Describe the social responsibilities that the business has as an organization. Include information on how these social responsibilities are addressed by technology and relate to individuals in the organization. Identify the ethical issues for the organization and individuals along with the effect that current or emerging technology has on these issues. Describe how the human resources function uses or might use technology in supporting the organization and individuals in meeting social and ethical responsibilities. Include policies that exist or might exist for this support. Give specific examples in areas such as the following:
• Ownership of intellectual output, privacy of personal information and internal organizational communications, accuracy and quality of information, access to information, flow and content of information, and obligations of organizations created by the use of information
• Electronic publishing (e.g., company newsletters), television and video (e.g., corporate advertisements to families and friends), audio teleconferencing (e.g., audio, video, computer, desktop for personnel orientation), interactive multimedia (e.g., computer-based training for employee skills upgrade), simulation and virtual reality (e.g., use of virtual reality for high-risk situation simulations for the training of healthcare, law enforcement, military, and emergency services personnel), authoring aids (e.g., policy and procedures templates, online surveys, keyword searches for resume generation), and electronic performance support systems (e.g., employee evaluation input, sales quota productivity)
Global Issues
Identify issues that organizations face when trying to expand globally as a result of opportunities afforded by new technology. Include information on how the internet is used and viewed by consumers in other countries. Explain how a company may have to adjust its operations and procedures when doing business in other countries. Give specific examples in areas such as the following:
• How the internet policies of some countries may affect a company’s ability to expand globally
• Effects of cultural and language differences on a company’s business operations procedures when expanding globally
• Technology issues that may arise as a result of trying to expand a business globally
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Social Responsibilities of Businesses:
1. Ownership of intellectual output: Businesses have a responsibility to respect and protect intellectual property rights. This includes ensuring that copyrights, trademarks, and patents are respected and not infringed upon. Technology can help in enforcing these responsibilities by implementing digital rights management systems, copyright filters, and tracking mechanisms to identify and prevent unauthorized use of intellectual property.
2. Privacy of personal information: Organizations have an ethical obligation to protect the privacy and confidentiality of personal information collected from customers, employees, and other stakeholders. Technology plays a crucial role in data security and privacy, with measures like encryption, secure authentication, firewalls, and access controls helping to safeguard personal data from unauthorized access or misuse.
3. Internal organizational communications: Organizations should promote open and effective communication internally, fostering a healthy and inclusive work environment. Technology enables various communication tools like email, messaging apps, video conferencing, and collaboration platforms, facilitating efficient information sharing and collaboration within the organization.
4. Accuracy and quality of information: Businesses must provide accurate and reliable information to stakeholders, including customers, investors, and employees. Technology can aid in ensuring the accuracy of information through automated data validation, real-time feedback systems, and error-checking algorithms.
5. Access to information: It is important for organizations to provide equal access to information for all stakeholders, avoiding discrimination and promoting transparency. Technology can help in this aspect by providing online portals, searchable databases, and self-service platforms that enable easy access to information for employees, customers, and other stakeholders.
6. Flow and content of information: Businesses need to ensure that information flows freely within the organization and between the organization and external stakeholders, promoting transparency and avoiding the distortion or manipulation of information. Technology facilitates the seamless exchange of information through intranets, extranets, social media platforms, and communication tools.
7. Obligations created by the use of information: Organizations have an ethical responsibility to ensure that the use of information respects legal and ethical guidelines. Technology can assist in monitoring and enforcing these obligations through digital surveillance, content filtering, and compliance management systems.
Human Resources Function and Technology:
The human resources function plays a vital role in supporting the organization and individuals in meeting social and ethical responsibilities. Technology can greatly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of HR processes. Some examples include:
1. Recruitment and onboarding: Technology enables HR departments to streamline recruitment processes through online job postings, applicant tracking systems, and video interviews. Onboarding can be facilitated with online employee portals, e-learning platforms, and virtual orientation programs.
2. Employee training and development: Technology allows HR to provide online training courses, webinars, and virtual classrooms, enabling employees to upgrade their skills and knowledge remotely. Learning management systems and gamification techniques can enhance employee engagement and performance.
3. Performance management: Technology offers performance management software for tracking and evaluating employee performance, providing feedback, and setting goals. It can also automate performance reviews, ensuring objectivity and consistency.
4. Employee communication and engagement: HR can leverage technology for employee surveys, feedback mechanisms, and online collaboration platforms to enhance communication, engagement, and morale within the organization.
Policies for Support:
To support social and ethical responsibilities, organizations may establish policies regarding:
1. Intellectual property: Policies on copyright compliance, confidentiality agreements, and guidelines for using proprietary information.
2. Data privacy and security: Policies on data protection, secure handling of personal information, and adherence to privacy regulations.
3. Code of conduct: Policies outlining ethical standards, guidelines for professional behavior, and consequences for violations.
4. Information sharing and transparency: Policies on information access, internal communication, and reporting mechanisms to ensure transparency.
5. Technology usage: Policies on responsible use of technology, including guidelines for appropriate use of company resources, protection against cyber threats, and social media use.
Global Issues in Expanding Businesses:
1. Internet policies of countries: Some countries enforce strict internet controls and censorship, limiting the ability of companies to expand online. Examples include China's Great Firewall and restrictions on social media in certain countries. Organizations must navigate these policies, adapt their online presence, and comply with local regulations.
2. Cultural and language differences: When expanding globally, organizations must understand and respect cultural norms, values, and language differences. This includes adapting marketing strategies, product localization, and hiring local talent to effectively operate in diverse markets.
3. Technology infrastructure: Expanding internationally may involve dealing with varying levels of technological infrastructure and connectivity in different regions. Organizations may need to invest in building robust network infrastructure or modify their digital platforms to accommodate regional differences in technology.
In summary, businesses have social responsibilities that are addressed by technology, such as protecting intellectual property, ensuring data privacy, promoting open communication, and providing accurate information. The human resources function can utilize technology for recruitment, training, performance management, and employee engagement. Organizations should establish policies that support ethical behavior and address global challenges like internet policies, cultural differences, and technology infrastructure.