Lesson 5 MIS PDF

Lesson 5 MIS Prepared by: Angelina Marie R. Santos, MBA  ETHICAL, SOCIAL, AND GLOBAL ISSUES IN MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS (MIS) Objective: To explore how ethical, social, and global concerns impact the design, management, and use of Management Information Syste...

Lesson 5 MIS Prepared by: Angelina Marie R. Santos, MBA  ETHICAL, SOCIAL, AND GLOBAL ISSUES IN MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS (MIS) Objective: To explore how ethical, social, and global concerns impact the design, management, and use of Management Information Systems (MIS). As businesses increasingly rely on technology to streamline operations and support decision-making, these challenges are becoming more significant. Ethical Challenges in Information Systems In Management Information Systems, companies are tasked with handling vast amounts of data, and this raises significant ethical concerns. The way businesses design, implement, and manage these systems directly impacts the lives of individuals, societies, and even the environment.  Privacy Data Ownership Surveillance Privacy and Data Ownership in MIS In MIS, managing personal data and ensuring privacy is one of the most critical responsibilities of an IT team. Privacy Management: Companies must not only protect sensitive user information but also comply with global regulations like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation). For example, if a company gathers personal data through an online form, they must obtain explicit consent and provide users with control over their information. Ownership of Data: The question of who owns the data is increasingly complicated. For example, if a company collects customer behavior data, they need to clearly define the rules regarding ownership. Is the data owned by the company that collects it, or does it remain the property of the individual customer? This distinction can have serious legal and ethical implications. The Ethical Implications of Surveillance in MIS Surveillance systems are integral to MIS in many companies, particularly when it comes to monitoring employee performance or securing sensitive business data. Employee Monitoring: Many organizations use employee monitoring tools to track productivity, but this often leads to concerns about privacy. For instance, a company might monitor email, internet usage, or physical locations to ensure employees are adhering to company policies. MIS managers need to ensure that any surveillance system respects employees’ rights and is clearly communicated to avoid any ethical dilemmas. Governmental Surveillance: Governments also use surveillance to ensure national security. However, this raises concerns about big data surveillance and individual freedoms. A case in point is the controversial NSA surveillance program, where government agencies collected data on private individuals. While such actions may be justified in the name of national security, they also pose ethical challenges about personal privacy and freedom of expression. Social Impact of Information Technology The influence of MIS on society extends far beyond business operations. Information technology shapes how people interact with the world, which makes understanding its social implications crucial for both companies and society. The Digital Divide The gap between those with access to technology and those without is known as the digital divide. This is especially significant in developing countries, where access to basic technology like the internet and computers can be limited. Companies that rely on e-commerce platforms or mobile apps for business may unintentionally exclude large groups of people due to their lack of access to these technologies. MIS managers must be mindful of these gaps and work to provide solutions that promote greater technology accessibility. Social Media's Impact: Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram have revolutionized communication and marketing. But while these platforms provide benefits like brand awareness and global reach, they also create social challenges. Issues like cyberbullying, mental health concerns, and the spread of misinformation are deeply tied to how we use technology. MIS professionals must consider how their organizations use these platforms and make sure they do so responsibly. The Influence of Social Media in MIS Social media plays an integral role in MIS, both as a tool for marketing and customer engagement and as a source of data. Companies are now able to analyze vast amounts of data from social media to understand consumer behavior, but this raises both ethical and practical questions. Data from Social Media: Social media platforms are treasure troves of consumer data, and businesses use this information to make better decisions. For example, a company may use sentiment analysis tools to measure consumer attitudes toward a new product. However, the ethical question remains: how much of this data is freely available to organizations, and how much should be protected? Impacts on Society: While social media offers businesses an avenue for quick customer feedback and real-time engagement, it also brings challenges. Cyberbullying, addiction, and the spread of fake news are just a few of the negative consequences that have emerged. MIS teams need to manage the risks and make informed decisions about how social media is used. Global Issues in IT Management As businesses expand globally, the role of MIS becomes more complex. Companies must address cultural differences, legal frameworks, and the ethics of global IT management, especially when working with offshore or outsourced teams. Outsourcing and Offshoring: Many organizations outsource or offshore their IT services to countries with lower labor costs. While this helps companies reduce costs, it also leads to job losses in their home country and raises concerns about worker exploitation in low-wage countries. MIS managers must find ways to ensure that outsourcing is done ethically, respecting workers’ rights and ensuring quality standards. Global Supply Chains: The technology used in information systems often relies on materials that are sourced from around the world. For instance, smartphones and laptops contain rare materials that are mined in developing countries, sometimes under exploitative conditions. It is important for organizations to manage their global supply chains responsibly, ensuring that suppliers adhere to ethical and sustainable practices. Thank You