EIU research shows one of the most dramatic splits in attitude to embracing technology democracy. So what are the arguments for and against?

 

Until the arrival of the internet and mobile devices, IT had everything under control. Acting as a benevolent dictatorship acting in the best interests of the business they could say who had what devices and controlled access to applications and data.

 

That has slowly eroded over the last decade as internet access spread through organisations and as people starting appearing with new internet-capable mobiles; PDAs and their own laptops. The consequence is that this modern technology is putting more information in the hands of more people at all levels.

 

Add to that the impact being made by the 'Generation Y' or 'millenials' ­ born in the 80s and early 90s - who are not only joining the workforce but moving into middle management with demands for access to technology and applications that are the norm in their personal lives.

 

Finally, pile onto that the explosion of social networking where the line between our personal and private lives blur and where videos; pictures can be shared ­ but to the worry of company executives people can also express thoughts; experiences and observations coming from all aspects of life ­ including the workplace.

 

 EIU research shows one of the most dramatic splits in attitude to embracing technology democracy ­ that is the greater freedom to use IT tools and devices to conduct work more effectively. 48% of companies are for ­ 47% are against 42% of executives think the benefits outweigh the additional risks ­ 40% think the risks outweigh the benefits.

 

And yet a recent Deloitte LLP report says only 15% of executive boards are even discussing the issues raised, for example, by social networking in a work context. Where do they stand on reputational risk vs. employee self expression?

 

What are the arguments made FOR and AGAINST?

 

Why embrace technology democracy?

 

• It encourages and facilitates innovation

o  e.g. 'Innovation Jams' / online collaborative brainstorming 

o  New ways to provide customer service to user communities

 

• It builds morale

o  Democracy means providing choice and supports the belief that the employer fundamentally trusts its employees 

o  It provides a tool for employees maintaining a better work ­ life balance

 

• It builds IT skills

o  People who previously have had very little interest in IT and technology can become proficient through increased use of internet-connected devices and social networking sites

 

John Linwood, CTO of the BBC, the UK's public broadcasting company said "There are clearly risks involved, but we think those are far outweighed by the opportunities."

 

Michael Nelson, visiting professor of Internet studies at Georgetown University, added: "Every time a new technology appears, it gives people more power. Organisations that find the way to build on this power and take advantage of the new tools are the ones that will come out ahead."

 

Alexandra Jones, associate director of the Work Foundation commented: "We found that new technologies help to create a more flexible culture and allow people to develop closer working relationships. Where the choice and use of new technologies is allowed, employees are more likely to describe their organisation as having a culture based on loyalty and mutual trust, and this is what people like in the workplace."

 

 

Why not?

 

• Time wasting ­ threat to productivity

• Data loss - Threat to reputation and confidentiality

• Increased vulnerability to attack ­ info about working life is made public and info can be gleaned about possible passwords etc.

• Increased vulnerability to viruses/malware ­ social networking sites are a major target to cybercriminals and their successes are very public

 

Mike Nagle, director of regional IT in Europe and Asia-Pacific, at Kellogg said: "We currently do not allow employees to choose and use their own devices or applications in the workplace. We also disallow the use of social networking sites selectively and personal email completely. We apply these rules on the basis of threats to security and productivity."

 

Bob Jutte, CIO, Achmea (Dutch Insurance Co.) suggested: "We do not think it is appropriate for our employees to choose and use their own devices. There is too much risk of losing confidential company information and customer data. We are reviewing our policy on social networking sites all the time. When we have a clear picture of the risks and know that we can manage them, then we make changes."

 

Mary Sheppard, financial controller at 4X Currency Corporation added: "Business perception is very important to us. Many of our clients blog and we need to be aware what information is being released. The main risk here is the damage to the company¹s reputation. You don't have a business if a client doesn't feel secure about what you do."

 

Recommendations

 

• Publish clear technology-use guidelines and update them regularly

• Educate and train

• Be ready to devolve some security oversight

• Develop in-house social networking tools

• Make the business units a partner of IT

 

 

This report comes courtesy of the Economist Intelligence Unit report on technology democracy, sponsored by Trend Micro.