Ethics Information Technology and Organi
Iranian Journal of Ethics in Science and Technology
Vol. 4, No. 1, 2, 2009
Ethics, Information Technology and Organizational
Citizenship Behavior
*B Sohrabi, A Khanlari
Faculty of Management, University of Tehran
Abstract
Background: Although Information Technology (IT) plays a critical role in organizations and is
essential for nowadays business survival, but organizations have several ethical challenges in
embarking this technology. Nonetheless, because of its role and importance in organizations, it is
necessary to identify factors affecting on IT ethics. The relationship between organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and IT ethics remained relatively underdeveloped and a review of these
studies indicates that validity and reliability issues have yet to be fully addressed. This study with
an OCB approach examined what factors affect IT ethics.
Methods: Data were collected from 119 personnel and managers of IT firms located in Tehran.
The a priori proposed model was tested using structural equation modeling techniques.
Conclusion: The proposed model was determined to fit the data reasonably well. These results
indicate that IT ethics can be explained by corporate ethical values. In this relationship, organizational commitment and OCB dimensions are as mediators. The theoretical and practical implications of the model are discussed.
Keywords: Ethics, Information technology, Corporate ethics, Organizational commitment,
Organizational citizenship behaviors (OCB)
*Corresponding author: Tel: 61117699. Email: bsohrabi@ut.ac.ir
˺
Iranian Journal of Ethics in Science and Technology
Vol. 4, No. 1, 2, 2009
The Effect of Ethical Ideology on Quality of Financial
Reporting
*H Etemadi, Z Dianati Dilami
Accounting Department, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, I.R. Iran
Abstract
Background: Accountants have critical and difficult responsibility in interpreting the firm’s
transactions and events and presenting them in the form of financial reports so that they can be
useful to stakeholders to evaluate the performance of that firm. Thus, unethical professional
works, including presenting less qualitative and fraud financial information, can lead to social
distrust to accountants and dishonor of the whole of accounting profession. Due to the increasing
attention worldwide on ethical issues and the importance of quality of financial reporting (QFR)
in accounting, this research attempted to cover the study gap that exists in determining the effect
of financial managers’ ethical ideology on QFR.
Methods: The Ethical Position Questionnaire (EPQ) was used to determine the ethical ideology
of financial managers. Then the QFR parameter was quantified by observable variables. Finally,
the effect of managers' ethical ideology on QFR in some 150 firms listed at the Tehran Stock
Exchange was examined. Structural equation modeling based on partial list square (PLS) method
was used for data analysis.
Results: The results showed the managers’ ethical ideology is effective on QFR, so that it explains 18% of the variance of this variable. Further, idealistic view of managers has positive and
meaningful effect on QFR.
Conclusion: Due to the positive impact of managers’ idealistic view on QFR, it seems necessary
that the professional bodies and responsible authorities consider programs to enhance managers’
idealism and thus increase QFR.
Keywords: Financial reporting quality, Idealism, Relativism, Ethics in accoauting
*Corresponding Author: Tel: +98 21 82884632, E-mail: etemadih@modares.ac.ir
˻
Iranian Journal of Ethics in Science and Technology
Vol. 4, No. 1, 2, 2009
Information Technology Ethic and Survey Communication
Ethics
*B Pournaghdi
Islamic Azad University- Hamedan Branch (Member of Young Researchers Club)
Abstract
Background: In the age of information and scientific and age of Three Thousand by named Information
and Communication, find solution and applied information and communication in management organize
and organization system is important Ethics project. Application new systems of ITC is lower pay, also
create new job.
Methods: The survey 80 person of General IT and Internet operator of Information Technology Ethic,
Create a Ethic Model for Science and Technology. Also more then 80% of Internet operators and children
is Solution and not any security.
Conclusion: In the world village, Countries having development key that research scientific system and
using new communication tools and information management system. By making virtual organize system,
remove of not emergency transfer and expand of speed process work and run paper less system.
Information Technology is transfer of science and papal information’s by technical tools. Also
Information Technology Ethics to science safe and save, transfer, explorer and process of information and
data, and full applied this research and science. Extra and development of science and technology need to
survey of IT Ethic.
Keywords: Science ethic, Information technology, Ethic manners, Virtual identity
*Corresponding Author: Tel: 09373312202, E-mail: behzad.pournaghdi@gmail.com
˼
Iranian Journal of Ethics in Science and Technology
Vol. 4, No. 1, 2, 2009
The Role of Ethical Marketing on Food Consumers Purchase
Behavior
A Ebrahimi1, *A Roodani2
1
Dept. of Business Management, Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
2
Dept. of Business Management, Alghadir Institute, Tabriz, Iran
Abstract
Background: This study aims at studying corporate social responsibility and the mechanism of moral
marketing’s influence on purchasing behavior of consumers. Therefore, the main research question in this
study is the mechanism of ethical-social value observation by corporations influencing purchase decision
making process of foodstuff consumers.
