CHAPTER 6 CASE STUDY: MONITORING EMPLOYEES ON NETWORKS: UNETHICAL OR GOOD BUSINESS

1. Should managers monitor employee e-mail and Internet usage? Why or why not?

Based on our opinion, we think that managers should monitor employee email and Internet usage. Many companies have begun monitoring employee use of email and Internet, sometimes without their knowledge. 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 email 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. Employee use of e-mail, instant messaging, and the Internet is supposed to increase worker productivity.

Besides, it can impact the company’s success. Many employees take advantage of the internet accessibility at work and spend more time on the internet than deems necessary. Although it can be looked at as “big brother,” the company pays their employees to do work and provides these services because they are necessary for the work environment. The company needs to do what is best for its success and if they need to monitor their employees than they have every right to do so.

2. 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 communicate 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 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. An effective e-mail and Web use policy for a company would comprise of a detailed description of what employees are allowed and prohibited from doing while at work. This policy should allow employees at least 30 minutes a day for personal use.

The company can also provide certain computers designated for personal use that their employees can have access to so that when off company time they can use these computers. This may prevent the company from being vulnerable to viruses and hackers because they can be connected to different networks/ servers. The policy can also allow employees to use the internet and e-mail for personal use when on lunch, break or off company time. It is important for the firm to make the work place comfortable and prevent it from feeling like they have no rights. This is why I feel the firm should try to accommodate personal e-mail and internet usage because some employees have very little time and emergencies may arise where they need to use these services.

3. Should managers inform employees that their Web behavior is being monitored? Or should managers monitor secretly?

In our opinion, the manager should inform the employees that their uses of the web are monitored. If the managers let the employees know about their computers are monitored the employees will avoid using their personal business, then they will concentrate during their work hours. My opinion about it, the managers should let the employees know about that to focus in their work.