No business as usual: a case for data ethics and data governance in the age of coronavirus

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 1217-1221
Author(s):  
Anca C Yallop ◽  
Omid Aliasghar

PurposeThe purpose of this commentary is to reflect on the transformative changes organisations experience, in the form of increased use of emergent information and communication technologies (ICTs), as a significant factor in enabling the continuation of normal business practices during the COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequent key ethical considerations in the use of new technology by organisations.Design/methodology/approachThis commentary adopts a reflective approach and is based on a review of theories on diffusion of innovation, dynamic capabilities and data ethics and governance, as well as up-to-date business reports to reflect on the ethical implications of new technologies for organisations.FindingsOrganisations from different industries and sectors around the world have experienced major disruptive changes because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Adoption and integration of new ICTs occurred at an accelerated pace in a collective effort to maintain “business as usual”. The use of emergent technologies is not without risks. The commentary argues that, in times of crisis, it is vital that organisations address the growing concerns around privacy and security of personal data by designing effective data governance frameworks that go beyond a mere compliance with existing policies and prevailing data privacy and protection laws to ensure data security and protection for all stakeholders.Originality/valueThis commentary is making the case for more considered approaches to data governance and data ethics in business following the unprecedented challenges posed by the recent COVID-19 pandemic and suggests possible ways of moving forward from an ethical perspective.

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anca C. Yallop ◽  
Oana A. Gică ◽  
Ovidiu I. Moisescu ◽  
Monica M. Coroș ◽  
Hugues Séraphin

Purpose Big data and analytics are being increasingly used by tourism and hospitality organisations (THOs) to provide insights and to inform critical business decisions. Particularly in times of crisis and uncertainty data analytics supports THOs to acquire the knowledge needed to ensure business continuity and the rebuild of tourism and hospitality sectors. Despite being recognised as an important source of value creation, big data and digital technologies raise ethical, privacy and security concerns. This paper aims to suggest a framework for ethical data management in tourism and hospitality designed to facilitate and promote effective data governance practices. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopts an organisational and stakeholder perspective through a scoping review of the literature to provide an overview of an under-researched topic and to guide further research in data ethics and data governance. Findings The proposed framework integrates an ethical-based approach which expands beyond mere compliance with privacy and protection laws, to include other critical facets regarding privacy and ethics, an equitable exchange of travellers’ data and THOs ability to demonstrate a social license to operate by building trusting relationships with stakeholders. Originality/value This study represents one of the first studies to consider the development of an ethical data framework for THOs, as a platform for further refinements in future conceptual and empirical research of such data governance frameworks. It contributes to the advancement of the body of knowledge in data ethics and data governance in tourism and hospitality and other industries and it is also beneficial to practitioners, as organisations may use it as a guide in data governance practices.


2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 19-29
Author(s):  
Elisabeth Paulet ◽  
Hareesh Mavoori

Purpose The digital revolution has substantially changed the business environment. Most banks have acknowledged the importance of new technologies to improve performance and client satisfaction. The development of these innovations has led to the entrance of the so-called Fintechs. This paper aims to evaluate the impact of these transformations on the performance of financial institutions and on their business model. Design/methodology/approach The authors use data envelopment analysis and Malmquist total productivity indices to measure financial institutions’ efficiency and their influence on strategy. Findings The main finding is that clients are more than ever at the core of banking strategy. The irrelevance of distance in basic banking transactions has reduced expenses and contributed to increasing revenues for all financial institutions. Banks will have a card to play in the advice they can bring to their clients. Practical implications This research could be of interest for financial managers who wish to re-examine their current business practices and imagine their business model for the future. Originality/value The contribution will be to further define the correlation between the provision of electronic banking services and its performance by including diversified institutions (conventional banks, Fintechs, Gafas) in the sample from multiple geographic zones to identify differences as regards their efficiency and business practices.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 257-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anca Yallop ◽  
Hugues Seraphin

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine and provide insights into one of the most influential technologies impacting the tourism and hospitality industry over the next five years, i.e. big data and analytics. It reflects on both opportunities and risks that such technological advances create for both consumers and tourism organisations, highlighting the importance of data governance and processes for effective and ethical data management in both tourism and hospitality. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on a review of academic and industry literature and access to trends data and information from a series of academic and industry databases and reports to examine how big data and analytics shape the future of the industry and the associated risks and opportunities. Findings This paper identifies and examines key opportunities and risks posed by the rising technological trend of big data and analytics in tourism and hospitality. While big data is generally regarded as beneficial to tourism and hospitality organisations, there are extensively held ethical, privacy and security concerns about it. Therefore, the paper is making the case for more research on data governance and data ethics in tourism and hospitality and posits that to successfully use data for competitive advantage, tourism and hospitality organisations need to solely expand compliance-based data governance frameworks to frameworks that include more effective privacy and ethics data solutions. Originality/value This paper provides useful insights into the use of big data and analytics for both researchers and practitioners and offers new perspectives on the debate on data governance and ethical data management in both tourism and hospitality. Because forecasts from the UNWTO indicate a significant increase in international tourist arrivals (1.8 billion tourist arrivals by 2030), the ways tourism and hospitality organisations manage customers’ data become important.


