...Managing Ethics in the Workplace Managing workplace ethics promotes shared values that result in better cohesion of the workforce, and play a crucial role in the success of any organization Workplace ethics are the application of morality, or concepts such as good and bad, right and wrong, justice and virtue to all activities of the business. It closely relates to corporate social responsibility, but is much wider in scope. The scope of business ethics lies in two dimensions: 1. Workplace behavior ethics, or the illegal and questionable practices of individual managers, such as wrongful use of resources, mismanagement of contracts and agreements for personal gain, conflict of interests, and the like. 2. Business ethics issues, such as ethical dilemmas when making decisions, dealing with stakeholders, and the like. The primary requirement for managing ethics in the workplace is an understanding that workplace ethics is a continuous and on-going process ingrained to management practices, and not a deliverable defined project. It influences the way the organization functions, and remains independent of profits or product range. • Ethics Policy Irrespective of the dimension of business ethics, the basic requirement for managing ethics in the workplace is to have a strong ethics policy in place that makes the company’s ethics policy transparent and objective. Such as, ethics policies need to highlight the organization’s underlying values, code of conduct for the workforce...
Words: 286 - Pages: 2
...Ethics What is ethics and why is it important to an organization? Ethics commonly refers to a set of rules or principles that define right and wrong conduct. (Robbins, Decenzo, and Coulter, 2012.) Ethics came from human societies when people started living together and then standards started to take place. Ethics also filtered into organizations and it is steadily on the rise and also contributes to a very important factor in the workforce. Ethics can have positive or negative outcome, therefore managers must decide on what action to take in various situations. It is important that organizations encourage ethical behavior because it plays a key role to creditability and leads to an increase of support in the workplace. In this essay, it will discuss managing ethics in the workplace, examples of unethical behaviors, and the key roles and responsibilities in ethics management. Managing Ethics in the Workplace In regard to managing ethics in the workplace, managers tend to focus on deliverables with measurements. For example, ethics programs can include deliverables such as codes, policies and procedures, budget items, training, or newsletters, these practices are implemented because they create appropriate behaviors. An important factor to management practice is the outcome of the behavior preferred by the organization. The ingredient for remaining ethical is trying to be ethical. Therefore, in managing ethics in the workplace, managers and employees should continue...
Words: 797 - Pages: 4
...paper, I will discuss how social responsibility and ethics interacts with the business world. I will discuss different styles to management ethics, the benefits companies will find from acting ethical and socially responsibly and some examples of unethical behavior in the workplace. I will also look at social responsibly and its benefits, as well as give my opinion on both topics. Businesses have always been known to shoot for maximum profits in order to please both those inside and outside their company. However, the concept of business ethics and social responsibility has put principled boundaries on organizations so that they cannot achieve their profit goals in any way they please. In order for a company to function within today’s global business society, they must be able to take a strong stance ethically on how they are going to sell their products and conduct their everyday work activities. Alongside being ethical, companies must also take on social responsibility; showing their community that they are involved, alert and willing to be philanthropists even in tough times. Corporate ethics and social responsible, if overlooked, can be detrimental to an organizations outward appearance and customer base. It is not only the right thing to do, but it has always been seen as good business. Both business ethics and social responsibly, although different, play fundamental roles in an organization’s successes. Ethics can be defined as the study of standards of behavior...
Words: 3437 - Pages: 14
...“Business ethics in the workplace is about prioritizing workplace moral values and ensuring that employees align their behavior with these values - its values of management. Yet there are many myths abound about business ethics and the majority of these come from a general confusion about the concept of ethics, while other myths come about from constricted or one-dimensional views of ethical predicaments”. (McNamara, n.d.). The first myth of business ethics says that it is more of a focus on religion than effective management. “Altering people’s values or souls is not the aim of an organization ethics program however managing values and conflict among them is…” (Kirrane, 1990). Business ethics should be about conflict resolution and value management. Certain other segments of people in management believe that business ethics equals corporate social responsibility. That however is not the case. In fact corporate social responsibility is only a small part of the concept of business ethics. Corporate social responsibility concerns itself with business management and society interfacing and not at all with ethics in the workplace, even though both concepts fall under the field of business ethics. “Business ethics is an application of ethics in the corporate community and also a way to determine business responsibilities. It identifies important business and social issues along with business critique”. (McNamara, n.d.). Management of practical matters of ethics in the workplace such...
