Reducing Legal, Financial, and Operational Risks: A Comparative Discussion of Aligning Internet Usage with Business Priorities through Internet Policy Management

Abstract

The increased reliance on the Internet exposes organizations to a number of legal, financial, and operational risks through inappropriate workplace information technology (IT) behaviors. This article explores these IT workplace behaviors and how Web and e-mail usage can be effectively aligned with business priorities while allowing for some personal use. The development of alignment is explored through the discussion of eight organizations, six small/mid-sized and two large. The organizational responses converged in policies and processes for controlling actual or potentially detrimental IT workplace behaviors, thus reducing the risks. Alignment is achieved through Internet policy management (IPM), which integrates an enterprise-wide written Internet usage policy (IUP), effective communication of the IUP and enforcement through Web and e-mail content monitoring/filtering software.