Ethical Issues of Office Privacy in Business Communications

Organizations are responsible for keeping employee information confidential.

Office privacy and ethics in business communications can be compromised if organizations don't protect sensitive information. Private data is transmitted through voice mails, emails, phone calls, faxes and company intranets. As the use of technology in the workplace expands, so do the legal and ethical complications that can result.

Types

In a business environment, ethical issues often arise when an email gets into the wrong hands or a passer-by overhears a personal, and possibly offensive, conversation. Legal and ethical issues can arise when private and confidential information is leaked through business communications.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers have the right to monitor their employees' business communications to ensure work is being conducted properly. However, employers are prohibited from monitoring personal telephone conversations or voice mail messages. Employers must not violate the privacy rights of their employees and must take steps to keep employees' personal information confidential.

Consequences

The Electronic Communications Privacy Act limits the extent to which an employer can monitor business communication. Businesses are legally responsible and may be held liable if they unlawfully read or disclose workers' private information.

References

• Find Law: Privacy in the Workplace
• Find Law: Monitoring Employee Communications
• Electronic Communication Privacy Act