Ethics in the digital workplace
Digitisation and automation technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), can affect working conditions in a variety of ways and their use in the workplace raises a host of new ethical concerns.
Japanese company Sony, which operates in Slovakia since 1996, will expand its business activities in the country. Sony belongs to the most important exporters in Slovakia and around 98% of the production is exported. Now, Sony management decided to establish a new production plant in Nitra. The greenfield investment in a value of more than SKK 2 billion will produce the new generation of LCD televisions, for example Bravia TV brand will be launched there. According to the vice-president of Sony Europe Serge Fouche, production will start in September 2007 and the full production capacity is assumed in course of the year 2008. Around 3,000 new jobs will be created in the new production plant and the new investment will reduce the 10% unemployment in the region. Subcontractors can create even more jobs there. Sony management negotiates with the government about provision of state aid.
Sony management have also decided to build a new logistic and supply centre in Nitra. The investment of around 890 million SKK will take effect by the end of 2007. Completed products as well as different sorts of components will be stored in the centre, which will spread over a 9.2 hectare area. In total 360 employees, of whom 60 are administrative workers, will work there by the end of July 2008. The new logistic centre will provide services for around 150 lorries daily.
Eurofound (2006), Sony Slovakia, Business expansion in Slovakia, factsheet number 64120, European Restructuring Monitor. Dublin, https://restructuringeventsprod.azurewebsites.net/restructuring-events/detail/64120.