Words: 391 - Pages: 2
...Ethics: Why is it Essential in Management? Michael Perez Dr. Marie Harper MGMT 618 28 February 2016 Abstract Ethics is a subject that most people or companies tend to avoid due to the complications that tend to arise when it is brought up. Though ethics can be a sensitive subject it is very important in life, business and especially in management. Managerial ethics is something that companies say they have when it comes to how they do business but are there managers really ethical or are they just looking the other way when it comes to ethical issues that might arise within their company. Keywords: Ethics, Management Ethics: Why is it Essential in Management? When it comes to ethics in management it is essential for business to have, but most of the time it is just a way for businesses to check off the box saying “My business has ethical leaders”. This can be said for companies, branches of the military and people that hold a position over other people. As Marshall Schminke states in his book, Managerial Ethics Managing the Psychology of Morality, Ethics is not something that can be taken lightly due to the fact that it is something that holds great value when it comes to how people see a leader or manager. Though it may be hard for companies to say yes all of my managers are ethical it is something that is an ongoing process within companies (Schiminke, 2011). Ethical Leadership When it comes to management nowadays it has many issues that affect the way business...
Words: 2664 - Pages: 11
...Ethical Issues in Management Oscar Puente MGT 216 Organizational Ethics and Social Responsibility August, 30 2010 Kenna Fowler Ethical Issues in Management The complexity of work ethics sometimes is more complicated than expected, the expectations from employees and the conflicts of interest in many cases creates hostile environment and causes irregularities between employees and their piers; the fundamental of social work is attention to the environmental forces, which creates and contributes problems in the living. Social workers can be affected to sensitive in cultural and ethnic diversity. Given the economy of this country the climate and number of Jobs people loses in a daily basis, most citizens are feeling the pressure to work harder. However, in spite of the increasing intensity of the economy crisis, it is not unfortunate to give up in to such pressure, the ethical dilemma of working Americans. The most valuable commodity people have is time and professionalism in their personal life. To employees in general it is known to be wrong spending too much time working in one project with the expense of other equally and critical tasks. The same is for managers taking too long managing one employee and unable to manage others. The most important thing to know is that ethics is not just to know how managers treat others but to learn management in their own selves; it isn’t fair to anyone else or yourself if you have not taking time off from work. You're also not...
Words: 1229 - Pages: 5
...Managing Ethical Decision Making in the Workplace James E. Gleason BUS 275-H01 Calhoun Community College Abstract Business leaders struggle to balance the desire for profit and maximum shareholder return with corporate ethics and social responsibility. Unfortunately, short-term financial bottom line has taken the place of maintaining strong moral character in today’s business practices. In the United States alone, about two-thirds of the top corporations have been guilty of some type of corporate malfeasance. In the face of both damaging and publicly embarrassing litigation, business leaders now recognize the need for sound, straightforward ethics management programs in their companies that makes ethical business practices a top priority at all times. Top executives must lead by example and actively and willingly encourage ethical behavior in their peers as well as employees. The need for stronger ethics in business has prompted business schools to critically examine their business curricula and place greater teaching emphasis on ethics and social responsibility to ensure future generations of new business graduates enter the workforce with the highest moral standards. Keywords: ethics, social responsibility, malfeasance, business schools, business curricula Managing Ethical Decision Making in the Workplace Introduction Ensuring that the necessary steps are taken to create and foster a high level of ethics in the business practices of the workplace is critically...
Words: 2351 - Pages: 10
...explanation of diversity stems from personality and work style to all the visible dimensions such as age, race, ethnicity, or gender and to also to be influenced by religion, social economics and education (Lockwood, 2005). In this paper, I will describe moral and ethical issues faced by managers; explain the relationship between social issues and ethically responsible management practices apply to diversity; an example of a workplace diversity ethical dilemmas and the legal aspects management face while dealing with the issue. In addition to legalities governed or should be governed. Managers have a reasonable ethical duty to uphold the policy and the procedures of the company, so their ethical and morality is essential to employees. Managers are faced with various issues such as: diversity, work ethics, and discipline. However, diversity plays a major role in how an organization which can exemplifies that they are a company that can be open to an assortment of employees within the organization. According to Thomas (1992), dimensions of workplace diversity include, but are not limited to: age, educational background, ethnicity, ancestry, race, parental status, sexual orientation, physical abilities/qualities, geographic location, income, gender, marital status, military experience, work experience and religious beliefs,. When hiring,...
