ethics
Effective Technical and Human Implementation of Computer-based Systems (ETHICS)
ETHICS is an acronym, but the name of this approach is meant to imply that it is a methodology that embodies an ethical position. ETHICS, is a methodology based on the participative approach to information systems development. In addition, it encompasses the socio-technical view that for a system to be effective the technology must fit closely with the social and organisational factors. In particular, this means that an improved quality of working life and enhanced job satisfaction of the users must be a major objective of the systems design process. This is not simply to guard the interests of the users in the introduction of computing and technology, although this is obviously of major importance, but it is an essential prerequisite to achieve effective systems as far as the organisation and its management is concerned.
The philosophy of ETHICS is different from most information systems development methodologies and is also explicitly stated, which is not common in most methodologies. The philosophy is one which has evolved from organisational behaviour and perceives the development of computer systems not as a technical issue but as an organisational issue which is fundamentally concerned with the process of change. It is based on the socio-technical approach of the social sciences as developed by a number of authors, one of the most influential being Davis (1972). Mumford (1983a) defines the socio-technical approach as: one which recognises the interaction of technology and people and produces work systems which are both technically efficient and have social characteristics which lead to high job satisfaction.
Elsewhere, in Mumford and Weir (1979), job satisfaction is defined as:
The attainment of a good "fit" between what the employees is seeking from his work - his job needs, expectations and aspirations - and what he is required to do in his job - the
ETHICS is an acronym, but the name of this approach is meant to imply that it is a methodology that embodies an ethical position. ETHICS, is a methodology based on the participative approach to information systems development. In addition, it encompasses the socio-technical view that for a system to be effective the technology must fit closely with the social and organisational factors. In particular, this means that an improved quality of working life and enhanced job satisfaction of the users must be a major objective of the systems design process. This is not simply to guard the interests of the users in the introduction of computing and technology, although this is obviously of major importance, but it is an essential prerequisite to achieve effective systems as far as the organisation and its management is concerned.
The philosophy of ETHICS is different from most information systems development methodologies and is also explicitly stated, which is not common in most methodologies. The philosophy is one which has evolved from organisational behaviour and perceives the development of computer systems not as a technical issue but as an organisational issue which is fundamentally concerned with the process of change. It is based on the socio-technical approach of the social sciences as developed by a number of authors, one of the most influential being Davis (1972). Mumford (1983a) defines the socio-technical approach as: one which recognises the interaction of technology and people and produces work systems which are both technically efficient and have social characteristics which lead to high job satisfaction.
Elsewhere, in Mumford and Weir (1979), job satisfaction is defined as:
The attainment of a good "fit" between what the employees is seeking from his work - his job needs, expectations and aspirations - and what he is required to do in his job - the