MGT 323 Ch. 1

You remind yourself that, although you were not the one asked to provide the signature, it is still your responsibility to take action against potentially unethical behaviors in your workplace.

Accept that confronting ethical concerns is part of your job. Take action if you think something is wrong, even if it's not a part of your job description.

You ask Alonzo to consider whether he would still be comfortable breaking company policy by signing Christine's name if he knew that his actions were going to be publicized on the local news.

Challenge the rationale. Confront excuses for ethical lapses with challenges to their underlying logic.

You talk with Alonzo about the company's policy and remind him that although you understand the immediate pressure he feels to comply with Christine's requests, you think he should also consider the long-term ramifications such as the loss of his job or the bank's reputation.

Consider and explain long-term consequences. Frame your viewpoint in terms of how the behavior may have unforeseen impacts in the future.

You research similar incidents and then present data to Christine to help her to see how this action could potentially have financial and legal impacts on Christine, her subordinates, and the bank.

Recognize that it's business and treat it that way. Approach ethical issues like any other business issue.

portable skills

Relevant in every job, at every level, and throughout your career

You recommend to Christine that, instead of asking subordinates to sign her name in her absence, she might consider asking the bank owners to consider a formal policy exception that legally allows loan assistants to sign for loan managers in select circumstances if proper procedures are followed.

Suggest solutions—not just complaints. Increase your chances of being perceived as helpful and credible by providing alternative courses of action.

You casually mention to Christine that you overheard her conversation with Alonzo and that, because you are a fairly new employee, you are confused about the bank's policy that prohibits loan assistants from signing for their loan managers and are concerned that her request could cause problems for all of you.

Use your lack of seniority or status as an asset. Use your minimal knowledge as a way to start a conversation about ethical issues.

problem

a difference or gap between an actual and a desired state or outcome

problem solving

a systematic process for closing such gaps

Situation factors

all the elements outside us that influence what we do, the way we do it, and the ultimate results of our actions

interactional perspective

behavior is a function of interdependent person and situation factors

Contingency Approach

calls for using the OB concepts and tools that best suit the situation, instead of trying to rely on "one best way"

hard specific job skills

computer skills 1 mechanically inclined 2

Consultants use a ________ approach when considering solutions to a problem.

contingency

organizational behavior (OB)

describes an interdisciplinary field dedicated to understanding and managing people at work

Which of the following is an example of a consultant utilizing soft skills?

discussing possible solutions with a client

Ethics

guides our behavior by identifying right, wrong, and the many shades of gray in between

Example: The pressure to maximize billable hours in accounting, consulting, and law firms leads to unconscious padding. Remedy: Brainstorm unintended consequences when devising goals and incentives. Consider alternative goals that may be more important to reward.

ill-conceived goals

Example: A drug company deflects attention from a price increase by selling rights to another company, which imposes the increases. Remedy: When handing off or outsourcing work, ask whether the assignment might invite unethical behavior and take ownership of the implications.

indirect blindness

person factors

infinite characteristics that give individuals their unique identities

soft portable skills

interpersonal skills effective communication personal attributes teamwork

hard portable skills

mechanically inclined 1 computer skills 2

Example: Baseball officials failed to notice they'd created conditions that encouraged steroid use. Remedy: Root out conflicts of interest. Simply being aware of them doesn't necessarily reduce their negative effect on decision making.

motivated blindness

Example: A researcher whose fraudulent clinical trial saves lives is considered more ethical than one whose fraudulent trial leads to deaths. Remedy: Examine both "good" and "bad" decisions for their ethical implications. Reward solid decision processes, not just good outcomes.

overvaluing outcomes

If someone decides to quit their job as a consultant because they feel that they do not have the skills necessary to complete the job adequately, they quit because of

person factors.

soft skills

relate to human interactions and include both interpersonal skills and personal attributes

ethical dilemmas

situations with two choices, neither of which resolves the situation in an ethically acceptable manner

soft specific job skills

social media

hard skills

technical expertise and knowledge required to do a particular task or job function, such as financial analysis, accounting, operations

Example: Auditors may be more likely to accept a client firm's questionable financial statements if infractions have accrued over time. Remedy: Be alert for even trivial ethical infractions and address them immediately. Investigate whether a change in behavior has occurred.

the slippery slope