Methods: In terms of nature, the research method is descriptive, and in terms of data collection, it is
survey. Data was collected through questionnaires and sampling was done using random clustering
method. To answer the research questions, 372 foodstuff customers of Refah Chain Store were included in
the survey.
Results: The results indicate that there is a significant and positive relationship between marketing
method and purchasing behavior of foodstuff consumers. The findings designate that the positive
relationship between geographical factors and purchasing behavior of foodstuff consumers is significant.
Furthermore, the results show that there is a significant and positive relationship between moral marketing
and purchasing behavior of foodstuff consumers in the population.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that social value observation by corporations affects purchasing
behavior of foodstuff consumers; that is, conformity of corporate values to consumers’ values (society’s
values) encourages consumers to select trademarks of the respective corporation.
Keywords: Ethics, Marketing, Purchase behavior, Social responsibility, Values
*Corresponding Author: Tell: +98 2613324273, Email: Amin.Roodani@Gmail.com
̊
Iranian Journal of Ethics in Science and Technology
Vol. 4, No. 1, 2, 2009
Off the Frame Payments in Organizations
*AA Yazdani 1, H Aghajani 2
1
2
Dept. of management Payame Noor University, Sari Branch
Dept. of Business Administration and Industrial Management, University of Mazandaran
Abstract
Background: Today's Organizations, even by having clear goals & efficient structures, need powerful &
committed man-power to reach their objectives completely. Capability and specialty are matters which are
achievable through the process of selection and training, but the subjects of commitment and morality in
organizations, need cultural activities paying attention to criteria which are complicated.
Personnel do such actions in working environment which will have undesirable results for the related
employee & even the organization, if not approved by the managers. The authorities have to identify and
analyze these issues and by taking the proper actions, coordinate the personnel's actions with that of
organization's. The goal of project is to identify the angles of subject and present some approaches to
control the criteria.
Method: In the present article, we review the subject of off the frame payments in organizations and while
reviewing documentarily the literatural text, describe and review a case study performed in an
organization to clarify different aspects of the discussed subject in one practical case. This research is a
combination of practical studies and experiences.
Results: A model was presented for assessing organization's behavior, based on experiences and the case
study. The proper reactions of managers were also determined in the organization's various cultural
conditions.
Conclusion: moralities are very effective for improving organizational behavior & in this respect,
organizations need to control individual's behavior and team's criteria. Off the frame payments, have some
advantages despite the disadvantages & based on the patterns that are presented in the research, we can
assess the cultural conditions of the organization considering this condition and select a suitable approach
for it.
Keywords: Off the frame payments, Organizational moralities, organizational behaviors.
*Corresponding Author: Tel: 09113548201, Email: amirabbasyazdani@Gmail.com
̋
Iranian Journal of Ethics in Science and Technology
Vol. 4, No. 1, 2, 2009
A Classified Attitude to the Field of Information Ethics
The Information Ethics as a Developing Field of Computer
Ethics
*AR Seghatoleslami
Dept. of Philosophy of Science, Science and Research Branch of Islamic Azad University, Tehran
Abstract
Background: This paper is based on Theory of Information Ethics (IE) interpreted by Luciano Floridi to
be definite as a developing filed of Computer Ethics (CE), and it considers a necessity for classification of
important ethical problems in the field to give a methodic attitude to analyze any class of the problems.
Floridi argued that the purview of computer ethics- indeed of ethics in general- should be widened to
include much more than simply human beings, their actions, in-tentions and characters. He offered IE as
another macroethics which is intended to be applicable to all ethical situations.
Methods: First of all, some of the typical problems in the information age are surveyed by a problem-based
approach to be recognizing the evolution and the developing process from CE field to IE field. To
introduce IE in detail and to explain its typical problems, four fundamental possible approaches of ethics
are considered: philosophical, normal, descriptive, and applied ethics. Therefore, IE is granted as a research
filed in the ethical problems that arises from information & communication technology in the information
age., These problems as the applied ethical problems are distinguished in three different approaches to IE
with the typical issues and examples: philosophical, professional, and descriptive ethics approaches.
Conclusion: The approaches to IE are classified in a table. Therefore, the associated disciplines, the
typical issues, and the appropriate methodology are given to analyze any category of the problems that are
explained by four possible approaches of ethics in short.
Keywords: Computer ethics, Descriptive ethics, Information ethics, Philosophical ethics, Professional
ethics
*Corresponding Author: Post Box: 16765-3443, E-mail: aseghatoleslami@yahoo.com
̌
Iranian Journal of Ethics in Science and Technology
Vol. 4, No. 1, 2, 2009
Ethics in Biomedical Research Involving Human Subjects
M Hajifaraji
National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciecses,
Shahid Beheshti University of MedicalSciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Background: Research involving human subjects should deal with health issues of the population or
community in which the research is carried out.
