Introduction to Social and Professional Issues

Questions and Answers

What is a primary concern of employers regarding monitoring employee e-mail and Internet access?

To encourage self-direction among employees

The need to manage important company assets (correct)

To increase internet speed at work

The desire for complete employee privacy

What unethical practice involves individuals downloading music and movies without payment?

Creative Commons licensing

Fair use policy

Donation-based access

What method do organizations often use to market their products at a low cost?

Direct mail marketing

Unsolicited e-mail (spam) (correct)

Influencer marketing

Targeted advertising

What crime is committed when hackers steal customer information from databases?

Identity theft Signup and view all the answers

What unethical behavior is exhibited by students who download content from the Web for their papers?

Plagiarizing Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary ethical concern in the scenario involving Tisetso's data mining?

Whether customers consented to the use of their data. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of ethics as defined in the content?

A collection of laws and regulations. Signup and view all the answers

How is 'morality' defined in the content provided?

Social conventions that gain consensus. Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'virtue' as described in the content?

A habit that leads to acceptable behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a vice according to the content?

Greed Signup and view all the answers

What role do ethics play within a society as described in the content?

They establish boundaries for acceptable behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What can be concluded about ethical behavior?

It conforms to established norms within a society. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between ethics and morality?

Ethics is a broader concept that encompasses morality. Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic of a good problem statement?

It must quantify the issue clearly. Signup and view all the answers

When identifying alternatives during decision making, what is advisable?

Offering only factual information about the problem. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect should be evaluated when choosing an alternative?

The extent of risk, effectiveness, cost, and time. Signup and view all the answers

How should stakeholders' input be managed during decision making?

By encouraging open and non-critical dialogue. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects a poor problem statement?

Our finished product inventory is problematic. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration when determining stakeholder involvement?

Some may have special needs or organizational obligations. Signup and view all the answers

What defines a person's personal value system?

Their virtues and vices. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of integrity?

Acting in accordance with a personal code of principles. Signup and view all the answers

What is an undesirable outcome during brainstorming sessions?

Negative criticism of ideas presented. Signup and view all the answers

What factor should NOT be included in evaluating alternatives?

Personal preferences of the decision-makers. Signup and view all the answers

How can one demonstrate integrity in various situations?

By applying the same moral standards consistently. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between morals and ethics?

Morals reflect personal beliefs, while ethics reflect group standards. Signup and view all the answers

What role do laws play in society?

They enforce rules about permissible actions. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects the nature of legal actions?

Legal actions conform to laws, separate from ethics. Signup and view all the answers

What can lead to inconsistency in applying moral standards?

Changing moral standards based on circumstances. Signup and view all the answers

What is expected from an individual based on their professional ethics?

To act according to the ethical standards of their profession. Signup and view all the answers

What underlies the concept of moral acts?

Individual beliefs about right and wrong Signup and view all the answers

Why might laws and morality conflict?

Legal acts can be perceived as immoral by individuals Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is essential for creating an ethical work environment?

Providing a knowledgeable resource for discussing ethical concerns Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a problem statement in ethical decision-making?

To describe the issue and its impact clearly Signup and view all the answers

Which question is NOT typically addressed when developing a problem statement?

What is the impact of the solution? Signup and view all the answers

What should be prioritized when gathering information for a problem statement?

Seeking opinions from a variety of people Signup and view all the answers

How often should the issue mentioned in a problem statement occur?

Regularly to measure its seriousness Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of stakeholders should be identified when developing a problem statement?

Their positions on the issue Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Scenario explores ethical implications of data mining: Tisetso uses customer data for marketing without explicit consent.
Ethics is a code of principles guiding right and wrong behavior, established by societal norms.
Morality consists of widely accepted conventions that form a consensus on social conduct.

Definition of Ethics and Morality

Ethics refers to beliefs regarding acceptable behavior within a society.
Virtues promote acceptable behavior; examples include fairness, generosity, and loyalty.
Vices correspond to unacceptable behaviors such as greed and vanity.
Personal value systems are shaped by individual virtues and vices.

Importance of Integrity

Integrity involves acting consistently with personal moral principles.
Ethical behavior requires equal respect and consideration towards all individuals.
Inconsistencies arise when moral standards are selectively applied based on situations or people.

Distinction Between Morals, Ethics, and Laws

Morals are personal beliefs about what is right/wrong.
Ethics encompass standards or codes expected by groups or professions.
Laws are formal rules enforced by institutions; legal acts may conflict with widely-held moral beliefs.

Creating an Ethical Work Environment

Employees desire to make ethical decisions, but often face challenges leading to poor choices.
Organizations should provide resources for employees to discuss unethical practices.

Ethical Considerations in Decision Making

Developing a problem statement involves accurately identifying and articulating issues needing resolution.
Stakeholder analysis is crucial for identifying impacts and gaining support for decisions.
Good vs Poor Problem Statements:
- Effective: Clearly outlines issues with quantifiable impacts (e.g. stock shortages resulting in lost sales).
- Ineffective: Vague or non-specific, lacking clarity on the actual problem.

Steps in Decision-Making Process

Identify Alternatives: Collaborate with stakeholders to brainstorm solutions without personal bias.
Evaluate and Choose an Alternative: Assess alternatives based on effectiveness, risk, cost, and legal considerations.

Ethics in Information Technology

Employee monitoring of e-mail and internet use raises privacy concerns versus company asset management needs.
Copyright violations occur frequently with unauthorized downloading of media.
Spam e-mails represent low-cost marketing strategies for organizations.
Cybersecurity concerns arise from hackers stealing personal data for identity theft.
Academic dishonesty observed with students plagiarizing online content.
Websites may use cookies/spyware for tracking user behavior, raising ethical questions about privacy.

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Description

This quiz examines the implications of data mining in business, particularly focusing on ethical considerations and privacy concerns. Using a real-world scenario, it prompts discussions on whether companies should utilize customer data for various purposes. Gain insights into the balance between business growth and social responsibility.