Business Ethics helpWeather youre and employer or an employee you should know what your rights are when it comes to Internet use in the workplace. Mark Grossman a Florida attorney who specializes in computer and Internet law gives answers to some basic questions.Scenario 1Nobody told you that your Internet use in the office was being monitored. Now youve been warned youll be fired if you use the Internet for recreational surfing again. What are your rights?Bottom Line.When youre using your office computer you have virtually no rights. Youd have a tough time convincing a court that the boss invaded your privacy by monitoring your use of the company PC on company time. You should probably be grateful you got a warning.Scenario 2Your employees are abusing their Internet privileges but you dont have an Internet usage policy. What do you do?Bottom Line.Although the law isnt fully developed in this area courts are taking a straightforward approach: If its a company computer the company can control the way its used. You dont need an Internet usage policy to prevent inappropriate use of your company computers. To protect yourself in the future distribute an Internet policy to your employees as soon as possible.Scenario 3Employee John Doe downloads adult material to his PC at work and employee Jane smith sees it. Smith then proceeds to sue the company for sexual harassment. As the employer are you liable?Bottom Line.Whether it comes from the Internet or from a magazine adult material simply has no place in the office. So Smith could certainly sue the company for making her work in a sexually hostile environment. The best defense is for the company to have an Internet usage policy that prohibits visits to adult sites. (Of course you have to follow through. If someone is looking at adult material in the office you must at least send the offending employee a written reprimand.) If the company lacks a strict Internet policy though Smith could prevail in court.Ethical QuestionsA. Do you agree with the advice of attorney Mark Grossman in each of the scenarios? Why or why not?B. What would your advice be? Explain your positions.C. Identify any ethical philosophies values or models you may be using in explaining your position in each of the scenarios..
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