community to reduce conflicts, through an ongoing educational process, misconceptions affecting information processing business. I learn to be cognizant and carry myself out according to all rules and regulations aimed at improving public safety and protection of information crucial to the defence of the state and the public. Disclosure As far as the idea of confidential relationships for individuals is concerned, as an employer and my client are expected not to avoid transmitting information that acquires during the custom of another's profession in conditions which may concern a third party. My expected role as the IT professional and the legal and moral responsibility I have for my profession and society. As an Information Technology professional, I have noticed to be involved in the following areas of concern; Ability to meet expectations: As a proficient IT professional, I should be in a position to know the prospects of my colleagues, the clients being served, industry and the entire public. The ability to meet them makes me professional and thus achieving my recognition. Currently the IT professional roles are very vital and most organizations largely depend on it as a resource. The ability for me as the IT professional to be competent, qualifies me to be on high demand for ensuring computer efficiency as discovered by (Schneiderman, 2000). The diversified environment of IT produces professionals who deal in variety of fields like database administration, software engineering, Networking, programming and web creation. This makes us to program computers and maintaining them. There is need for me to posses the skills for handling specific duties of IT fields. Certification acquaints me professionally with the needed skills as well as knowledge of professionalism. Practical work experience empowers me with vital skills for information technology achievement. A popular certification contributes to my competency, renowned IT professional. Ethics: my attitude in regard to business ethical issues must be respected in terms of the attitude towards my work, colleaques, public and the clients. Retaining these attitudes is a time very hard given the everyday pressures; however, as an IT professional I ought to decide if I need to stay in field for long run serving or for short profit. Long lasting learning: as IT professional, I should be able to stay current on the associated issues; this involves continuous self-development as a professional. The information technology as a field develops faster globally, this calls for my need to be updated and avoid stagnating the possessed skills. Being a professional in information technology, I shall only be significant in the society by being current. The value and principles makes me not only being certified with good pay, but also enabling me to be a skilled expert. This requires me to apply my skills and the acquired knowledge to be responsible and have humane manner. It involves making use of my privileged status to positively change the society (McDermid, 2001). Conclusion In my own opinion, having advanced skills and knowledge in IT does not only make one professional, but also develops one ethically. As a true IT professional, I must have good attitude towards my work and attend accordingly to my clients, colleagues and the entire public. The span and responsibilities of secured information professional are diverse. My code of ethics and conduct are very critical for the success of any organization and the entire security stance in the IT community. It is important to note that these responsibilities are significant prospects to me as a certified professional to endorse a yardstick of ethics as a guide to my application and adhering to the discipline of information security. Bibliography Gupta, V., 2007, Impact of Information Technology on Societal Development and E-Governance, Aligarh Muslim, Chandigarh. McDermid, J. A., 2001, Software safety. Australian Computer Society, Darlinghurst, Austria. Schneiderman, B., 2000, Human Values and the Future of Technology: A Declaration of Responsibility, SIGCHI Bulletin, New York. Gorlin, R. A., 1999, Codes of professional responsibility: ethics standards in business, health. Prentice Hall, Washington DC. Dhillon, G., 2002, Social Responsibility in the Information Age: Issues and Controversies. Macmillan Publishers, New Jersey. Kizza, J. M., 2002, Ethical and social issues in the information age. Chattanooga, McGraw Hill New York. Read More