lesson 1: The importance and impact of ethics
What is a simple approach to personal ethics? (video)
1. What are the standards of behavior? 2. What are your personal values? 3. Try the "sunshine test" actively imagine you explaining your decision to people.
What are the four main levels of ethical issues within organizations?
1. societal issues 2. stakeholder issues. 3. internal policy issues. 4. personal issues
Provide an example of when personal and professional ethics may conflict?
A judge who believes smoking marijuana is unethical can still legalize marijuana based on if that is what the overall consensus wants.
What are some benefits to an organization that has high organizational ethics?
Business ethics offer companies a competitive advantage. Consumers learn to trust ethical brands and remain loyal to them, even during difficult periods. Employees feel more at ease, are more open to taking educated chances, and have a more pleasant work experience.
Distinguish between personal and organizational Ethics.
Personal ethics - the principles that guide the decisions you make in your life. Organizational ethics - the rules, principles, and standards for deciding what is morally right or wrong when doing business.
legal
an act that is allowed by law.
Pentagon Papers
an illegal-ethical conflict in which U.S. government officials leaked top secret papers to inform the public about government actions during the Vietnam War.
stakeholder issues
anyone affected by the company's action. (i.e. employees, people within the community, suppliers, etc.)
A retail company frequently updates its principles, rules, and guidelines to reflect input by employees. Which level of organizational ethics is being illustrated by this company? a. societal issues b. internal policy issues c. personal issues d. stakeholder issues
b. internal policy issues
A company insists on treating suppliers with respect and refuses to push them to the lowest pricing possible. Which level of organizational ethics is being used by this company? a. personal issues b. stakeholder's issues c. societal issues d. internal policy issues
b. stakeholder's issues
Where do an organization's ethics tend to start? a. they develop over time b. they start at the bottom and bubble up c . they start at the top and trickle down.
c. they start at the top and trickle down.
ethical liability is a test of?
character
A job candidate asks questions during an interview to determine if personal life goals align with those of the organization. Which factor is the candidate using to guide the decision? a. cultural norms b. personal experiences c. morals d. values
d. values
legal-unethical conflicts
dilemma in which established laws are not in accordance or do not uphold the ethical choice.
illegal-ethical conflicts
dilemma in which the ethical choice would be in violation of established laws
internal policy issues example
fairness in management, pay, and employee participation
examples of personal issues
gossiping at work or taking credit for another's work.
Sharing credit with co-workers and treating subordinates with respect demonstrates what level of organizational ethics? High or low?
high organizational ethics
personal issues
how people treat others within their organization.
societal issues
issues that relate to the world as a whole. Companies get involved with societal issues because of the ethic the organization creates out of care and concern for the individuals.
Speaking the truth, respecting my elders, and never purposely hurting someone are examples of personal or professional ethics?
personal ethics
Being punctual, refraining from gossip, and having good time management are example of personal or professional ethics?
professional ethics
legal liability is a test of?
smarts
internal policy issues
the concern is for internal relationships between a company and employees
Values
the ideas, beliefs, and attitudes about what is important that help guide the way you live
ethics
the principles of right and wrong that guide an individual in making decisions
Personal ethics
the principles that guide the decisions you make in your life
Morals
the rules people develop as a result of cultural values and norms
organizational ethics
the rules, principles, and standards for deciding what is morally right or wrong when doing business.
legal-ethical conflicts
when the law and personal or organizational ethics are accordance with each other.