Kybernetes ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (8) ◽  
pp. 1425-1451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Franja Pižmoht ◽  
József Györkös ◽  
Dijana Močnik

Purpose This paper aims to explore the digital economy in the fields of the most promising new technologies: information and communication technologies, biotechnology and nanotechnology. It highlights the convergence of nano-, bio-, info- and cognitive (NBIC) technologies by developing a model for the accurate evaluation of different types of options in the development process of convergent technologies. Design/methodology/approach The empirical research is based on theoretical analysis and case studies. The authors conducted six in-depth interviews. The study covered different research projects led by centres of excellence, competence centres and institutions that support the transfer of innovations in the economic and business environment. Findings The research findings prove that there is a convergence of NBIC technologies that can be observed and modelled. The created evolutionary model of NBIC convergence, also based on the theory of real options, allows a proper evaluation of the entire convergence process. Practical implications For enterprises and scientific research institutions, the NBIC model could represent the starting point for developing further concepts of investment evaluation. The model also considers the indicators of the innovation system, which, in addition to the marketing area, include regulatory challenges of companies (competition, copyrights, patents, taxation, etc.). Originality/value This paper enhances the understanding of new technologies in a digital economy. The purpose of this study is to clarify the principal factors for the effective observation and measurement of the convergence phenomenon. It also offers suggestions for improvement of the research and innovation system in the new economy.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Hipsher

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the perspectives of workers in one of the least developed economies (Cambodia) on the creation of new job and livelihood opportunities created by foreign firms or foreign investment. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative: randomly selected interviews of individuals. Findings Individuals working in international organizations find international business activities increase their livelihood options and therefore help to improve their lives. Research limitations/implications An exploratory approach using convenience sampling was taken which limits generalizing the results to a broader population. Practical implications The concepts explored can be used by individual firms when formulating their social responsibility programmes and the ethical implications of their business practices in emerging markets as well as by governments in creating public policies concerning poverty reduction. Social implications Presents and respects the views of lower income individuals working in the tourism industry whose voices are often overlooked when corporate social responsibility and public policies are designed. Originality/value Provides a perspective about poverty reduction of individuals from low-income backgrounds whose lives are directly impacted by international investment and trade.


Author(s):  
Allard Duursma ◽  
John Karlsrud

This chapter examines the effects of the digital revolution and new information and communication technologies on peacekeeping and peacebuilding. The chapter is concerned with how digital and web-based information and communication technologies can be used to prevent and manage armed violence, foster inclusive societies, and ensure a durable and high-quality peace. The UN is increasingly adopting new technologies, particularly within the field of peacekeeping. To increase situational awareness, UN peacekeeping staff have crowdsourced information and used drones and satellite imagery. In addition, the analysis of peacekeeping data holds great potential for early warning. New technological tools can help foster collaboration, transform attitudes, and give a stronger voice to local communities. Online platforms have been used to monitor elections, document human rights abuses, and facilitate communication between members of different sides in a conflict. However, since one cannot simply assume that technology will change everything for the better, it is crucial to be aware of the ethical implications of the use of new peace technologies. The UN needs to be careful that early warning is translated into early action. Peacekeepers and peacebuilders should also be vigilant when it comes to mitigating the possible abuse and negative side effects of the use of peace technologies. The chapter concludes that peace technologies significantly influence the prospects for peacekeeping and peacebuilding, particularly when the use of technology helps peacekeepers and peacebuilders be more people-centric.