Ethical expedients, would be achieved only when the successful interventions or other beneficences are
provided to the society as a results of such research. Thus, to supply ethical expedients, a planning and
management process must be established prior to implementation of the research and monitoring and
evaluation along the study to the end and even communication of the results to the authorities and also the
population in which the research is carried out. Investigators' commitment and skills and safety of research
environment should be verified by ethical review committees prior to study and its process must be ceased
upon diverting from protocol obligations or human rights. Obtaining the voluntary informed consent of the
prospective subject and assurance that they would have the right of unconditional withdraw from the
study, is considered as part of the investigators' commitments. Such an intricate, which would be occurred
along conducting the research supported by sponsors, is bias distortion in performing and communicating
the study results. Thus the investigator is obligated with his/her commitments, free from exclusive relations,
particularly socio-economic, to the sponsors and in case of conflict of interests he/she must disclose it to
the ethical review committees and even when communicating the study results.
Conclusion: This article represents a review of different ethical aspects of biomedical research involving
human subjects and essential guidelines protecting their rights.
Keywords: Ethics in research, Biomedical, Human subject
*Corresponding Author: Tel: +98 21 22086349, E-mail: m39faraji@yahoo.com
̀
Iranian Journal of Ethics in Science and Technology
Vol. 4, No. 1, 2, 2009
A Framework for Research into Media Ethics
Hadi Khaniki
Dept. of Communication, Allameh Tabatabaee University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
This paper distinguishes between two concepts of “morality” and “ethics” and draws a map for considering some aspects and contexts of ethics in media. Accordingly, the basic principles that affect media ethics as well as the extra-media factors for its construction and function are reviewed.
Then, using the normative theory of “social responsibility”, the idea of media ethics is defined as
something beyond individual journalist behavior.
The paper critically reviews two entire on “Media Ethics” and “Journalism Ethics” from The International Encyclopedia of Communication as the starting point. It then continues to review
some other influential definitions papers in search for a new conceptual framework for ethical research into media.
The paper shows a shift of emphasis from the individual journalists to local, national and international institutions such as media organizations, the State and international organizations. It then introduces a framework for compiling the basic laws of applied professional ethics. In this framework, four principles of “public awareness”, “freedom of the press”, “expression of truth”, and “respect to human dignity and private life”, can help to create plural and media spaces.
Keywords: Media ethics, journalist ethics, Applied ethics, Professional ethics, Institutional ethics
*Corresponding Author: E-mail: Hadi.khaniki@gmail.com
́
Iranian Journal of Ethics in Science and Technology
Vol. 4, No. 1, 2, 2009
A view of Problems and Practical Pattern of Promotion of
Ethics in Educational Organizatons
A Shalbaf 1
University of Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Background: The occurrence of unethical behaviors and its ubiquity in educational organizations, at the
present age, is the most important problem in the educational organizations. The preventing of such
behaviors and solution of such problems emerge that these organizations require ethics. Perception of
internal and external elements is important to give value and ethics because ethic is relationship conduct
pattern based on respect own rights and others against environment.
Method: This paper by using analytical study considers the ethical approaches necessary as a way of
preventing such behaviors in educational organizations.
Conclusion: the occurrence of unethical behaviors and its ubiquity in educational organizations, in the
global era, is a global threat and its solution requires global programming. educational organizations, as its
holy aims require ethical discussions and are responsible against internal and external environment that
making them practical in the educational environments is impression in the performance them growth of
the training of humans and promotion of societies and elaborate (declare) efficiency of organizations in
the present of patterns of making relationship with others and providing cultural life.
Keywords: Ethics, Educational organizations, External & internal factors, Moral responsibility
*Corresponding Author: Tel:+98 61117428, E-mail:shalbaf_azra@ut.ac.ir
̂
Iranian Journal of Ethics in Science and Technology
Vol. 4, No. 1, 2, 2009
Exclusive Rights of the Creators of Original Works in Digital
Library
*S Samadi 1, N Neshat 2
1
Dept. of Information Science, Faculty of humanities, University College of Nabi Akram, Tabriz, Iran
2
Iran National Library
Abstract
Background: Copyright plays an important role in protecting exclusive rights of the creator of an
original work of authorship. However, in Digital Age (Information Age) in which the exchange
of information is carried out so differently from the traditional modes, the protection of works is
done with difficulty. Sometimes authors are too concerned about protecting their writings to keep
on creating original works. Unfortunately, copyright infringement is alive and well on this age and it
reminds us to find a solution to it. Establishing a logical balance among the three interactive factors
of copyright- the protection of original work, stimulation and creativity- can create a legal way to
have an access to the original works. The researchers of Information Age should deal with this
provocative issue to find new methods. The paper deals with issue of copyright in the Information
Age, its regulations, the methods of its management and the role of UNESCO in creating a
balance between accessibility of information and its legal privileges.
Methods: Research has been done with the use of various libraries and electronic data-bases.
Conclusion: Protecting exclusive rights of the creators of original works of authorship in digital
environment is possible; however, to achieve a better result, there is a need to more investigation
in this field, the copyrights laws, should be reconsidered. And finally it is suggested that national
copyright committees are established to protect exclusive rights of the creators.
