Exploring intergenerational differences in technology-oriented ethical behavior

Abstract

PurposeThe proliferation of information technology (IT) and IT-enabled devices has brought various challenges for modern organizations. These challenges are aggravated by the fact that the employees of different generations have a varying degree of expertise and ethical orientation regarding technology. This study has two primary objectives to have an in-depth understanding of technology-related ethical behavior of a diverse workforce. First, it aims to develop a valid and reliable scale to measure technology-oriented ethical behavior. Second, it investigates variations in technology-oriented ethical behavior among Generation X (pre-millennial), Generation Y (millennial) and Generation Z (post-millennial) using the scale.Design/methodology/approachThe study is conducted in two steps. The first step, a techno-ethical scale, is developed with the help of the six steps of scale development proposed by Churchill (1979). These steps include exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), reliability analysis (composite reliability) and validity analysis (convergent and divergent validity). In the second step, intergenerational variation in different factors of technology-oriented ethical behavior among generation X, Y and Z employees is explored with the help of ANOVA and mean plots.FindingsThe study suggests a four-dimensional techno-ethical scale comprising fourteen statements. These four dimensions of the scale are the invasion of the right of privacy, defamation, self-enrichment and loafing during office hours. The scale is reported to have adequate reliability and validity estimates. Results also recommend statistically significant variations in all four dimensions of technology-oriented ethical behavior among pre-millennial, millennial and post-millennial. Also, except for self-enrichment, the mean values progressively increase from pre-millennial to post-millennial. Even for self-enrichment, the mean value is highest for post-millennial.Originality/valueThis study is one of the pioneer studies that explore ethical orientation towards technology usage of three generations of employees.

Ethical approaches to technology use: some intergenerational differences

“…However, knowledge of the respective techno-ethical orientation of these different generations is minimal. This prompted Verma and Garg (2022) to further investigate key issues in a survey of premillennial, millennial and postmillennial employees working in sectors that include education, information and technology, finance, insurance and manufacturing.…”

Exploring the psychometric properties of the Cyberbullying Attitude Scale (CBAS) and its relation with teasing and gratitude in Indian collegiates

“…Although cyberbullying severely impacts people of all ages, students are more prone to online victimization (Zhu et al ., 2021). Impulsiveness, lack of guidance and experience, sensation and thrill-seeking attitude, the heat of passion and peer pressure make young students easy targets of cyberbullying (Zhu et al ., 2021; Reyna and Farley, 2006; Verma and Garg, 2022).…”

Being ethically resilient during COVID-19: a cross-sectional study of Indian supply chain companies

“…, 2017). Some of the technology-related ethical issues experienced by organisations during the recent global health pandemic were a cyber-security risk, data tracking, data stealing, Internet spammers perpetrating attacks, inadequate bandwidth of the unencrypted and unregulated channel, unpatched software, obsolete operating systems, inability to ensure safety and confidentiality of sensitive data (Verma and Garg, 2022; Parungao, 2020).…”

“…The guidelines for EDM have undergone a tremendous remodification in the context of the technological changes imposed due to the pandemic. The distinction between what constitutes ethical or unethical in the context of technology has become blurred (Verma and Garg, 2022). It requires revisiting the techno or digital theories to ensure an ethical workplace for the employees.…”

“…Employees and organisations working in the virtual environment and connected via technology have reported unethical usage of modern technologies and ICT devices (Carroll and Conboy, 2020; Verma and Garg, 2022). Moreover, owing to the widespread adverse effects of coronavirus and the mandatory adoption of technology for communication, the unethical business practices during the COVID-19 period have been exacerbated.…”