Grading criteria: Total 20pts

Clear, and well-organized document ..............................................2

Scope is appropriate (not too broad not too narrow.......................3

Responsive to stated objectives ....................................................3

Incorporates logical supportive ideas ..............................................3

Accurate facts, representations, interpretations ..............................3

Reaches a clear conclusion ........................................................3

Presents team's synthesis (vs. mere repetition of other's ideas)......3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Entrepreneurs - Week 11 Mini-report

There are two important things to keep in mind when facing an ethical dilemma, be
diplomatic and come to the table with solutions, not just problems. Ethical issues can be sensitive
matters and should be addressed diplomatically; its not easy to go against the boss, client, or
colleagues. Managers and administrators face problems daily, when approaching them with an
ethical problem, also bring solutions.

Scenario 3 - Struggling School. As you begin to work you discover that the school does not
have proper licenses for most of the software being used in the student computer lab. What do
you do?

In this scenario the technology specialist has to deal with copyright infringement; AECT
has standards and a code of ethics that deals specifically with copyright infringement. In Section
3 AECT states that the member, shall inform users of the stipulations and interpretations of the
copyright law and other laws affecting the profession and encourage compliance (Code of
professional ethics, 2007).

There is the option of overlooking the lack of proper licenses, but that would be

unethical. Copyright infringement shouldnt be brushed aside as inconsequential, it could

become a very expensive legal problem. An appropriate reaction would be to contact the
principal/administration and let them know that the software in the computer lab is unlicensed,
its possible that s/he may not even know. However, prior to this step several items should be
reviewed: what unlicensed software is actually being used; what unlicensed software could be
replaced with freeware or another economical substitute; and for the software that is being used,
how much proper licensing would cost, including any educational discounts. As the new
instructional technologist coming up with cost saving measures on other projects may enable the
school to acquire software licenses.

AECT encourages compliance of copyright law and stresses the importance of informing
users of the implications of those laws. Approaching the administration about the computer lab is
the best way to address this ethical dilemma. Understanding that there are limited funds available
and the constant problems public schools face its vital the technologist brings not just problems,
but more importantly, solutions.

Scenario 6 - Confidence Collision. You tell the interviewees that the information they
share with you will be held in confidence. Executive Vice President J. Trustme calls you into his
office and asks you to name the mid-level managers and to identify which Vice Presidents hold
meetings that are a waste of time. How will you respond?

This situation relates directly to both the Association for Educational Communications
and Technology (AECT) and the International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI)
Ethics Codes regarding the protection of privacy. AECT mentions privacy in the first section of
their code; protect the privacy and maintain the personal integrity of the individual (Code of
professional ethics, 2007). The interviewees spoke under the condition of confidentiality; they
may not have been so candid otherwise. ISPIs sixth principle is to uphold confidentiality
(Code of ethics, 2013).

Although it would be an option to answer Mr. Trustme with a complete list of names this

would not be ethical. However, its important to note that this specific question was asked of the
managers in the front end analysis, which suggests that this finding was not unexpected.
Diplomacy is the solution to this ethics concern. Begin the explanation with positive meeting
attributes, emphasizing the employees opinions on what made those meetings effective. Explain
that organizations have had to address ineffective meeting practices and ask Mr. Trustme how he
would characterize an effective meeting. After listening to his explanation suggest a training
session for senior leadership on effective meeting strategies. If at the end of the discussion Mr.
Trustme still inquires about specific names it would be appropriate to say, In order to elicit the
most beneficial, honest information, the interviews were conducted under the condition of
confidentiality.

Treating Mr. Trustmes request with diplomacy will enable the consultant to address the
ethical no-no quickly and without jeopardizing his/her integrity. By offering suggestions and
alternatives Mr. Trustme will not be as focused on information that is not relevant to the analysis
the consultant is performing.

Solutions to both scenarios provided a diplomatic approach. Each individual in the ethical
dilemmas provided solutions, not just problems to their boss/client. Addressing ethical issues
diplomatically can be difficult, its not easy to tell the boss/client no you cant have the
information youve requested. Using diplomacy and providing solutions will make facing ethical
issues easier.

Code of professional ethics. (2007). Association of Educational Communications and

Technology (AECT). Retrieved November 17, 2013, from
http://www.aect.org/About/Ethics.asp

Code of ethics. (2013). International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI). Retrieved
November 17, 2013, from http://www.ispi.org/content.aspx?id=1658

Coordinator - Meg Medonis

Explorer - Andrew Carlos
Recorder - Callie Chastain
Elaborator - Deanna Brown

ISPI sort of addresses this in their PRinciples: Under Validated PRactice: Commit to the
implementation of socially responsible practices, as well as those that make a positive fiscal
impact on the organization. It also should have been addressed in the INtegrity section, but there
isnt specifically about copyright issues.