Keywords: Copyright, Digital sphere, Fair use, Laws of copyright,UNESCO
*Corresponding Author: Tel: +98 411 23342, E-mail: s.samadi40@yahoo.com
˺˹
Iranian Journal of Ethics in Science and Technology
Vol. 4, No. 1, 2, 2009
Medical Ethics and Bad News Delivery to Patients
*K Banihashemi
Great Persian Encyclopedia Foundation
Abstract
Background: It has been shown that bad medical news could be associated with stressful psychological
and physiological reactions both for physicians and patients. There is always a strong tendency to reduce
or abolish the significant consequences of such a process through psychological reaction analyses
techniques.
Methods: We analyzed the main ethical considerations which exist in between and we ranked the
parameter setting frames before, during and after the bad news session.
Results: In this study, a relatively classical categorization system for a variety of psychological or
physiological reactions as primary and secondary ones has been proposed with a mind filtration process of
un-wanted or stressful ambiguous mental or behavioral reactions, both quantitatively and qualitatively.
Conclusion: Mind analysis and reaction modifications both for physicians and patients at each stage of
the bad news session may reduce the level or intensity of provocation hence diminishes the post-session
stressful reactions of the patient. The primary mental or behavioral reactions of physicians may not be
completely organized or well analyzed at early period of treatment process. It seems to be better to make a
filtration process and turn into secondary more controlled reactions. This would be fruitful and may
coincide with suitable, comprehensive and on-time situation analysis viewpoints.
Keywords: Bad news, Stressful reaction, Medical ethics, Physician's skills
*Corresponding author: E-mail: banihashemi@bdbf.org.ir
˺˺
Iranian Journal of Ethics in Science and Technology
Vol. 4, No. 1, 2, 2009
The Role of Agricultural Extension in Enhancing
Environmental Ethics among Farmers
*A Abedi-Sarvestani 1, M Shahvali 2
1
Dept. of Agricultural Extension and Education, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and
Natural Resources, Iran
2
Dept. of Agricultural Extension and Education, Shiraz University, Iran
Abstract
Background: The use of new enhanced technologies in agriculture not only has increased agricultural
production but also endangered environmental sustainability. Environmental degradation and pollution
have been threatening life on the Earth and will cause decreased capacity for producing enough safe foods
for human beings. These realities along with forming new agricultural trade and also changes in social
norms and values make it necessary to disseminate environmental ethics among farmers and agriculture
stakeholders to motivate them protect agricultural resources like soil, water, animals and plants.
Methods: Based on descriptive methodology, this article aims to explain the most important reasons for
engaging agricultural Extension in environmental ethics to protect production resources in agriculture.
Conclusion: Because agriculture has ethical dimension, it is necessary that agricultural Extension, pay
enough attention to incorporate environmental ethics to make sure that agricultural practices are not
environmentally destructive. The need for environmental ethics in agricultural Extension can be explained
by three reasons. They are “the educational essence of agricultural Extension”, “behavioral voluntary-based
changes in extension works” and finally, “training Extension workers”. Therefore, it is recommended that
agricultural Extension provide environmental ethics education for farmers in which they become able to
make right decisions while they are using agricultural production resources. It makes sure that farmers
have more proper relationship with natural environment.
Keywords: Agricultural extension, Environment, Environmental ethics
*Corresponding Author: Tel: 0171-4440870, Fax: 0171-4420438, Email: abediac@yahoo.com
˺˻
Iranian Journal of Ethics in Science and Technology
Vol. 4, No. 1, 2, 2009
Considerations on Universal Declaration on Bioethics and
Human Rights
*N Ghorbannia
Dept, of law, Mofid University, Ghom, Iran
Abstract
Background: Today Life technology has been developed both in national and international level.
In the Light of Fast Progress of life technology, respect to principles of bioethics became necessary. Vienna declaration and program of Action of the world Conference on human rights (1993)
emphasizes in para.11: "Everyone has the right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its
applications. The world Conference on human rights notes that certain advance, notably in the
biomedical and life sciences as well as in information technology, may have potentially adverse
consequences for the integrity, dignity, and human rights of the individual and calls for international cooperation to ensure that human rights and dignity are fully respected in this area of Universal concern.
Conclusion: General conference of UNESCO in the scope related to bioethics has adopted Universal Declaration on Human Genome and Human Rights (1997) and International Declaration
on Human Genetic Data (2003) that their codification is excellent and their content is comprehensive, logic and transparent. But the third declaration which has been adopted by UNESCO
under the title of "Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights" has some problems,
such as structural Problem, Lack of attention to obligations of individuals, incorrect expression of
purpose of declaration and principles of bioethics and also nondiscrimination principle. Fundamental principles of bioethics have not been explained well, Principle of consent has been considered as absolute and also declaration has addressed states and has not paid enough attention to
obligation of individuals.
