ETHICAL ISSUES IN INFORMATION-SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT - THE ANALYST AS MORAL AGENT

The process of information systems development is linked to a wide range of ethical issues and choices, although the traditional role of the IS analyst as systems expert does not involve consideration of such issues in any explicit sense. This paper discusses an alternative role for the IS analyst as moral agent, where analysts consciously address ethical issues inherent in their work, both in terms of self-reflection and action involving others. The paper considers design methodologies to support this role, describes analysts' reported views on the role, and discusses the role with respect to some specific IS development activities. Finally, the moral agent concept is linked to the theme of individual responsibility for the IS analyst.