Chapter 5 Take a Stand: Conflicts over Privacy in the Workplace (pg 120)

Look over Figure 5-1 on page 116 to help understand the ethical decision-making process as these factors, as shown on the figure 5-1, influence how we interpret ethical situations that produce ethical or unethical behavior. Although the figure will not describe how to make ethical decisions, it will help us understand the factors and processes related to ethical decision making.

Figure 5-1:

Read "Take a Stand" located on page 120. In a Word Doc, take a stand with Option #1 or with Option #2.

Take a Stand:

Explain your position by incorporating the following concepts and key terms as they relate to the topic (bold the following key terms in your paper): ethical awareness, ethical culture, immediate job context, and opportunity.

This assignment is worth 30 points and should be at least one full page in length (double spaced, max) and no more than two pages. In order to earn full points, use concepts and terminology within the lectures as well as our text to help demonstrate well-thought out ideas. Please use complete sentences as well as proper grammar and punctuation.

Framework for Understanding Ethical Decision making process in Business Ethical Issue Intensity Individual Factors Ethical or Business Ethics Evaluation and Intentions Unethical Behavior Organizational Factors Opportunity DEBATE ISSUE TAKE A STAND Conflicts over Privacy in the Workplace There is tension between companies and their employees over privacy in the workplace. Some companies track employees via company-issued GPS-enabled smartphones and monitor employees' behavior through social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Currently, there are no laws preventing companies from monitoring and tracking employees. Companies believe not monitoring these platforms leaves them vulnerable to misconduct. For instance, the Internet increased the number of distractions in the workplace, and some employees may spend up to 30 percent of their time at work using social media sites for non-work purposes. On the other hand, employees argue they have a right to their privacy. They see tracking as a clear sign that their employers do not trust them. Another major argument is that employers with access to employee social media sites or smartphones might be able to monitor employee activity outside the workplace. Where is the line drawn on ensuring employees are working appropriately versus their rights to privacy? 1. Companies should have the right to track employees through company smartphones and monitor their personal Facebook and Twitter accounts. 2. Employees should be able to maintain their personal privacy and not be tracked through their company smartphones or their Facebook and Twitter accounts