Keywords: Bioethics, Human rights, Life sciences, Human dignity
*Corresponding author: Tel/Fax: +98 251 2935199, E-mail: ghorbannia4@gmail.com
˺˼
Vol. 4, No. 1, 2, 2009
Ethics, Information Technology and Organizational
Citizenship Behavior
*B Sohrabi, A Khanlari
Faculty of Management, University of Tehran
Abstract
Background: Although Information Technology (IT) plays a critical role in organizations and is
essential for nowadays business survival, but organizations have several ethical challenges in
embarking this technology. Nonetheless, because of its role and importance in organizations, it is
necessary to identify factors affecting on IT ethics. The relationship between organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and IT ethics remained relatively underdeveloped and a review of these
studies indicates that validity and reliability issues have yet to be fully addressed. This study with
an OCB approach examined what factors affect IT ethics.
Methods: Data were collected from 119 personnel and managers of IT firms located in Tehran.
The a priori proposed model was tested using structural equation modeling techniques.
Conclusion: The proposed model was determined to fit the data reasonably well. These results
indicate that IT ethics can be explained by corporate ethical values. In this relationship, organizational commitment and OCB dimensions are as mediators. The theoretical and practical implications of the model are discussed.
Keywords: Ethics, Information technology, Corporate ethics, Organizational commitment,
Organizational citizenship behaviors (OCB)
*Corresponding author: Tel: 61117699. Email: bsohrabi@ut.ac.ir
˺
Iranian Journal of Ethics in Science and Technology
Vol. 4, No. 1, 2, 2009
The Effect of Ethical Ideology on Quality of Financial
Reporting
*H Etemadi, Z Dianati Dilami
Accounting Department, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, I.R. Iran
Abstract
Background: Accountants have critical and difficult responsibility in interpreting the firm’s
transactions and events and presenting them in the form of financial reports so that they can be
useful to stakeholders to evaluate the performance of that firm. Thus, unethical professional
works, including presenting less qualitative and fraud financial information, can lead to social
distrust to accountants and dishonor of the whole of accounting profession. Due to the increasing
attention worldwide on ethical issues and the importance of quality of financial reporting (QFR)
in accounting, this research attempted to cover the study gap that exists in determining the effect
of financial managers’ ethical ideology on QFR.
Methods: The Ethical Position Questionnaire (EPQ) was used to determine the ethical ideology
of financial managers. Then the QFR parameter was quantified by observable variables. Finally,
the effect of managers' ethical ideology on QFR in some 150 firms listed at the Tehran Stock
Exchange was examined. Structural equation modeling based on partial list square (PLS) method
was used for data analysis.
Results: The results showed the managers’ ethical ideology is effective on QFR, so that it explains 18% of the variance of this variable. Further, idealistic view of managers has positive and
meaningful effect on QFR.
Conclusion: Due to the positive impact of managers’ idealistic view on QFR, it seems necessary
that the professional bodies and responsible authorities consider programs to enhance managers’
idealism and thus increase QFR.
Keywords: Financial reporting quality, Idealism, Relativism, Ethics in accoauting
*Corresponding Author: Tel: +98 21 82884632, E-mail: etemadih@modares.ac.ir
˻
Iranian Journal of Ethics in Science and Technology
Vol. 4, No. 1, 2, 2009
Information Technology Ethic and Survey Communication
Ethics
*B Pournaghdi
Islamic Azad University- Hamedan Branch (Member of Young Researchers Club)
Abstract
Background: In the age of information and scientific and age of Three Thousand by named Information
and Communication, find solution and applied information and communication in management organize
and organization system is important Ethics project. Application new systems of ITC is lower pay, also
create new job.
Methods: The survey 80 person of General IT and Internet operator of Information Technology Ethic,
Create a Ethic Model for Science and Technology. Also more then 80% of Internet operators and children
is Solution and not any security.
Conclusion: In the world village, Countries having development key that research scientific system and
using new communication tools and information management system. By making virtual organize system,
remove of not emergency transfer and expand of speed process work and run paper less system.
Information Technology is transfer of science and papal information’s by technical tools. Also
Information Technology Ethics to science safe and save, transfer, explorer and process of information and
data, and full applied this research and science. Extra and development of science and technology need to
survey of IT Ethic.
Keywords: Science ethic, Information technology, Ethic manners, Virtual identity
*Corresponding Author: Tel: 09373312202, E-mail: behzad.pournaghdi@gmail.com
˼
Iranian Journal of Ethics in Science and Technology
Vol. 4, No. 1, 2, 2009
The Role of Ethical Marketing on Food Consumers Purchase
Behavior
A Ebrahimi1, *A Roodani2
1
Dept. of Business Management, Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
2
Dept. of Business Management, Alghadir Institute, Tabriz, Iran
Abstract
Background: This study aims at studying corporate social responsibility and the mechanism of moral
marketing’s influence on purchasing behavior of consumers. Therefore, the main research question in this
study is the mechanism of ethical-social value observation by corporations influencing purchase decision
making process of foodstuff consumers.
