Ethics and the 7 “P's” of computer use policies

ABSTRACT

A Computer Use Policy (CUP) defines who can use the computer facilities for what. The CUP is the institution's official position on the ethical use of computer facilities. The authors believe that writing a CUP provides an ideal platform to develop a group ethic for computer users. In prior research, the authors have developed a seven phase model for writing CUPs, entitled the 7 “P's” of Computer Use Policies. The purpose of this paper is to present the model and discuss how the 7 P's can be used to identify and communicate a group ethic for the institution's computer users.

REFERENCES

• 1: Flesch, Rudolph. The Art of Readable Writing. Harper & Row Publishers, New York, NY. 1949. pp 147-151.
• 2: Gunning, Robert. The Technique of Clear Writing. McGraw Hill Book Company, New York, NY. 1968. p. 40.
• 3: Scott, Thomas J. & Richard B. Voss. #An Efficient Method for Rewriting Computer Use Policies.N Proceedings, Computers on Campus National Conference. Myrtle Beach, SC. Nov. 1994. p. 3.
• 4: Scott, Thomas J. & Richard B. Voss. "Teaching Computer Ethics Electronically". Proceedings, Computers on Campus National Conference. Myrtle Beach, S.C. Nov. 1993. p. 88.
• 5: Thomas J. Scott , Richard B. Voss , Cherri M. Pancake, Teaching an ethics component to computer science majors (abstract), Proceedings of the twenty-fourth SIGCSE technical symposium on Computer science education, p.304, February 18-19, 1993, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.7 THE COMPUTING PROFESSION
      K.7.m Miscellaneous
          Subjects: Ethics**

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES
      H.1.2 User/Machine Systems
          Subjects: Human factors

  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
  K.4 COMPUTERS AND SOCIETY
      K.4.1 Public Policy Issues
          Subjects: Privacy

General Terms:
Human Factors