Ethics in Information Technology Chapter 1 Quiz

Study Notes

Objectives of the Chapter

Consider the importance of ethics and its impact on business
Understand why business ethics is becoming increasingly important
Identify what organizations are doing to improve their business ethics
Learn how to approach ethical decision making
Recognize the trends that have increased the risk of using information technology in an unethical manner

What is Ethics?

Moral code: a set of rules prescribing righteous behavior
Ethics: a set of beliefs about right and wrong behavior
Moral code and ethics establish boundaries of generally accepted behavior
Morality may vary based on age, cultural group, ethnic background, religion, life experiences, education, and gender

The Importance of Integrity

Integrity is a cornerstone of ethical behavior
People with integrity act in accordance with a personal code of principles, extend respect and consideration to all, and apply the same moral standards in all situations

Morals, Ethics, and Laws

Morals: personal beliefs about right and wrong
Ethics: standards or codes of behavior expected of an individual by a group
Laws: system of rules that tell us what we can and cannot do

Ethics in the Business Domain

Risks associated with inappropriate behavior have increased due to globalization, complex work environments, and the need to maintain profits
Organizations are challenged to maintain profits, and employees, shareholders, and regulatory agencies have developed expectations of ethical behavior

Why Fostering Good Business Ethics is Important

To gain the good will of the community
To create an organization that operates consistently
To produce good business practices
To protect the organization and employees from legal action
To avoid unfavorable publicity

Gaining the Good Will of the Community

Fundamental responsibilities to society include making contributions to charitable organizations and providing benefits to employees
Socially responsible activities create good will and make it easier for corporations to conduct business

Creating an Organization that Operates Consistently

Many companies share values such as operating with honesty and integrity, respecting colleagues and customers, and valuing diversity

Fostering Good Business Practices

Good ethics lead to good business and improved profits
Companies that produce safe and effective products, provide excellent service, and develop strong employee relations enjoy better business results

Avoiding Unfavorable Publicity

Public reputation of a company strongly influences its stock value, consumer regard, and government oversight

Improving Corporate Ethics

Characteristics of a successful ethics program include employees willing to seek advice, feeling prepared to handle situations, and being rewarded for ethical behavior
A corporate ethics officer provides vision and leadership, ensures ethical procedures, and creates an ethics culture

Establishing a Corporate Code of Ethics

Code of ethics highlights an organization's key ethical issues, identifies overarching values and principles, and focuses employees on areas of ethical risk
A code of ethics must be developed with employee participation, fully endorsed by leadership, and continually applied to company decisions

Including Ethical Criteria in Employee Appraisal

Some companies base a portion of employee performance evaluations on treating others fairly, operating effectively in a multicultural environment, and accepting personal accountability

Creating an Ethical Work Environment

Employees may make bad ethical choices due to pressure to get the job done, and need a knowledgeable resource to observe unethical practices
Managers can affect employees' ethical behavior by setting a good example, providing resources, and creating an environment that supports ethical decision-making

Including Ethical Considerations in Decision Making

Steps in a decision-making process include developing a problem statement, identifying stakeholders, and evaluating alternatives
Four common approaches to ethical decision making are virtue ethics, utilitarian, fairness, and common good approaches

Description

Test your knowledge on the objectives covered in Chapter 1 'An Overview of Ethics' from the book 'Ethics in Information Technology' (Third Edition). Questions are based on the chapter content, including figures and topics related to ethics in IT.

Ethics in Information Technology Chapter 1 Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Ethics in Information Technology presentations do not cover the chapter objectives.

All chapter objectives are listed at the end of each presentation.

Ethics in Information Technology presentations cannot be customized to fit class needs.

The set of images from the book can only be found online.

Improving business ethics is not a focus for organizations.

Ethical decision making does not involve taking a specific approach.

Vices are habits of unacceptable behavior.

Integrity is not considered a cornerstone of ethical behavior.

Ethics, morals, and laws are distinct concepts.

Globalization decreases the risks associated with inappropriate behavior in businesses.

Having good business ethics can lead to improved profits.

Unfavorable publicity has no impact on organizations.

A successful ethics program does not involve employees seeking advice about ethical issues.

A corporate ethics officer is responsible for providing vision and leadership in business conduct.

A code of ethics highlights an organization's key unethical issues.

Employees are not required to take ethics training in some companies.