Methods: In terms of nature, the research method is descriptive, and in terms of data collection, it is
survey. Data was collected through questionnaires and sampling was done using random clustering
method. To answer the research questions, 372 foodstuff customers of Refah Chain Store were included in
the survey.
Results: The results indicate that there is a significant and positive relationship between marketing
method and purchasing behavior of foodstuff consumers. The findings designate that the positive
relationship between geographical factors and purchasing behavior of foodstuff consumers is significant.
Furthermore, the results show that there is a significant and positive relationship between moral marketing
and purchasing behavior of foodstuff consumers in the population.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that social value observation by corporations affects purchasing
behavior of foodstuff consumers; that is, conformity of corporate values to consumers’ values (society’s
values) encourages consumers to select trademarks of the respective corporation.
Keywords: Ethics, Marketing, Purchase behavior, Social responsibility, Values
*Corresponding Author: Tell: +98 2613324273, Email: Amin.Roodani@Gmail.com
̊
Iranian Journal of Ethics in Science and Technology
Vol. 4, No. 1, 2, 2009
Off the Frame Payments in Organizations
*AA Yazdani 1, H Aghajani 2
1
2
Dept. of management Payame Noor University, Sari Branch
Dept. of Business Administration and Industrial Management, University of Mazandaran
Abstract
Background: Today's Organizations, even by having clear goals & efficient structures, need powerful &
committed man-power to reach their objectives completely. Capability and specialty are matters which are
achievable through the process of selection and training, but the subjects of commitment and morality in
organizations, need cultural activities paying attention to criteria which are complicated.
Personnel do such actions in working environment which will have undesirable results for the related
employee & even the organization, if not approved by the managers. The authorities have to identify and
analyze these issues and by taking the proper actions, coordinate the personnel's actions with that of
organization's. The goal of project is to identify the angles of subject and present some approaches to
control the criteria.
Method: In the present article, we review the subject of off the frame payments in organizations and while
reviewing documentarily the literatural text, describe and review a case study performed in an
organization to clarify different aspects of the discussed subject in one practical case. This research is a
combination of practical studies and experiences.
Results: A model was presented for assessing organization's behavior, based on experiences and the case
study. The proper reactions of managers were also determined in the organization's various cultural
conditions.
Conclusion: moralities are very effective for improving organizational behavior & in this respect,
organizations need to control individual's behavior and team's criteria. Off the frame payments, have some
advantages despite the disadvantages & based on the patterns that are presented in the research, we can
assess the cultural conditions of the organization considering this condition and select a suitable approach
for it.
Keywords: Off the frame payments, Organizational moralities, organizational behaviors.
*Corresponding Author: Tel: 09113548201, Email: amirabbasyazdani@Gmail.com
̋
Iranian Journal of Ethics in Science and Technology
Vol. 4, No. 1, 2, 2009
A Classified Attitude to the Field of Information Ethics
The Information Ethics as a Developing Field of Computer
Ethics
*AR Seghatoleslami
Dept. of Philosophy of Science, Science and Research Branch of Islamic Azad University, Tehran
Abstract
Background: This paper is based on Theory of Information Ethics (IE) interpreted by Luciano Floridi to
be definite as a developing filed of Computer Ethics (CE), and it considers a necessity for classification of
important ethical problems in the field to give a methodic attitude to analyze any class of the problems.
Floridi argued that the purview of computer ethics- indeed of ethics in general- should be widened to
include much more than simply human beings, their actions, in-tentions and characters. He offered IE as
another macroethics which is intended to be applicable to all ethical situations.
Methods: First of all, some of the typical problems in the information age are surveyed by a problem-based
approach to be recognizing the evolution and the developing process from CE field to IE field. To
introduce IE in detail and to explain its typical problems, four fundamental possible approaches of ethics
are considered: philosophical, normal, descriptive, and applied ethics. Therefore, IE is granted as a research
filed in the ethical problems that arises from information & communication technology in the information
age., These problems as the applied ethical problems are distinguished in three different approaches to IE
with the typical issues and examples: philosophical, professional, and descriptive ethics approaches.
Conclusion: The approaches to IE are classified in a table. Therefore, the associated disciplines, the
typical issues, and the appropriate methodology are given to analyze any category of the problems that are
explained by four possible approaches of ethics in short.
Keywords: Computer ethics, Descriptive ethics, Information ethics, Philosophical ethics, Professional
ethics
*Corresponding Author: Post Box: 16765-3443, E-mail: aseghatoleslami@yahoo.com
̌
Iranian Journal of Ethics in Science and Technology
Vol. 4, No. 1, 2, 2009
Ethics in Biomedical Research Involving Human Subjects
M Hajifaraji
National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciecses,
Shahid Beheshti University of MedicalSciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Background: Research involving human subjects should deal with health issues of the population or
community in which the research is carried out.
