Abstract
After reading the “Mr. Edens Profits from Watching His Workers Every Move” case study in our Contemporary Management textbook, our class was assigned to determine if Mr. Edens’ behavior was ethical and acceptable or unethical and unacceptable. Secondly, we needed to provide the rationale for our answers and provide examples. Mr. Edens has created a highly controlled workplace with close manager supervision and surveillance. Even though I don’t agree with this environment, I think Mr. Edens’ behavior has been ethical and acceptable.

Lockbox Processing: No Place to Hide Mr. Edens’ company, Electronic Banking System Inc., specializes in “lockbox processing.” Due to the sensitive nature of this financial service, Mr. Edens has implemented many controls to monitor his employees. Workers handle thousands of dollars in checks and cash, and thus they need to be monitored closely. These controls are designed to limit theft which reassures customers that their money is safe. Managers sit at the front of the room on raised platforms; other supervisors watch employees from the rear. While some may consider this approach intrusive, these techniques exist in many workplaces today where employees come in direct contact with money. Mr. Edens’ employees work in an area called “the cage.” No talking is permitted, the windows are covered, and many common items that workers usually have at their desks are banned. Mr. Edens is able to monitor this environment with a series of eight cameras which have the ability to zoom in closer on employee’s activities. Personally, I think these tactics are not socially responsible. He is creating a hostile environment, building distrust, and negatively motivating people. I would expect a high turnover rate of employment. On a positive note, Mr. Edens is taking advantage of job specialization, which leads to improved