Title: Biometric access control in the workplace: benefit or bind?

Authors: Lynne Norris-Jones

Addresses: Department of Information Systems and International Studies, Cardiff School of Management, University of Wales Institute, Western Avenue, Llandaff, Cardiff CF5 2YB, UK

Abstract: Biometrics refers to the measurement of physiological or behavioural characteristics distinctive to an individual. Social acceptance of biometric technology is dependent on society|s perception of its value weighed against perceived risks of invasion of privacy. This paper focuses on measures taken by UK-based manufacturers, suppliers and managers of biometric access control systems to implement procedures to address this dichotomy within working environments. The findings provide a practical insight into the methods of applying access control techniques in a variety of workplace environments. They suggest a number of guidelines for achieving maximum social, legal and ethical acceptance from manufacturing, supply and management perspectives.

Keywords: biometrics; fingerprint scanning; facial recognition; access control; workplace management; social acceptance; legal acceptance; ethical acceptance; ethics; perceived value; perceived risk; invasion of privacy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJITM.2012.044064

International Journal of Information Technology and Management, 2012 Vol.11 No.1/2, pp.61 - 71

Published online: 09 Aug 2014 *

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