Sunday, April 26, 2009

Chapter 7: Monitoring Employees in Networks: Unethical or Good Business?

1. Should managers monitor employee email and internet usage? Why or why not?

Yes, I do think they should monitor employee email or internet usage because 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?

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.

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