Faculty & Research
Data-Driven Ethics: Exploring Customer Privacy in the Information Era
Vol 7 No 10
By: Erica L. Wagner Ph.D. and Olga Kupriyanova
Executive Summary: An examination of issues related to the collection and use of personal information by hotel companies finds that many consumers would like to retain control of their personal information. In particular, they are concerned about what companies learn about their proclivities in the course of monitoring their commercial transactions. While the chief concerns vary from country to country, many respondents to a survey were unhappy that personal data could be stored long-term, citing the possibility of identity theft. Adopting a systems orientation and considering three ethical principles would go far to reassure customers that their data are secure. Those principles are minimize harm, offer respect, and operate consistently. The growth of data mining and data sharing, as well as current concerns over personal data privacy, means that these issues should be considered by managers, CIOs, marketing personnel, IT professionals, and consumers.
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- Data-Driven Ethics: Exploring Customer Privacy in the Information Era By: Erica L. Wagner Ph.D. and Olga Kupriyanova
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Other Reports or Articles You May Find of Interest
- The Strategic Value of Information: A Manager's Guide to Profiting from Information Systems, by Gabriele Piccoli, Ph.D., and Paolo Torchio
- An Examination of Internet Intermediaries and Hotel Loyalty Programs: How Will Guests Get their Points?, by Bill Carroll, Ph.D., and Judy A. Siguaw, D.B.A
About Erica L. Wagner Ph.D.
A social scientist with IT expertise, Erica Wagner specializes in the study of how newly introduced information technology is "made to work" within organizations. Professor Wagner uses qualitative field research techniques to understand the patterns of action, stakeholder behaviors, and systemic interactions that reveal the issues of strategy, negotiation and power present whenever major technological change occurs within an organization. She is particularly interested in how new technology can be accepted within organizations even when it is perceived as problematic, and the role played by the "best practices" concept and has published widely in both scholarly and applied outlets. Professor Wagner teaches the required IS course as well as a database design elective at the School and uses a critical thinking framework for presenting course content and evaluating student learning. Her IS Ethics Debate and Vision Essay assignments have received University-wide recognition for their innovative approaches to assessing student learning.
For more information visit http://www.hotelschool.cornell.edu/research/facultybios/faculty.html?id=103
About Olga Kupriyanova
Olga Kupriyanova is a 2006 graduate of the Cornell School of Hotel Administration. A native of Moscow, Russia, her main interests are in hospitality marketing and information systems. She currently holds a marketing analyst position with Harrah's Entertainment in London, U.K.
