INFORMATION SYSTEMS

ETHICS
LECTURE 12
 INFORMATION SYSTEMS ETHICS

• In this lecture you will be introduced to the major ethical, social,

political and environmental concerns around information systems. it is
important for students of public administration to understand the
moral pillars of an information systems society. the need to apply
these moral compasses at institutional level is not in doubt. The
acquired knowledge of ethical principles will assist you in the design
policies for ethical conduct in the adoption and implementation of
information systems. For more information refer to the attached
notes for guidance on further research.
INFORMATION SYSTEMS ETHICS
• Ethics are the principles of right or wrong that can be used by
individuals to make choice and guide their behavior
• ICTs raise new ethical questions for individual and society all the time
because they create opportunities for intense change
• While ICTs can create room for social progress, they can also threaten
society through destroying social values and committing crime.
• ICTs therefore produce benefits for others and costs for others
• Analyses on ICT ethics usually focus on individuals, organizations,
society and polity
Key Ethical Dimensions
• ICT ethic focus on the following issues
• 1. information rights and obligations
• 2. property rights and obligations
• 3. accountability and control
• 4. system quality
• 5. quality of life

NB: RESEARCH FURTHER ON THESE ISSUES

ETHICAL PRINCIPLES IN ICT
GROUP DISCUSSION
 REAL LIFE ETHICAL DILEMMAS
• Identify some real life ICT ethical dilemmas and explain possible
solutions to these ethical challenges.

Good Luck

The End