Ethical Framework for the IT and Business Professions

Authors

Gin Chong, Prairie View A & M University
Emmanuel Opara, Prairie View A & M University

Abstract

Within an information technology (IT) environment, managerial and organizational influences may affect individual’s ethical behavior. Understanding the individual difference in value systems, locus of control, Machiavellianism, and cognitive moral development, helps the IT managers to appreciate the reasons for individuals working within and outside the IT environment aware of the ethical behavior. This paper evaluates applicability of Kohlberg's framework on moral theory that focuses solely on justice-orientated moral approach in the IT profession. Results of semi-structured interviews with two IT managers suggest that the framework lacks flexibility, and needs to incorporate a caring perspective (referring to the content) and a cognitive-structural perspective (referring to the basic assumptions of the model). The caring, concerns, integrity and accountability concepts are important values of the cognitive aspect, the profession and individual professionals in the real world. The finding adds our understandings on the IT professions and societal norms.

Recommended Citation

Chong, Gin and Opara, Emmanuel (2009) "Ethical Framework for the IT and Business Professions," Communications of the IIMA: Vol. 9: Iss. 3, Article 5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58729/1941-6687.1111
Available at: https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/ciima/vol9/iss3/5