Ethics in Information Technology, Second Edition

level virtualization
Chapter 1

What is Ethics?

Law:

Ethics:

Definition of Ethics

why do we need ethics

and law in computing?

Moral code
Set of rules
Establishes boundaries of generally accepted behavior
Different rules often have contradictions
Morality
Social conventions about right and wrong
Widely shared
Morality may vary by:
Age -Cultural group
Ethnic background - Religion - Gender

Ethics is a set of beliefs about right and wrong behavior

Ethical behavior conforms to generally accepted social norms
is a legal system comprising of rules and principles that govern the
affairs of a community and controlled by a political authority
in computing means proper guidelines to refer to when using the
computer and computer networks. This includes the Internet.

1- RESPECTING OWNERSHIP
We must respect ownership by not stealing other peoples work either by
duplicating or distributing it.
2- RESPECTING PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY
We should respect other people's privacy and confidentiality by refraining
ourselves from reading their mails or files without their permission.
3- RESPECTING PROPERTY:
Since an individual data and information are considered as property,
therefore, an act of tampering and changing electronic information is
considered as vandalism and disrespect for other peoples property.

Integrity is a cornerstone of ethical behavior

People with integrity
Act in accordance with a personal code of principles
Extend to all people the same respect and consideration
that you desire
Apply the same moral standards in all situations

Why Fostering Good

Business Ethics Is
Important

To
To
To
To
To

Gaining the Goodwill

of the Community

Basic responsibilities to society

Declared in formal statement of companys principles or
beliefs
Include:
Making contributions to charitable organizations and
nonprofit institutions
Providing benefits for employees in excess of legal

The Importance of
Integrity

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gain the goodwill of the community

create an organization that operates consistently
produce good business
protect the organization and its employees from legal action
avoid unfavourable publicity

Good Ethics Can Mean

Good Business

Avoiding Unfavorable
Publicity

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requirements
Choosing economic opportunities that might be more
socially desirable than profitable
Goodwill that socially responsible activities create
can make it easier for corporations to conduct
business

Produce safe and effective products

Provide excellent service
Develop and maintain strong employee relations
Suppliers and other business partners prefer companies that
operate in a fair and ethical manner
Bad ethics can lead to bad business results
Public

reputation of company strongly influences

Value of its stock
How consumers regard products and services
Degree of oversight received from government agencies
Amount of support and cooperation received from business
partners