2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 219-234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmen Antón ◽  
Carmen Camarero ◽  
Javier Rodríguez

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the adoption process of e-book readers and examine how the perception concerning the advantages of this technology and its incompatibility with consumer values determine the pleasure felt and its effective use. The authors also propose that consumer involvement with information and communication technologies (ICTs) moderates these effects. Design/methodology/approach Hierarchical moderated regression analysis is used to test the proposed model with survey data from a sample of e-book reader owners. Findings Appraisal of the device’s reading features and the possibility for free downloading increases the pleasure found with its use and the extent to which it is actually used, whereas attachment to paper books decreases the emotional feeling, with some of these effects being moderated by the individual’s involvement with new ICTs. Pleasure mediates the influence of perceived advantages and attachment to the older technology on the use of the e-book reader device. Practical implications Two challenges to practitioners are suggested: to overcome the rejection of users who are less eager to experience pleasure and to use the e-reader, and to find the product’s objective or sensory characteristics that provide pleasure and promote long-lasting use. Originality/value The study extends previous studies on e-book readers by emphasizing the need to go beyond adoption intention. It analyzes effective use as a crucial measure of the true adoption of this technology and incorporates the perspective offered by the appraisal theory of emotion, which explains the key role of pleasure in this process.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanjay Bhattacharya ◽  
K.S. Momaya

PurposeThe Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) holds the potential to improve capabilities- and technology-based innovation, which will enable breakout for architectural, engineering, construction and operation and maintenance (AECO) companies, for international competitiveness. Though the top management of such companies is convinced on the utility of the applications, they are unsure on the strategy of implementing the same. The objective of this research is to suggest a strategy framework for digital transformation of the AECO value chain.Design/methodology/approachThe nascent level of research on 4IR in construction necessitated the adoption of the integrative review methodology for the study. Extensive literature review of research on strategy and 4IR has been utilized to establish the validity of the first two pillars, namely “a strategy of simple rules in a complex environment; and deployment of dynamic capabilities.” The validation of a construct for the third pillar of “confluence of change and continuity forces” has been achieved via hypothesis testing of data obtained through a questionnaire survey.FindingsThe present study has integrated three diverse ideas of strategy, named as the pillars, to facilitate sustainable digital transformation. Within the third pillar, top three continuity forces which offer resistance to change are organization culture, existing delivery processes and networks, and existing standard operating procedures. On the other hand, the leading drivers of change are needs of competitiveness; global industry trends and the advent of new technologies/innovations.Research limitations/implicationsThis provides a practical approach to operationalize digital transformation of the AECO at an organization level. The validation relied on opinion and perspectives of a sample frame in the Indian context, which was its limitation.Originality/valueThis paper suggests a strategy framework of three pillars to help address specific strategy dilemmas during implementation of digital transformation of particular organizations in AECO. The study contributes to both theory and practice by helping leaders of AECO companies, associations, policymakers and the academia to strategize transformations successfully.


2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee E. Allen ◽  
Deborah M. Taylor

Purpose This study aims to examine the impact of information and communication technologies (ICT) usage with mobile technologies and e-learning in academic libraries. Design/methodology/approach Selection of appropriate resources using the Communication and Mass Media, EBSCO, Web of Science and Library Literature and Information Science Fulltext databases. Findings The “Library as place” concept requires libraries to explore and re-purpose its physical space while redefining its virtual, online space to align with the needs of those who are native to the digital age. Library information specialists (LIS) must also be knowledgeable of – and comfortable with – the use of the new technologies introduced. As mobile technologies continue to evolve and advance in developing countries, libraries and LIS may be best positioned to assist students and researchers in accessing information required to be proficient and productive in scholarly pursuits without physical boundaries. Practical implications The existing research literature surveyed here implies that the growth of ICT and evolving concepts of libraries require the need for LIS training and greater understanding of the use of mobile technologies in providing academic library services. Originality/value Academic librarians are at the forefront of providing aspiring academics and professionals with access to digital collections and e-learning courses using mobile information communication and technology devices; the implications of the research discussed in this survey of the current literature discloses a need for diverse skills for the appropriate and continuing effectiveness to support students and academic researchers.


2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 1016-1038
Author(s):  
Haozhe Chen ◽  
Stefan E. Genchev ◽  
Geoff Willis ◽  
Benjamin Griffis

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the antecedents and impacts of a largely overlooked concept, employee development, within the challenging area of returns management. Design/methodology/approach The proposed relationships are validated through structural equation modeling analysis with survey data collected in India. Findings Combining the ability–motivation–opportunity model in human resource management and the theoretical tenets associated with dynamic capabilities, the authors confirmed that supply chain learning, returns management orientation and information support are important antecedents of returns management employee development. In turn, the findings suggest that, as a dynamic capability, returns management employee development positively impacts a firm’s returns management and market performance. Practical implications To successfully tackle the challenges related to handling returns, companies must focus their resources not only on new technologies and related processes, but also on employee training and development as well. Originality/value Although recruiting and retaining talent in supply chain management has long been recognized as a serious global challenge, no previous research has empirically studied employee development practices in the returns management context.


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