Can We Help Information Systems Students Improve Their Ethical Decision Making?

Abstract

As the use of technology increases, the scope of computer-related ethical dilemmas continues to change. Information Systems graduates need to be prepared to work ethically in this everchanging environment. This exploratory research investigates if students who have undertaken an ethics subject differ in their ethical decision making from those who have not undertaken the subject. The questionnaire asked students to read ethical dilemmas focusing on software piracy and the theft of music. They were then asked to evaluate the person's actions, how important they felt the issue was, and how likely they were to follow the example of the person in the dilemma. They were also asked to rate different factors as to how they had influenced their decision making. The results for those who had undertaken an ethics unit were then compared with the results of those who had not. The paper concludes by making suggestions as to what the best method of helping students, not only develop their knowledge of ethical decision making and ethical issues, but also see the value of those and apply the decision-making techniques within their own lives.

Synopsis on Cyberethics Behaviour: A Literature Review

“…Given the focus of this study, this author noted important studies on cyberethics behaviour. For example, Thomas and Ahyick (2010) focused on helping information systems students improve their ethical decision-making. The study found that while students who had taken courses and orientations were more aware of the issues in cyberethics misuse and thought them essential, still there was no significant change in their behaviour; neither was there a difference in their perception of what influenced their ethical decision-making despite taking a complete course module in information ethics.…”

Insight into ethical cyber behaviour of undergraduate students at selected African universities

“…Various studies conducted in the university context have examined factors influencing cyber-ethical behaviour http://www.sajim.co.za Open Access (Alleyne, Soleyn & Harris 2015;Marcum, Higgins & Nicholson 2017;Martin & Woodward 2011;Thomas & Ahyick 2010). Generally, the results from these studies revealed that students did not regard unethical use of cyber technology as any form of violation.…”