Ethics and Moral Intensity: An Analysis of Information Technology and General Education Students

There are many current information technology positions that are generally regarded as unethical. This study finds that there are mixed results in the ethical judgments of today’s students in addressing these common information technology issues. For all students surveyed, not all unethical information technology statements are opposed. The survey examines differences between information technology students and general education students and finds that overall information technology students do not judge unethical issues differently from general students. Components of moral intensity influencing moral judgments are also studied and complex decision influences are found in many cases. The most important component is found to be consequences of actions. Based on this limited study, information technology ethics needs to be a greater part of the curriculum and needs to address the complex ethical decision making process. Limitations, implications, recommendations, and further study are reviewed.