When dealing with issues like this its always good to come to the table with solutions!

Dee: Totally agrees with Andrew, although copyright infringement is not my strong suit hahah.
My school has a lot of these issues because were on the poor side. Some ways we have gone
about solving it with our tech guru artwo e:
- collaborate with teachers to discuss available (for lack of better wording) legal resources and
how to adapt them
- collaborate with staff to create a grant committee to raise funding for copyrighted software
- research adaptive technologies and select one or that would best meet the target populations

needs and raise funds for it (pta, fundraisers, grants, Title 1, plea to the district lol)
- be honest with the principal about the copyright issues, but come prepared to discuss viable
options for short term and long term change
- listen openly and objectively to concerns from all members of staff
Meg: Lawyers charge a retainer before they will go to work for you. This could be anywhere
from $5 - 7,000, and thats what you pay before the lawsuit starts. Copyright infringement is an
expensive choice for supplying the computer lab with software. The problem would be
picayune up and until they have to pay litigation costs.
The solution to that is what you all suggested already - open source, grants, or PTA funds.
Example -- Greenfield, where I used to work, used a very expensive grading program that was
also a pain to use. At San Ardo, which was very small (town population: 534) we used Engrade,
which is a free grading program available online. When I told my Greenfield teacher friends
this, they were appalled, because they had heard their program cost upward of $50,000 -$60,000.
Khan Academy is free, and offers reports and tracking for teachers for their class. You could
design an entire math curriculum just using Khan Academy. Solutions are out there.

1). What general area of law or ethics is featured in this problem, e.g., copyright infringement?
Integrity and confidentiality
2). Is this issue addressed specifically in any relevant Code of Ethics? Is so, what does the Code
direct you to do? If not, what principle(s) will you use to make a decision?
Dee: ISPI - Uphold Confidentiality Principle do not discuss information without proper
authority
Andrew: AECT - Section 1 COmmitment to the Individual, Shall conduct professional business
so as to protect the privacy and maintain the personal integrity of the individual.

3). What are your options in this case?

Dee: Must maintain confidentiality, diplomatically explain this to the client while
communicating an understanding of their desire to have the names. If the client still asks for
names, then (but then who will pay my bills? T-T) must maintain integrity and cannot complete
the job. Rather than reporting names, give a report of the general comments of what made
meetings effective, ineffective, and what staff wanted to use the time for. If resources allow,
suggest a training for the leaders of the meetings so that expectations are clear with formal and
informal observations of meetings. When the cat is away the mouse does play. nobody likes
being observed, but it really does push people to do their best instead of just enough.
accountability with meetings or incentives. ISPI examples of ethical behavior Even in the face
of client resistance, use and promote the ISPI Standards and Recommend interventions that
you believe will meet client needs and goals, instead of simply agreeing with clients assessment
of what is needed or what they want to hear. Instead of just giving them names and having
those people fired, wouldnt it be better to train them so it doesnt happen again? *** EDIT! Just
talked to my mom. Apparently if the boss continues to bother you for names and you dont want
to give them then quitting is wrong solution. Thats why we have unions haha. The things you
learn.
You could also put him off for a bit by saying you do not have all your information together at
this time, and he will see the full front-end analysis report when it is done. He may forget, and in
the mean time you could reread your contract with the company. (Im a bit confused as to
whether an internal performance improvement consultant works directly for the company, or is
an outside contractor.) You could also in that time double check with HR as to company rules. If
he comes at you again, you could tell him that although the report is done, confidentiality will be
maintained, BUT, look at all these GREAT solutions I have in our future training to improve
meeting protocols..
This goes along the same lines as what Deanna said, in other words, lets focus on the solutions
instead of problems.

this reminds me of restaurant stakeout (reality tv) where there are all of these issues with the
waiters and hostesses, but it always boils down to inefficiency comes down to lack of
accountability and lack of training.
4). Which option do you think reflects a more ethical perspective?
When in doubt, it always makes sense to maintain the confidentiality of those you were
interviewing - it makes sure that those who speak with you will trust that you will honor your
word. If the EVP asks you to name names, you can refer to your associations principles and code
of ethics - he cant harm you, as HR would probably bust him for coercion or something.

Interesting aside..Mr. Trustme called the consultant into his office. He did not email the
consultant, probably because he does not want what he is asking to be in writing.

Submission and deadline:

Recorders should upload your team's mini-report by 11:59pm on Tuesday, Nov 19th.