Case Studies : Monitoring employees on networks: Unethical or good business?

Case Studies : Monitoring Employees, Ethical or Good Business

 

 

Summary:

Employee use of e-mail, instant messaging, and the Internet is supposed to increase worker productivity, but the accompanying Interactive Session on Management shows that this may not always be the case. Many company managers now believe they need to monitor their employees’ online activity. But is this ethical? Although there is some strong business reasons why companies may need to monitor their employees’ e-mail and Web activities,

The Internet and email are important tools Employees abuse the Internet and e-mail during work hours Companies must have written policies that are easy to understand and follow Employers using a variety of monitoring software Exhibit of Computer Usage Policy. It discussed several strategies for employers to deal with this increasing problem. Companies must have written policies that are easy to understand, read and follow. Employers are using a variety of monitoring software to monitor employees during business hours. I conclude with an exhibit that illustrates a Computer Usage Policy.

 

Q1: Should managers monitor employee e-mail and Internet usage? Why or why not?

Monitoring employee e-mail and internet usage is a hotly debated subject. Some will argue that it amounts to an invasion of privacy where as others will state that managers have a right to expect that employees will do the job which they have been hired. Using corporate resources such as e-mail and the Internet on company termed service theft. When employees use company time and computer equipment to participate in e-mailing or Web surfing activities that are not part of their duties, they are valuable corporate assets.

Q2: Describe an effective e-mail and Web use policy for a company.

Like all policies an effective e-mail and Web use policy must be carefully designed and communicated to all persons who use these corporate resources.  There are a number of different policies in existence. Some companies allow absolutely no personal activities to be done on corporate networks whereas others allow some degree of activity, and this activity can be easily monitored. A good policy will detail exactly what type of activity is acceptable and what is not allowed. The policy should clearly articulate sanctions that will be followed for any and all offenses in relation to the policy.