Universal Information Ethics? Ethical Pluralism and Social Justice

Author(s):  
Charles Ess

The explosive, global diffusion of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and computer-mediated communication (CMC) confronts us with the need for an information ethics that can resolve ethical problems evoked by ICTs and CMC in ways that provide shared, perhaps (quasi-)universal responses. At the same time, however, in the name of a transcultural social justice that preserves diverse cultural identities, such an ethics must also reflect and sustain local values, approaches, and traditions. Important ethical claims from both within Western and between Eastern and Western cultures exemplify an ethical pluralism that is able to meet these requirements as this pluralism represents important ethical differences as issuing from diverse judgments and applications of shared ethical norms.

Author(s):  
Huseyin Ozcinar ◽  
H. Tugba Ozturk

Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC) is the process by which individuals can exchange information, communicate with each other in multiple ways, and socially construct knowledge by means of networked information and communication technologies (Gunawerdana et al., 1997). CMC tools record transcripts of messages and interactions and provide researchers with a “ready-made” source of data. Today, researchers are seeking for alternative theories, methods, and software tools in order to better investigate CMC and its effect on different learning outcomes (Garrison, 2000). In order to understand the learning process in CMC, content analysis, and sequential analysis (interaction analysis), Jeong (2005) offers a methodological framework to explore the discussion process, product, and quality. Therefore, in this chapter, the authors aim to provide guidance for scholars and practitioners by referring to the basics of the two complementary methods (content analysis and sequential analysis), pitfalls, challenges, as well as strategies and implications of the methods.


Author(s):  
Stylianos Hatzipanagos ◽  
Anthony Basiel ◽  
Annette Fillery-Travis

This chapter explores how web-based video conferencing (WVC) can be used to create and support learning environments within a work based learning context. Computer mediated communication interactions through WVC can support collaborative knowledge construction by encouraging dialogical processes in communities of learners and practitioners. We position our field of exploration within the educational landscape defined by socio-economic changes, resulting from the development of the knowledge economy, and the explosive growth of information and communication technologies to serve it.


Author(s):  
Alessandro Wärzner ◽  
Martina Hartner-Tiefenthaler ◽  
Sabine Theresia Koeszegi

Working from anywhere relies heavily on information communication technologies (ICT). Scholars are increasingly utilizing a tension-based research lens to investigate organisational paradoxes which are rooted in opposite tendencies that might negate one another. Thus, computer-mediated communication can be both demanding and resourceful. The aim of this chapter is to present an analytical framework integrating three distinct but interrelated perspectives (task, medium and individual) to account for individuals' perceptions of job demands and job resources associated with the usage of ICT when working from anywhere. This chapter draws on insights from theories of media choice and communication performance, the self-determination theory and the job demands-resources model to better understand the impact of communication in the remote setting.


Author(s):  
Zlatko J. Kovacic

Diffusion of information and communication technologies is a global phenomenon. In spite of rapid globalization there are considerable differences between nations in terms of the adoption and usage of new technologies. Several studies exploring causal factors including national cultures of information and communication technology adoption have been carried out. The focus of this chapter is slightly different from other studies in this area. Rather than concentrating on the individual information technology an overall e-Government readiness is the focus. This research conducted an analysis of the impact national culture has on e-Government readiness and its components for 62 countries. E-Government readiness assessment used in this study is based on the UN E-Government Survey 2008, while the national cultural dimensions were identified using Hofstede’s model of cultural differences. The research model and hypotheses were formed and tested using correlation and regression analysis. The findings indicate that worldwide e-Government readiness and its components are related to culture. The result has theoretical and practical implications.


2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 237-257 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erika Darics ◽  
Maria Cristina Gatti

Digital communication technologies led to a revolution in how people interact at work: relying on computer-mediated communication technologies is now a must, rather than an alternative. This empirical study investigates how colleagues in a virtual team use synchronous online communication platform in the workplace. Inspired by the conceptualisation of web-based communication platforms as tool, place or context of social construction, we explore the discursive strategies that contribute to the construction of the team’s shared sense of purpose and identity, a collegial atmosphere and consequently lead to effective collaboration. The close analyses of real-life data from a multinational workplace provide insights into the everyday communication practices of virtual team members. Our findings supplement organisational literature based on etic observations of the effectiveness of virtual work and provide a basis for further theorisations about how communication technologies affect the ecology of and discourse practices in computer-mediated communication at work.


2010 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 331-356 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Keating ◽  
Chiho Sunakawa

AbstractThe development of digital communication technologies not only has an influence on human communicative practices, but also creates new spaces for human collaborative activity. In this article we discuss a technologically mediated context for interaction, computer games. Closely looking at interactions among a group of gamers, we examine how players are managing complex, shifting frameworks of participation, the virtual game world and the embodied world of talk and plans for action. Introducing the notion of participation cues, we explain how interactants are able to orient to, plan, and execute collaborative actions that span quite different environments with quite different types of agency, possible acts, and consequences. Novel abilities to interact across diverse spaces have consequences for understanding how humans build coordinated action through efficient, multimodal communication mechanisms. (Computer-mediated communication, language and technology, gaming, gesture, participation, multimodality)*


Author(s):  
Gedas Baranauskas

Purpose - The present article aims to reveal and summarize key points of the application of information and communication technology (ICT) and Internet technology in the context of modern organization communication, related management processes. Design/methodology/approach - methods of meta-analysis, comparative analysis and systemizing-synthesis are used in this article. A scoping review methodology was chosen as dominant for the research with the purpose of assessing key points in the context of Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) usage in modern organizations. The research is based on a qualitative paradigm. Findings – Results of the scoping review suggest that ICT and CMC are compatible and can be successfully applicable to solve the main challenges in management and control contexts of inter-organizational, organizational, group (team) and inter-personal communication and related processes. In addition, this new combination of management methods and technological innovations has a great impact on opinion and behavior of customers and overall society, process improvement in business organizations, and change management. Research limitations/implications - Firstly, a limited scope of organizations especially in Public and Non-governmental sector use CMC in everyday duties. Nevertheless, a usage of ICT and CMC requires not only the understanding of the theoretical background but also strict practical implication guidelines as well as measurement and evaluation indicators, targets, and an overall model for analyzing. Since this article is based on the scoping review where main findings and conclusions are outlined from a meta-analysis, case studies and comparative analysis towards a practical implication are not sufficiently elaborated. The second limitation which can also be called a future implication might be a wide scope and content of the CMC concept as well as the dynamics of the communication process in organizations, increasing demand from business organizations. Practical implications -The research may serve as a starting point to a further scientific discussion regarding the usage ICT and CMC both separately and as a part of other hybrid project and process methods, optimization and continuous improvement of communication, learning, control and other related processes and systems in organization management. Originality/Value - The main value of the presented article can be described as underlying spheres where CMC has the major impact in management of modern organizations: it takes effect in a wide field of internal and external processes as well as in overall process optimization activities and change management. Keywords: Computer Mediated Communication (CMC); organization management; information and communication technology (ICT); Human Resource Management (HRM); leadership; technostress; online learning. Research type: literature review. JEL classification: M15- IT Management, D83 - Information and Knowledge, Communication.


2011 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Brown ◽  
Peter Kiriakidis

Given that online higher education is a competitive marketplace, this paper discusses how to ensure online student success. Within the online learning environment, the following may create the vitality of the online institution: (a) The online learning environment; (b) The role of the instructor; (c) Learning Communities; (d) Computer-mediated Communication Technologies; and (e) Policy and practice. These factors may be managed by the institution of higher education, the faculty member, or the learner; however, a commitment is needed by all stakeholders in the program.


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