System Analysis and Design – Assignment I

Search the Web for several articles and information on ethical issues related
to information technology professionals.

a. What article did you find?

- I found an article on “TECHNOLOGY AS A THREAT TO PRIVACY: Ethical
Challenges to the Information Profession” by J.J.BRITZ (Department of Information
Science, University of Pretoria).

b. Based on your research, which ethical issues do you think systems analysis
might face during their careers?
- According to my understanding of this article I think the system analyst might face
ethical issues related to the right to privacy of the individual which is threatened by
the use of technology.

c. Pick a particular ethical issue and explain the steps you would take if you were
confronted with this issue.
- In Order to confront the issue related to right to privacy of the individual which is
threatened by the use of technology, following steps must be taken:-
❏ Deciding which categories of personal and private information the information
professional is entitled to gather.
❏ No unnecessary private information should be gathered. This is not only for logistic
reasons but also to prevent the unnecessary violation or exposure of a person's
privacy
❏ Personal and other private information that is no longer necessary for the function for
which it was collected must be destroyed
❏ A person's information must be handled with the necessary confidentiality. This
implies security and control of access to the information, of the right to use it, as well
as the right to change or add any information
❏ A private policy must be formulated consisting of the following elements: the
categories of information that must be regarded as private and personal, the levels of
confidentiality (e.g. who has access and use of which information), a clear
explanation of the purposes of the use of the information, and the description of the
procedures to ensure the accuracy of this information

d. What would you do if you found your best friend and coworker had committed
a serious ethical violation? Facts to consider: The violation may never be
discovered, but it will cost your company many thousands of dollars in higher
costs over the next several years. Your company has a stringent policy of firing
employees who commit serious ethical violations. Make sure to explain your
reasons for the action(s) you would take, if any.
- Recently one of my co-worker went on a 1 and half hours long everyday break
without informing where he was going and being busy in our own work we never
discovered when he was supposed to take a 45 minutes break. Being a loyal
employee, he always gave his all effort on his work and was punctual everyday. But
not being in contact for 30 minutes in his work time was a serious ethical violation
and one that had cost the client thousands of dollars over the last 2 year, but it was
also completely unintentional.
The fact that he was open about his misconduct to his coworkers was a
clear communication that he would correct his behavior in the future. We all agreed
that it was a big mistake, but we also knew that he was a loyal employee who
produced solid work during his tenure with us; therefore, there was no need to bring
this matter to management's attention, which would inevitably result in his dismissal
and possibly involve a lawsuit.
On the other hand, a friend of mine who showed frustration with her
workplace on a daily basis was wasting long hours online searching for decent work
elsewhere and paying the business for her time. It was determined to put the matter
to management's attention after some debate with her colleagues, and she was
immediately fired.
In work or any other businesses, there should never be personal
relationships. If anyone makes a huge mistake intentionally, no matter whether
he/she is your best friend or long time workmate, they should be punished in any
way. Both of these were severe infractions that cost the customer a significant
amount of money; however, the employee's background and motive are critical
considerations in determining how I will treat the situation.