Words: 1078 - Pages: 5
...Business Ethics and Ethical Reasoning Managers are faced with daily decisions to ensure that they are leading by example in their managerial position. Managers must make sure their actions are fair, honorable, and reasonable to employees and customers is the groundwork of good ethical decision making. In today’s society ethical issues are becoming extremely complicated because of global and diversification in corporations. A broad explanation of diversity stems from personality and work style to all the visible dimensions such as age, race, ethnicity, or gender and to also to be influenced by religion, social economics and education (Lockwood, 2005). In this paper, I will describe moral and ethical issues faced by managers; explain the relationship between social issues and ethically responsible management practices apply to diversity; an example of a workplace diversity ethical dilemmas and the legal aspects management face while dealing with the issue. In addition to legalities governed or should be governed. Managers have a reasonable ethical duty to uphold the policy and the procedures of the company, so their ethical and morality is essential to employees. Managers are faced with various issues such as: diversity, work ethics, and discipline. However, diversity plays a major role in how an organization which can exemplifies that they are a company that can be open to an assortment of employees within the organization. According to Thomas (1992), dimensions of workplace diversity...
Words: 1062 - Pages: 5
...about 40 plus hours a week at work, is no wonder how romance in the workplace happens. I met my husband in the workplace. Our President also met his wife at work. People that work together have some similar interest and hobbies so a connection is bound to happen. Weather we want it to happen or not work relationships happen all the time. Vault surveyed and 47 percent of individuals had been involved in office romance, 19 percent would consider it and 11 percent dated their manager (Hellriegel / Slocum, p.65). Office romance is an avoidable trend and instead of stopping it there should be some policies and procedures in place to address the issue when it occurs ( Losee & Olen, 2007). One policy that can be adopted is the consensual relationship agreement (CRA). A CRA often called love contracts it is a written contract between both parties that helps address some of the issues that office romance often creates. Office romance can end in a happy ending but they can also end in a sour note and in order for the employer to protect themselves using a CRA would be something to consider. In this paper i will discuss the pros and cons of using CRAs and give an alternative to address office romance as well as the ethics of using CRAs to address workplace romance. It is often troublesome to deal with a relationship that just ended, it is harder to deal with it when both parties work for the same company. When workplace romance goes sour it can lead to accusation of harassment, favoritism...
Words: 1937 - Pages: 8
...Workplace Diversity Workplace Diversity 1. Describe an approach to a business diversity program that would be pragmatic and ethical. Most business people would want to be both pragmatic and ethical. Pragmatic ethics is a theory of normative philosophical ethics. Ethical pragmatists think that norms, principles, and moral criteria are likely to be improved as a result of inquiry. According to the reading “Quadrant I is where most of the ethical arguments for diversity in the workplace are likely to be located (Harvey, 2012)”. These teleological ethical arguments are similar on the surface to the pragmatic economic justifications for diversity. Using the matrix approach is a useful way to think about the possible relationships between pragmatism and ethical choices and ultimately aid in the business diversity program. 2. What are some possible explanations for the hesitancy to discuss ethics in the workplace? Conversations about ethics and values can be challenging. We struggle with openly disagreeing with other people on moral grounds, since it may appear that in doing so we place ourselves on the “moral high ground.” In addition, there is a perception that someone who is willing to talk about ethics lacks the toughness to be an effective leader (Adenle, 2011). This is based on the assumption that making tough choices means, making choices that are unethical. It takes courage to make unpopular decisions that reflect ethical values, and those people who stand up for...
