Course IT for Business Segment Managing IT functions and Ethical Issues Faculty Prof. Richa Vishwanath Hinde Managing IT functions and Ethical Issues Learning Objectives At the end of this session, you will be able to: ➢ Manage the IT function in organisation effectively ➢ Manage ethical issues in organisations Managing IT functions Challenges of managing the IT function • • • • • • • • • Modern IT environment Centralisation versus decentralisation Standardisation Vendor Management IT procurement Innovation Fit with work culture Career paths of IT staff Security Threats Managing IT functions Modern IT environment Managing IT functions Challenges of managing the IT function • Rapidly changing technology • Budget constraints • Data security and privacy • Aligning IT with business goals • Integration of legacy systems • Talent acquisition and retention • Stakeholder management • Change management • IT governance • Vendor management Managing IT functions Work Culture and Career Path • Emphasis on Continuous Learning and Skill Development • Collaboration and Teamwork • Problem-solving and Analytical Thinking • Adaptability and Flexibility • Career Growth opportunities Managing IT functions IT Security • Protecting sensitive data • Building a strong firewall • Creating strong passwords and implementing access controls • Regularly updating software and security patches • Educating employees about cybersecurity best practices Managing IT functions Vendor Management & Vendor Relationship Management • Selecting the right vendor • Establishing clear expectations and objectives • Regular communication and collaboration • Monitoring vendor performance • Continuously evaluating and improving the vendor relationship Ethical Issues Privacy Issues • The right to privacy is crucial in ensuring ethical practices in IT for business. • Transparency • Consent • Adequate security measures • Compliance with relevant privacy laws and regulations Ethical Issues Workplace Monitoring : Introduction • Workplace monitoring is the practice of tracking employees' activities, communications, and behavior while they are on the job. • Employers should establish clear policies on workplace monitoring • including what is being monitored, • the purpose of monitoring • and how the collected data is used. • Monitoring should be reasonable and necessary, with a balance struck between maintaining productivity and respecting employees' privacy rights. • Employers should communicate openly with employees. Ethical Issues Workplace Monitoring : Types and Roles • Different types of workplace monitoring include : • computer monitoring • phone monitoring • video surveillance • email monitoring • Purpose: • preventing security breaches, • protecting intellectual property, • or ensuring employee compliance with company policies. Ethical Issues Workplace Monitoring : Types and Roles The roles involved in workplace monitoring may include: • IT departments responsible for implementing monitoring systems • HR departments ensuring adherence to privacy policies • management teams evaluating the collected data and taking appropriate action Employees should be made aware : • of the specific types of monitoring • employed in their workplace • maintain transparency and trust Ethical Issues Types of Power In the context of business ethics, power refers to the ability to influence or control the actions and decisions of others. • legitimate power (authority granted by an organization) • reward power (ability to incentivize or provide benefits) • coercive power (ability to apply punishments or sanctions) • expert power (knowledge or expertise that commands respect), • referent power (ability to influence based on personal charisma or admiration) Ethical Issues Power and Awareness • Individuals in positions of power should be aware of potential biases, conflicts of interest, and ethical repercussions their decisions may have on various stakeholders. • Awareness of power dynamics can help prevent the misuse of power, ensure fair treatment, and promote ethical behavior. • Transparency and open communication within organizations can help employees and stakeholders raise concerns or report unethical behavior related to power. • Regular training and education on professional ethics, power dynamics, and ethical decision-making can enhance awareness and promote ethical behavior. Ethical Issues Bittersweet Cookies • Cookies are small text files stored on a user's computer by a website they visit. • Cookies serve various purposes, such as storing user preferences, enhancing website functionality, and enabling targeted advertising. • Websites should inform users about the use of cookies and provide options to accept or reject them. • Organizations should respect users' privacy and not collect more data than necessary through cookies. • Clear privacy policies and cookie consent banners should be in place to ensure transparency and give users control over their personal information. Managing IT function Summary Key points discussed in this session: ➢ Challenges of managing the IT function ➢ Work culture and career path ➢ IT Security ➢ Vendor Management ➢ Vendor Relationship Management Ethical Issues Summary Key points discussed in this session: ➢ Privacy Issues ➢ Workplace Monitoring ➢ Workplace Monitoring: Types and roles ➢ Types of Power ➢ Power and Awareness ➢ Bittersweet Cookies Segment Name References Book References: ➢ Management Information Systems 16/e by Kenneth C. Laudon ➢ Introduction to Information Systems by Wallace ➢ Managing Information Technology by Brown;DeHayes;Hoffer;Martin;Perkins ➢ Introducing Human Resource Management 7th edn by Hook, Caroline;Jenkins, Andrew;Foot, Segment Name References E- References: ➢ https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/principles-ofmanagement ➢ https://open.lib.umn.edu/informationsystems/ ➢ https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/information-systemsfor-business-and-beyond ➢ https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/information-systemsa-manager-s-guide-to-harnessing-technology
