Do GPS devices constitute an invasion of employee privacy? Are there guidelines companiescan develop for appropriate GPS use?

Ethics Activity Managing Human Resources and Labor Relations329Tracking employee information through global positioning systems (GPS)—in particular, on company vehicles driven by employees—is becoming commonplace.Companies are not only tracking vehicles, but many now track employees through their mobile phones.

Understandably, many employees don’t like the idea of Big Brother following their every move; most states allow employers to track their employees’ location even in off hours. Many employees take their company vehicles home after their shifts, but even employees with company-owned phones may be tracked after hours,too.

Surveys show that many GPS-tracked employees have serious concerns about after-hours tracking,micromanagement, and privacy .

Ethical Dilemma:Do GPS devices constitute an invasion of employee privacy? Are there guidelines companies can develop for appropriate GPS use?