The ethics of telework

Research Question: What are the ethical implications of telework arrangements?

Abstract: This essay outlines two potential ethical decisions which organizations are likely to be confronted with as they consider whether or not to adopt telework:  (1) Since it will result in a net organizational benefit, should telework be adopted despite its harmful effects for employees or society?  (2) Since it will result in a net cost for the organization, should telework be rejected despite its beneficial impacts for employees or society?

Findings: The decision to adopt or reject is simple, but the interaction of outcomes can be complex. When the net value for organizations is “out of sync” with that of employees, ethical issues emerge.

Implications: The ethical decision to engage, or not engage, telework can be informed using the three components of Bird & Gandz’s model Sizing-Up, Deliberating and Deciding, and Enacting.

Citation: Neufeld, D.J. (1996). The ethics of telework, Science and Engineering Ethics, 2(2), pp. 225-229. [link]