12 - Organizing for Socially Responsible Information Technology Management

Abstract

This chapter discusses the process of organizing for socially responsible information technology management. It is vital to establish policies and the organizational areas of responsibility implementing the procedures. In many cases, several departments in an organization play a role in implementing the different principles. This chapter provides a high-level view of how to organize and assign responsibilities to achieve goals in each area of social responsibility. Policy development procedures can be intricate and time consuming. The best way to streamline the process of policy development is to assign a knowledgeable staff person in each department to review any existing policies, draft a new policy if necessary, and submit the new policy to department managers for approval. The policies should be written in an uncomplicated manner and identify departments that have responsibility for implementing procedures to support the policies. Organizational development or change efforts face the challenge of achieving buy-in across the organization. Socially responsible information technology management programs also face some challenges. The challenges are complex to overcome if there is a strong internal and external public relations effort to support the program. Socially responsible information technology management can be turned into a feel-good program.