Words: 687 - Pages: 3
...Consensual Relationship Agreement What is Consensual Relationship Agreement? Workplace is one of the most important places in our lives. We spend about one-third to half our life in the workplace. In the workplace blossom many romances, but the break-up of relationships is a common source of sexual harassment claims. Consensual Relationship Agreement (CRAs). Consensual relationship policy is an important tool in managing the risk of sexual harassment claims and reducing perceptions of favoritism. However, it must be considerately created and administered with care. I will analyze the concerns of CRAs at workplace, critics of CRA, the ethical intensity of CRSs from the perspective of the employer, specific ethical principles of CRSs, argument against and for the use of CRAs in my current workplace Ruby Tuesday restaurant. The Find Law website mentions a survey developed more than 15 years ago, on 1995, estimates that 80 percent of all employees have either observed or been involved in a romantic relationship at work. Employees have asserted claims for sexual harassment based on the theory that they can't receive the same benefits because they are not "sleeping with the boss." However, most courts have rejected this argument because such a consensual relationship disadvantages both male and female employees equally. The exception, of course, is where a supervisor propositions many employees, and only those who acquiesce receive preferential...
Words: 1454 - Pages: 6
...In an organization, workplace ethics should be a core value. Aside from doing the right thing, conducting ethically has great rewards and returns. Being ethical is essential to fixing problems and improving processes. It is needed to establish baseline measures and increase efficiencies. Most importantly, it is essential to having strong working relationships with people. Workplace ethics is integral in fostering increased productivity and teamwork among employees. It helps in aligning the values of the business with workers, which enhances community, integrity and openness among employees. Ethics enable employees to feel a strong alignment between their values and those of the business. Workplace ethics leads to happy and satisfied employees who enjoy coming to work rather than treating it as a mere source of burden. Employees also develop a feeling of loyalty and attachment towards the organization. Strong ethical culture in workplace is also important in safeguarding business assets. Employees who abide by workplace ethics would be able to protect and respect business assets. For example, they would avoid making personal long distance calls using the business’s lines. Ethical conduct in the workplace encourages a culture of making decisions based on ethics. It also enhances accountability and transparency when undertaking business decisions. During turbulent times, a strong ethical culture can guides you in managing such conflicts by making the right moves. It can help...
Words: 314 - Pages: 2
...Abstract There is no question that diversity plays a huge role in the workplace. There are issues with different races and gender, but one that does not seem as talked about is the difference in age. What many do not realize is that assuming all ages work the same way can be detrimental for not only the manager but the worker and company as well. When different age groups are combined to work, without proper accommodation, intergenerational conflict will occur. This is why understanding the different generations, including their values, attitudes and beliefs is important so that this conflict can be avoided. Once the different generations are understood, there are a few things a manager can do to ensure that their team will be able to work effectively. A Diverse Workplace; Creating Effective Cross-Generational Work Teams Generation gaps within the workplace are common and can create serious problems. According to Gregg Hammill, “This is the first time in American history that we have had four different generations working side-by-side in the workplace”. To create an effective cross generational work team, one must first understand the conflict that occurs and why when they are all put together without accommodation. After that, it is important to separately analyze each generation and their values, beliefs, and how they work. It is at that point, that a manager can effectively put together a cross generational team together by understanding and accommodating...
Words: 1893 - Pages: 8
...School of Business ------------------------------------------------- Course Syllabus MGT/216 Version 4 Organizational Ethics and Social Responsibility Course Start Date: 08/31/2010 Course End Date: 10/04/2010 Please print a copy of this syllabus for handy reference. Whenever there is a question about what assignments are due, please remember this syllabus is considered the ruling document. Copyright Copyright ©2009 by University of Phoenix. All rights reserved. University of Phoenix© is a registered trademark of Apollo Group, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. Microsoft©, Windows©, and Windows NT© are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Use of these marks is not intended to imply endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation. Edited in accordance with University of Phoenix© editorial standards and practices. Facilitator Information Dr. Martin J. Boyle martin.boyle@phoenix.edu (University of Phoenix) martinjboyle@comcast.net (Personal) 908-419-5259 = Cell #. (9 – 9 EST.) Facilitator Availability I am available from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Eastern Time on most days, but I attempt to reserve Sunday for my family. During the week...
Words: 4563 - Pages: 19
