A Strategic Exploration of Emerging Themes and Language in Digital Ethics Frameworks for Alberta

Abstract

Given that little theory and research had been conducted on digital ethics in 2020, and that little to no regulatory frameworks are universally recognized in digital ethics, this study aimed to inspire further research across the public, private and third sector for how ethical foundations could adapt to suit our digital landscapes and identities. This study used document review to take a multi-disciplinary and strategic business management approach to further defining digital ethics, and potential pragmatic strategies for implementing solutions. Data collection in this study uses a fee text-mining software “Orange”, to create clusters of terms that were then categorized into the branches of ethics described by (Senges et al.,2019). The study then analyzed the findings to pursue discussions on digital ethics ranging from socio-economic implications to societal values and laws in Canada and Alberta. Finally, the study resulted in a proposed framework for the assessment and analysis of digital ethical frameworks (DEF), titled Jurisdiction Ethics Document Text Analysis (or JEDTA). UsingJEDTA, they study incorporates traditional strategic management approaches of defining organizational problems, through to recommendations of implementation for change and alignment. The study particularly focuses on challenges with digital ethics in the jurisdiction of Alberta, Canada in 2020-2021.