Privacy in the WorkPlace

Introduction

The vast majority of businesses use computers, and technology has allowed employers to closely monitor almost every aspect of communications in the workplace that involve the use of computers and telephones by employees. In fact, many companies leverage technology to monitor how they use their employee Internet and email. The bulk of the extant research on privacy has focused on information privacy. Communication privacy is distinct from information privacy, which focuses on the protection of one's personal information. For instance, in an employment context, one's performance evaluations would be considered personal information. While information privacy deals with one's ability to control access to one's personal information, communication privacy deals with one's ability to control who can access the content of one's communications. While some research has been conducted on workplace e-mail privacy, I am not aware of a clear definition or measure of the construct. In response to that void in the literature, this section will attempt to define communication privacy, and by extension e-mail privacy, through a thorough exploration of the privacy literature.

According to Alice Osborn “As more and more employee groups become aware of how they are being watched, the more likely they will take their employers to court.” (Hartman and Bucci, pp. 1-24)

Thesis Statement

Should an employee have the rights to Privacy when using the internet, email and company's phone? This paper will argue on the aspect that the employee should have the right to privacy at work place.

Employee rights to privacy

Everyone has a right to privacy, and it is the obligation of the others to respect this right of the others. Moreover, if one is showing respect to the right of privacy of one person, he will in return also earn the same from that particular person. Employees also have clear and specific rights regarding privacy at work. No one, not even the employer has the right to go against the right of the employees to privacy. It is the obligation of the employer to respect these rights of the employees. This will in turn keep them motivated and loyal towards the company and the employer, as well.

To go against these rights, there are certain issues in the protection of these rights of employees to privacy. The issue of an employee violating the codes of the company by transferring information to others or stealing it goes against this right of the employee.

All employees have basic rights in the workplace. These rights include privacy and freedom from unlawful discrimination. In addition to federal law, each state has enacted laws to protect the rights of workers. These rights include the right not to be discriminated against on age, sex, race, nationality or religion during the hiring process.

In most states, employees have the right to privacy in the workplace. The right to privacy can include personal possessions, including handbags or briefcases, lockers to store things that are accessible to employees only. In addition, most private employers cannot require an employee or prospective employee to submit to a ...