John Edwards, Technology Journalist & AuthorMarch 19, 20255 Min ReadDenis Putilov via Alamy Stock PhotoArtificial intelligence, video surveillance, facial recognition: Today's IT leaders must struggle with an increasing number of ethical dilemmas. While innovation supports business growth, it also creates opportunities for potential abuse.IT leaders lead because they already have an important combination of procedural knowledge and ethics expertise, states Jonathan Beever, an associate professor of ethics and digital culture at the University of Central Florida. "IT leaders benefit, like we all do, from continued literacy building as new technologies and techniques challenge ethical understanding," he adds in an email interview.An ethical IT department operates with transparency, integrity, and accountability, while balancing the needs of the business and its customers, says Mike Lebron, senior IT director at photography and imaging firm Canon USA. "This involves not only adhering to regulatory standards, but also proactively addressing ethical considerations that may arise from the use of technology," he notes via email. "By fostering an environment where ethical conduct is prioritized, IT departments can help build trust both internally within the organization and externally with customers and partners."First StepsAn important first step is embracing the classical adage of knowing thyself, Beever says. "What values guide you personally?" He explains that values shape decisions implicitly and making values explicit helps leaders understand their own actions and decisions.Related:Beever, who is also the director and co-founder of the UCF Center for Ethics, advises IT leaders to question the values that guide their department. "Are these clear and transparent to all stakeholders?" Also consider what possible conflicts might arise between individual values and department commitments. "Finally, what ethical decision-making strategies can help navigate those possible conflicts."Codes of ethics provide guidance at the organizational level. Yet broader strategies, such as principlism, suggest key ethics principles of beneficence, nonmaleficence, respect for autonomy, and justice offers attributes that cut across departments/cultures/disciplines, Beever says. "Since interdisciplinary work is essential for IT departments, maybe now more than ever shared ethics principles can help communication about values across boundaries."Success in the digital era hinges on trust and an ethical approach to all aspects of IT operations fosters this trust, Lebron says. "Trust builds a virtuous cycle that enhances collaboration and strengthens relationships," he explains. When stakeholders, including employees, customers, and partners, feel confident that an organization's IT operations are guided by strong ethical principles, they're more likely to engage positively and collaborate effectively, potentially creating a stable and sustainable path forward.Related:Trust is also the foundation of customer loyalty, and an ethical IT approach is key to maintaining and strengthening that foundation, Lebron advises. "Organizations that embrace ethical practices may experience quicker decision-making, resilience, and long-term sustainability."Leadership ValuesEthically literate individuals are necessary to build ethical cultures, Beever says. "There seems to be a traditional corporate move to train top-down, as if regulations and rules could govern ethical behavior," he observes. Beever notes that professional ethics codes, such as the one created by The Association for Computing Machinery, push against this trend by directing responsible individuals. "But what opportunities do IT departments give their workers to develop the skills required to analyze, understand, and implement the principles of those codes?" he asks. "An ethical IT department would couple procedural literacy to ethics literacy, in support of an ethical culture."Related:Ethical considerations should be factored into every aspect of digital projects, from data privacy and cybersecurity to AI and automation, Lebron says. "Ethical IT practices help ensure that technology is used responsibly and unintended consequences that could negatively impact customers are avoided," he notes. "By doing so, organizations can mitigate risks, enhance their reputation, and drive more meaningful innovation." Lebron believes that the trust that's built from ethical IT practices can move the needle in all aspects within an organization, creating a competitive edge, a true force multiplier.Responsibility and accountability for technology outcomes -- including failures -- are key to building trust between stakeholders and IT, Lebron says. "Ethical vendor selection means you choose partners who align with your organizations ethical standards," he explains. "Accessibility and inclusivity in technology allows you to create products and services that consider people with disabilities so that everyone benefits."Ethics SuccessEthical practices should not come solely from within the IT department, Lebron advises. "They should also be shaped by those whom IT serves and supports." Engaging with a diverse set of stakeholders -- including employees, customers, partners, and community members -- helps ensure that ethical standards reflect a wide range of perspectives and needs.Inclusivity not only builds trust but also helps create more comprehensive and relevant ethical guidelines, Lebron says. Furthermore, open communication channels allow the continuous exchange of ideas, fostering a culture of transparency and mutual respect. "By embracing diverse inclusion and active communication, IT departments can ensure that their transformation efforts are well-informed, equitable, and truly supportive of all stakeholders."About the AuthorJohn EdwardsTechnology Journalist & AuthorJohn Edwards is a veteran business technology journalist. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and numerous business and technology publications, including Computerworld, CFO Magazine, IBM Data Management Magazine, RFID Journal, and Electronic Design. He has also written columns for The Economist's Business Intelligence Unit and PricewaterhouseCoopers' Communications Direct. John has authored several books on business technology topics. His work began appearing online as early as 1983. Throughout the 1980s and 90s, he wrote daily news and feature articles for both the CompuServe and Prodigy online services. His "Behind the Screens" commentaries made him the world's first known professional blogger.See more from John EdwardsWebinarsMore WebinarsReportsMore ReportsNever Miss a Beat: Get a snapshot of the issues affecting the IT industry straight to your inbox.SIGN-UPYou May Also Like