Jobs have been lost through an introduction of technological replacements such as robots that are created to replacing people used in a workplace to manage the company floor. Administrative databases developed for the efficiency and accuracy of personal data of employers and employees stored within a computer system, desktop publishing, accounting and banking, which provide ATM machines for the purpose of transactions and account details.
There is a growth of knowledge and Information and service based work using Information Communication Technology these of which are, catering, computer software, advertising and any other computer related services. All of these computerised technology perform several tasks include ATM machines and telecommunications.
People with the inner interest in the computer industry will need basic skills to work in a particular career involving Information Communication Technology such as, web designer, programmer, manager, technician, graphic designer, data entry clerk, database manager, bank clerk, administrator, accountant and other related careers.
The skills required for the careers will be the ability in using word to process documents and templates, spreadsheet skills to perform calculations for bills and payments, ability in database to store employee details creating tables and deleting adding new details creating tables and forms, having use of the Internet with ability to search websites and downloading, use of email to send files and documents such as, company fax, memos letters etc. adding attachments. Producing graphs and charts, technical skills and typing sills also required to input information with the ability to type and being able to use all software.
Companies using computerised systems have developed in various areas. Modern banks using systems were less functional without the use of computerised technology but have become efficient over the years in the speed of processing. In a bank, building society or government department, hospital or in retail transactions are stored on disks for processing and analysing.
Monitoring within a police force is carried out for the effectiveness to help identify criminals with the use of computers used to analyse, search, and combine data several ways making it easier. In a travel agency airline bookings can be made through instant response through information having used a credit or debit card can be found and verified instantly. Employers can calculate the details of the company and of employees with accurate results and information can be sent from one branch to another using electronic mail. Employees communicate over several branches to keep in touch and exchange documents and files. Work can be carried out effectively by creating graphs, presentation slides, word documents and other various tasks to help perform and improve in areas within work.
Computer monitoring in a company working to help protect the environment uses Information Communication Technology to help gather Information and provide data analyses. The employees working for such company also use the Internet user groups to access up to date statistics and to obtain people to collect evidence.
The use of monitoring carried out through computer technology could lead to extra costs as newer technological machinery is introduced and technology developed installation of hardware and software lead to expenses and training employees enabling them to work with new machinery which raises costs. Mistakes often occur before being noticed and this leads to system failure. Automated machinery is found in resulting in new risks covering health and safety issues. The monitoring of surveillance emissions ensure low levels of effectiveness and video conferencing, web cams are now most common surveillance devices used in large sectors between employers and employees for face to face meetings which is more reliable for direct contact and a more clear discussion.
As newer systems are developed limitations in the use of Information Communication Technology arise. The drawbacks to this include job losses among employees. Errors and faults in a software meaning there being no work plan resulting to loss of customers and low employee morale. Managers whom may be overloaded with such information in their email accounts may find it hard to equalise.
Telecommuting which involves working away from the office using a computer and telecommunications equipment to communicate with the employer has benefits and drawbacks in a workplace.
“With the arrival of the Internet and web as kind of standard for groupware, a number of organisations members work through telecommunications, with occasional face to face meetings.”
It is beneficial to those whom may find it easier to concentrate working at home in a quite environment away from the busy office. Employees save on time and costs due to being in at home and not having to travel. It is flexible and employees can arrange hours of work most convenient to their daily schedule and can engage on other commitments prior to the importance. Working as part of a team is possible for those from different locations and recruitment is becoming available from a large geographical area.
Technologies that involve telecommuting such as, laptops, modems, computers, mobile phones, e-mail, video conferencing, networks and satellite enable people to work across large distances and over several countries. The issue was a matter of concern in the past before the technology was introduced. People would drive long distances to work and spend money on fuel or repair for the replacement of car damages.
However demanding it may seem there is the drawback to the issue where management fears difficulty in the control over employees that have been away from the office for long. The concern over whether employees understand goals and their commitment to the work. Not working in the office and being away most of the time result in the lack of socialising with colleagues and feeling isolated. It may be difficult to work in a team and getting help when needed may not be possible. Working at home may be difficult with distracting children lack of concentration arises.
Long ago before modern technology had been introduced monitoring of employees were recorded by supervisors and managers of a workplace who would cover full supervision by recording details in sheets and lists. This has present been replaced by surveillance emissions where employees are monitored on their performance of work through computers and the Internet.
A growing problem is the time spent on the Internet to search and visit inappropriate sites such as, pornography used to download images and illegal software. Inappropriate documents from the Internet exchanged with colleagues sending unnecessary email and carrying out many time consuming activities during working hours.
“E-mails can also be a source of embarrassment for companies. Norwich Union paid out £450,000 after an employee mistakenly sent a libellous message to a rival organisation using a company e-mail address.”
Companies are taking action against this for protection in convenience for their own good. They are using Internet security software, which scans through all programs stored in the computer detecting any files or, viruses or inappropriate content stored.
“EIM is a new class of software which is able to detect, among other things, the presence of particular file types on a network, changes in hardware or software, particular content or text strings.”
As a result it can lead to serious major concerns and companies are to be fully aware and alert in case of a charge of the law, which can lead to defending other employees.
Ethical and legal issues are taken in account in drastic measures by most companies of which are to protect against illegal tasks. Computer monitoring also used in companies for quality in productivity and good performance also helps motivation of employees by employers. The balance between employers and employees has been an ethical issue in monitoring using computers and how rights can be equal amongst them.
Having covered the impact Information Communication Technology has on businesses has become clear the monitoring of employees through computer technology increasingly beneficial and the development will be increasing as newer technology is created. Computers will be an ever growing technology within the industry and furthermore will continue being a success. Computers have taken over many activities humans had performed before and have replaced humans for many years and generations yet to come.
Reference:
[1] Duquenoy Penny, Jones Simon, Rahanu Harjinder and Diaper Dan (2005) Social, Legal and Professional Issues of Computing. Middlesex University Press
[2] Duquenoy Penny, Jones Simon, Rahanu Harjinder and Diaper Dan (2005) Social, Legal and Professional Issues of Computing. Middlesex University Press
[3] Duquenoy Penny, Jones Simon, Rahanu Harjinder and Diaper Dan (2005) Social, Legal and Professional Issues of Computing. Middlesex University Press
[4] Duquenoy Penny, Jones Simon, Rahanu Harjinder and Diaper Dan (2005) Social, Legal and Professional Issues of Computing. Middlesex University Press