Chapter 3

Technological, Legal, and Ethical

Considerations

• Technological advances allow individuals to self-select– what,– when, and – where

messages are sent and received.

Technology

Technology Advances

• Portability – wireless computer devices for on-the-go communication

• Audience selectivity• Convergence of audio, video,

text, photo, music, Internet and phone devices

Technology Trends

• Wireless and Internet communication

• Changes in advertising media• Videoconferencing• Hoteling• Intranets and collaborative

projects

Technology, Legal, and Ethical Issues

• Laws- binding rules of conduct or actions prescribed and enforced by a governing authority

• Ethical issues – relate to value systems and cultural beliefs about what is acceptable or unacceptable behavior

• Ethics – principles of conduct governing individual or group behavior

Using Cell Phones and Mobile Devices

• Respect the rights, safety, and privacy of others.

• Your rights end where the other person’s begin.

Cell Phone Etiquette

• Answer the phone quickly.• Speak quietly and end the

conversation quickly.• Avoid taking or making calls when

others are present.• Protect the safety of yourself and

others by not driving while using your cell phone.

Misuse of E-mail and Internet Resources

• Threatens productivity• Creates legal concerns• May endanger the company’s

image

Technology Privacy Issues

• Cookie• Spam• Phishing• No-call lists

Computer Fraud

• Fraud – intentional unauthorized computer access to a wide variety of computer records

• Worms – A type of computer virus that steals computer resources

Copyright Fair Use Determined By

• Purpose and character of use• Nature of the copyrighted work• Amount and portion of the work

used in relation to the copyrighted work

• The effect of use upon the potential market or the value of the copyrighted work

Copyright Issues

• Plagiarism

• Paraphrasing

E-commerce Issues

• Legal jurisdiction

• Electronic signatures

• Website linking

Important Legal Considerations – Contracts

• Legally binding agreement between two or more parties

• Elements:– Offer and acceptance– Competency of parties– Legality of subject matter– Consideration

• Plain English laws• Warranties and guarantees

Important Legal Considerations - Credit and Collections

• Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA)

• Fair Credit Billing Act• Fair Debt Collection Act• Federal Truth-in-Lending Act

Important Legal Considerations - Employment Communication • The Civil Rights Act• Age Discrimination in Employment

Act (ADEA)• Labor-Management Relations Act• Privacy Act• Family Educational Rights and

Privacy Act (FERPA)• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Important Legal Considerations -Defamation and Fraud

• Defamation– Libel– Slander

• Fraud

Ethical Communication

Strives for the highest good for all involved and provides information that is fully adequate for the circumstances, truthful in every sense, and not deceptive in any way

Global Business Ethics

To conduct business ethically in another country, managers must be aware of the other country’s laws, values, and ethics.

Codes of Conduct

Provide clear direction about ethical behavior when the temptation to behave unethically is strongest

Ethical Messages

• Integrity and honesty• Personal and professional

responsibility• Concern and respect for others• Fairness to all concerned