Reference no: EM133535191

Question

In one of the largest sexual harassment settlements in U.S. history, a company agreed to pay more than $2 million to settle a lawsuit brought by four women employees who complained of being targets of online sexual harassment. The women found pornographic messages on a computer system and an anonymous sadistic pornographic image through company e-mail.

In response to the women's complaints, the company began monitoring the e-mail of all employees so that anyone engaging in misconduct in the future would be discovered. Surveillance of employees' Internet and e-mail use can affect employee trust and morale, but employers can reduce the risk of being sued by informing employees that they cannot expect privacy in either their Internet or e-mail use.

Businesses are trying to formulate policies that seek to establish a fair balance between security and trust. Such policies will "actually protect users in their organizations from discrimination, harassment, and embarrassment," said one expert, adding that companies that implement these policies are "looking at the greater good."

Using ethical principles, explain the justification for employer monitoring of employee e-mail and Internet use. What is your conclusion? Explain your conclusion clearly, providing examples.