Chapter 2 Flashcards
individuals most likely to engage in unethical behavior in an organization
Senior managers looking to boost profits
Lower end managers looking to climb the ranks
morality
values that guide our behavior
relationship between ethics and law
law should complement our ethics by setting minimum standards of conduct
law sets the minimum standard for behaviors - law is the floor
should be complementary
2 types of ethical systems
formalism
consequentialism
formalism
affirms absolute morality
Ethics involves duty, categorical imperative, social contract
Kant - Intent in which one acts determine the moral quality of the action
consequentialism
What is right and wrong is not absolute, but rather weighing the consequences of actions
Consequences should promote common good
4 sources of values
legal regulation
professional codes of ethics
organizational codes of ethics
individual values
professional codes of ethics
Clear source of ethics within professions
Unethical conduct leads to rules and laws - ex. SOX
how does a code of conduct be implemented effectively
must be backed by organizational sanctions (firing)
must include:
- policies and procedures
- measurement of effectiveness
- rewards
- guidelines
- assessments
- focus on leadership
- continued training
self evaluation
Right or wrong?
Will I be proud?
Am I willing for everyone to act like me?
Will my decision cause harm?
Will my actions violate the law?
obstacles for acting ethically
emphasis on profit creates pressure and conflict
effect on group - no individual responsibility
how to apply ethics in an organization
involve top management
promote openness in communication
have consideration of stakeholders
morality question of property
is it right that some have more than others?
criticism of morality of property
Wealth and prosperity
More than just physical property
support of morality of property
ort
Less wastefulness
Wealth maximization
Justice
