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?

 

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.

      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 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.

      3.)Should managers inform employees that their Web behaviour is being monitored? Or should managers monitor secretly? Why or why not?

 

In my opinion, the managers 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 such as using Facebook while working, playing their favourite online games and etc. They will more concentrate about their work during work hours. This could bring benefit for a company to achieve desire goals.