Ethical expedients, would be achieved only when the successful interventions or other beneficences are
provided to the society as a results of such research. Thus, to supply ethical expedients, a planning and
management process must be established prior to implementation of the research and monitoring and
evaluation along the study to the end and even communication of the results to the authorities and also the
population in which the research is carried out. Investigators' commitment and skills and safety of research
environment should be verified by ethical review committees prior to study and its process must be ceased
upon diverting from protocol obligations or human rights. Obtaining the voluntary informed consent of the
prospective subject and assurance that they would have the right of unconditional withdraw from the
study, is considered as part of the investigators' commitments. Such an intricate, which would be occurred
along conducting the research supported by sponsors, is bias distortion in performing and communicating
the study results. Thus the investigator is obligated with his/her commitments, free from exclusive relations,
particularly socio-economic, to the sponsors and in case of conflict of interests he/she must disclose it to
the ethical review committees and even when communicating the study results.
Conclusion: This article represents a review of different ethical aspects of biomedical research involving
human subjects and essential guidelines protecting their rights.
Keywords: Ethics in research, Biomedical, Human subject
*Corresponding Author: Tel: +98 21 22086349, E-mail: m39faraji@yahoo.com
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Iranian Journal of Ethics in Science and Technology
Vol. 4, No. 1, 2, 2009
A Framework for Research into Media Ethics
Hadi Khaniki
Dept. of Communication, Allameh Tabatabaee University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
This paper distinguishes between two concepts of “morality” and “ethics” and draws a map for considering some aspects and contexts of ethics in media. Accordingly, the basic principles that affect media ethics as well as the extra-media factors for its construction and function are reviewed.
Then, using the normative theory of “social responsibility”, the idea of media ethics is defined as
something beyond individual journalist behavior.
The paper critically reviews two entire on “Media Ethics” and “Journalism Ethics” from The International Encyclopedia of Communication as the starting point. It then continues to review
some other influential definitions papers in search for a new conceptual framework for ethical research into media.
The paper shows a shift of emphasis from the individual journalists to local, national and international institutions such as media organizations, the State and international organizations. It then introduces a framework for compiling the basic laws of applied professional ethics. In this framework, four principles of “public awareness”, “freedom of the press”, “expression of truth”, and “respect to human dignity and private life”, can help to create plural and media spaces.
Keywords: Media ethics, journalist ethics, Applied ethics, Professional ethics, Institutional ethics
*Corresponding Author: E-mail: Hadi.khaniki@gmail.com
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Iranian Journal of Ethics in Science and Technology
Vol. 4, No. 1, 2, 2009
A view of Problems and Practical Pattern of Promotion of
Ethics in Educational Organizatons
A Shalbaf 1
University of Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Background: The occurrence of unethical behaviors and its ubiquity in educational organizations, at the
present age, is the most important problem in the educational organizations. The preventing of such
behaviors and solution of such problems emerge that these organizations require ethics. Perception of
internal and external elements is important to give value and ethics because ethic is relationship conduct
pattern based on respect own rights and others against environment.
Method: This paper by using analytical study considers the ethical approaches necessary as a way of
preventing such behaviors in educational organizations.
Conclusion: the occurrence of unethical behaviors and its ubiquity in educational organizations, in the
global era, is a global threat and its solution requires global programming. educational organizations, as its
holy aims require ethical discussions and are responsible against internal and external environment that
making them practical in the educational environments is impression in the performance them growth of
the training of humans and promotion of societies and elaborate (declare) efficiency of organizations in
the present of patterns of making relationship with others and providing cultural life.
Keywords: Ethics, Educational organizations, External & internal factors, Moral responsibility
*Corresponding Author: Tel:+98 61117428, E-mail:shalbaf_azra@ut.ac.ir
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Iranian Journal of Ethics in Science and Technology
Vol. 4, No. 1, 2, 2009
Exclusive Rights of the Creators of Original Works in Digital
Library
*S Samadi 1, N Neshat 2
1
Dept. of Information Science, Faculty of humanities, University College of Nabi Akram, Tabriz, Iran
2
Iran National Library
Abstract
Background: Copyright plays an important role in protecting exclusive rights of the creator of an
original work of authorship. However, in Digital Age (Information Age) in which the exchange
of information is carried out so differently from the traditional modes, the protection of works is
done with difficulty. Sometimes authors are too concerned about protecting their writings to keep
on creating original works. Unfortunately, copyright infringement is alive and well on this age and it
reminds us to find a solution to it. Establishing a logical balance among the three interactive factors
of copyright- the protection of original work, stimulation and creativity- can create a legal way to
have an access to the original works. The researchers of Information Age should deal with this
provocative issue to find new methods. The paper deals with issue of copyright in the Information
Age, its regulations, the methods of its management and the role of UNESCO in creating a
balance between accessibility of information and its legal privileges.
Methods: Research has been done with the use of various libraries and electronic data-bases.
Conclusion: Protecting exclusive rights of the creators of original works of authorship in digital
environment is possible; however, to achieve a better result, there is a need to more investigation
in this field, the copyrights laws, should be reconsidered. And finally it is suggested that national
copyright committees are established to protect exclusive rights of the creators.
