Exploring The Relationship Between Technology and Business Ethics: A Symposium Introduction in the Journal of Business Ethics

 

Technology has had a profound impact on the business world; as a result, the study of business ethics has become more important than ever before. As technology continues to evolve rapidly, businesses face new ethical challenges and dilemmas, such as how to balance the benefits of collecting data with concerns about privacy and autonomy.

To explore the relationship between technology and business ethics, a symposium was held and published in the Journal of Business Ethics in 2021. The symposium featured articles from leading scholars in the field who examined a range of topics related to technology and business ethics, from algorithmic decision-making to the role of digital business communities in creating a culture of trust.

One article, written by Livia Levine, explores the role of digital business communities in creating a culture of trust. Levine notes that while these communities share many characteristics with moral communities, they lack the legal or social mechanisms to hold businesses accountable for violating community norms. Levine recommends that companies using predictive HR technologies should take steps to address the problems that arise from them. This includes involving employees in the development of algorithms, providing managers and workers with the skills to understand and analyze data critically, and complying with relevant regulations.

In another article, Ulrich Leicht-Deobald and colleagues explore the emerging issue of algorithmic management in human resources. They examine the potential negative impacts of using algorithmic HR tools, such as those used for hiring and fraud monitoring, which rely on algorithms and machine learning to assess employees. The authors argue that these tools can have adverse effects on employees’ integrity by promoting a blind trust in rules and discouraging moral imagination. To tackle these issues, they propose incorporating ethical considerations into algorithm design to promote moral reflection and discussion within organizations.

The symposium also includes articles on topics such as the ethics of using autonomous vehicles in logistics, the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in healthcare, and the role of social media in shaping public opinion.

The symposium underscores the significance of interdisciplinary discussions involving experts from diverse fields such as engineering, law, philosophy, organizational behaviour, and information science. The aim is to tackle the ethical issues brought about by new information technologies. The event provides several prospects to use the principles of Integrative Social Contract Theory in fresh areas, and extends the scope of corporate responsibility in the era of algorithms.

In conclusion, the symposium adds value to the ongoing discourse on business ethics and technology. As technology advances, it is essential for both companies and scholars to reflect on the ethical consequences of their choices and actions. By exploring the relationship between technology and business ethics, we can work towards creating a more just and responsible business environment for all.

Author Bio: Mark Edmonds is a seasoned academic writer with years of experience providing high-quality coursework help to students. He is an expert in various subjects, including business ethics, management, and technology. Mark works for Academic Assignments, a leading provider of assignment writing services, where he has established a reputation for delivering exceptional work that meets the highest academic standards. His passion for writing and commitment to helping students achieve their academic goals have made him a valuable asset to the company. Mark enjoys reading, travelling, and exploring new technologies in his free time.