Big brother, big foot.

As reported on Page 1, Global Trek Xploration Corp. is introducing $200 Smart Shoes: footwear that features Global Positioning System transmitters. They're ideal for finding wandering kids or disoriented senior citizens. But they could also be used by news organizations to keep track of field reporters or government agencies to monitor the location of emergency workers. So the Business Journal asks:

Would you want to use GPS to track your kids, and would you want your company, to use GPS to track you?

Alicia Lopez

Account Executive

Valencia Perez & Echeveste Public Relations 

I think GPS devices are a great idea in terms of children. I've seen parents hold their kids on leashes to keep their kids from getting lost or kidnapped, especially at places like amusement parks and shopping malls. GPS devices installed in kids' shoes give more liberty. If I were a parent and the devices were affordable, I would definitely have my kids wear them until they are 10 years old. I also think it would be great for seniors, since I have grandparents who can get disoriented and lost sometimes when going out for a walk or in a busy area. However, I wouldn't want to wear a device as an employee because it's a bit of an invasion of privacy and shows a lack of trust by the employer. I know that I work better in an environment where I feel like my boss trusts me and knows I'm trying my best at my job.

Helen Han

Chief Executive

National Association of Women Business Owners--Los Angeles Chapter

Part of understanding the future of business involves knowing the value of using technology, but at the same time we need to be cognizant of putting undue restrictions, in a way that's counterproductive, on employees' ability to do their jobs. And we need to be cognizant of how technology, like that of GPS devices, could hinder business growth. Our largest asset as small business owners is people. The notion of creating a workplace environment that empowers employees and supports self-motivation is important. We need to make sure they're empowered and motivated, and create a flexible, positive work culture.

John Ehrenfeld

President

Colibri Films Inc.

I think there could be an increasing number of business applications, such as monitoring and improving efficiencies of large delivery fleets and automobile rental tracking. Like many other technological advances, vigilance and public oversight will be required to prevent government and other abuses of individual rights and privacy. I think the key to this would be make sure GPS usage is always transparent and voluntary.

Joel Goodman

Founder and Co-President

MusicBox

I don't really like the direction technology is going in this regard. It's getting a little too big brother-ish, like "Brave New World". I'm an avid cyclist and hiker, but I wouldn't want to wear a GPS device. I like the idea of finding my way through the woods. I also have two teenage daughters and wouldn't want to have them tracked either. Even if they were still very young, I'd rather spend time with them in the home teaching them right from wrong and where they should be going.

Angela Cooper

Director, Business Development

Gorilla Nation

How much information do we want to divulge to corporate powers--our buying habits, our day-to-day activities? GPS tracking in the workplace or for consumer trends infringes upon our privacy as individuals. There should be a limit to how far GPS tracking, RFIDs and the like can encroach upon our lives. Once legislation has been enacted and we establish a moral ground, then perhaps it will be attractive to use it in the day-to-day world.