Keywords: Copyright, Digital sphere, Fair use, Laws of copyright,UNESCO
*Corresponding Author: Tel: +98 411 23342, E-mail: s.samadi40@yahoo.com
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Iranian Journal of Ethics in Science and Technology
Vol. 4, No. 1, 2, 2009
Medical Ethics and Bad News Delivery to Patients
*K Banihashemi
Great Persian Encyclopedia Foundation
Abstract
Background: It has been shown that bad medical news could be associated with stressful psychological
and physiological reactions both for physicians and patients. There is always a strong tendency to reduce
or abolish the significant consequences of such a process through psychological reaction analyses
techniques.
Methods: We analyzed the main ethical considerations which exist in between and we ranked the
parameter setting frames before, during and after the bad news session.
Results: In this study, a relatively classical categorization system for a variety of psychological or
physiological reactions as primary and secondary ones has been proposed with a mind filtration process of
un-wanted or stressful ambiguous mental or behavioral reactions, both quantitatively and qualitatively.
Conclusion: Mind analysis and reaction modifications both for physicians and patients at each stage of
the bad news session may reduce the level or intensity of provocation hence diminishes the post-session
stressful reactions of the patient. The primary mental or behavioral reactions of physicians may not be
completely organized or well analyzed at early period of treatment process. It seems to be better to make a
filtration process and turn into secondary more controlled reactions. This would be fruitful and may
coincide with suitable, comprehensive and on-time situation analysis viewpoints.
Keywords: Bad news, Stressful reaction, Medical ethics, Physician's skills
*Corresponding author: E-mail: banihashemi@bdbf.org.ir
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Iranian Journal of Ethics in Science and Technology
Vol. 4, No. 1, 2, 2009
The Role of Agricultural Extension in Enhancing
Environmental Ethics among Farmers
*A Abedi-Sarvestani 1, M Shahvali 2
1
Dept. of Agricultural Extension and Education, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and
Natural Resources, Iran
2
Dept. of Agricultural Extension and Education, Shiraz University, Iran
Abstract
Background: The use of new enhanced technologies in agriculture not only has increased agricultural
production but also endangered environmental sustainability. Environmental degradation and pollution
have been threatening life on the Earth and will cause decreased capacity for producing enough safe foods
for human beings. These realities along with forming new agricultural trade and also changes in social
norms and values make it necessary to disseminate environmental ethics among farmers and agriculture
stakeholders to motivate them protect agricultural resources like soil, water, animals and plants.
Methods: Based on descriptive methodology, this article aims to explain the most important reasons for
engaging agricultural Extension in environmental ethics to protect production resources in agriculture.
Conclusion: Because agriculture has ethical dimension, it is necessary that agricultural Extension, pay
enough attention to incorporate environmental ethics to make sure that agricultural practices are not
environmentally destructive. The need for environmental ethics in agricultural Extension can be explained
by three reasons. They are “the educational essence of agricultural Extension”, “behavioral voluntary-based
changes in extension works” and finally, “training Extension workers”. Therefore, it is recommended that
agricultural Extension provide environmental ethics education for farmers in which they become able to
make right decisions while they are using agricultural production resources. It makes sure that farmers
have more proper relationship with natural environment.
Keywords: Agricultural extension, Environment, Environmental ethics
*Corresponding Author: Tel: 0171-4440870, Fax: 0171-4420438, Email: abediac@yahoo.com
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Iranian Journal of Ethics in Science and Technology
Vol. 4, No. 1, 2, 2009
Considerations on Universal Declaration on Bioethics and
Human Rights
*N Ghorbannia
Dept, of law, Mofid University, Ghom, Iran
Abstract
Background: Today Life technology has been developed both in national and international level.
In the Light of Fast Progress of life technology, respect to principles of bioethics became necessary. Vienna declaration and program of Action of the world Conference on human rights (1993)
emphasizes in para.11: "Everyone has the right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its
applications. The world Conference on human rights notes that certain advance, notably in the
biomedical and life sciences as well as in information technology, may have potentially adverse
consequences for the integrity, dignity, and human rights of the individual and calls for international cooperation to ensure that human rights and dignity are fully respected in this area of Universal concern.
Conclusion: General conference of UNESCO in the scope related to bioethics has adopted Universal Declaration on Human Genome and Human Rights (1997) and International Declaration
on Human Genetic Data (2003) that their codification is excellent and their content is comprehensive, logic and transparent. But the third declaration which has been adopted by UNESCO
under the title of "Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights" has some problems,
such as structural Problem, Lack of attention to obligations of individuals, incorrect expression of
purpose of declaration and principles of bioethics and also nondiscrimination principle. Fundamental principles of bioethics have not been explained well, Principle of consent has been considered as absolute and also declaration has addressed states and has not paid enough attention to
obligation of individuals.
Keywords: Bioethics, Human rights, Life sciences, Human dignity
*Corresponding author: Tel/Fax: +98 251 2935199, E-mail: ghorbannia4@gmail.com
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