3. ETHICAL ISSUES
Codes of Conduct
Use of email and internet
Whistle blowing
Information ownership
4. CODES OF CONDUCT
All organisations have a code of conduct relating to the use of IT.
They are guidelines to what is acceptable behaviour within the
organisation.
In college we have an Acceptable Use Policy.
These policies are all very similar in nature with some being
stricter than others.
5. EMAIL AND INTERNET
Email and internet should be used for business purposes only.
Staff should not send personal email during working hours.
Staff should not surf the internet for non business purposes.
Some organisations allow limited personal use during breaks.
6. WHISTLE BLOWING
If a person reports a colleague for inappropriate use of the
internet or email it is called whistle blowing.
If they fail to inform the employer you are seen to be an
accomplice.
Staff who report a colleague are protected by the company Code
of Practice
Technical staff who detect inappropriate use are also protected.
7. INFORMATION OWNERSHIP
Some organisations have an Information Ownership Policy which
gives specific responsibility to departments for looking after the
data they hold.
Generally those responsible for the information must ensure that
it is up-to-date and correct, reference any copyright materials
and provide contact information if required.
In some cases staff will be asked so sign a Non Disclosure
Agreement so they are not allowed to pass on information about
the organisation, its practices and any individuals employed
there.
8. YOUR TASK
Investigate Codes of Conduct such as The Open University –
Write a report detailing what is held in a code of conduct and
why there is a need for such a code.
EXTENSION: Compare the various legal and ethical issues and
how they affect an organisation. Which are more important and
why? How do they protect the individuals and the organisation
