Ethical Dilemmas and Standards Learning Goals 6 I

Ethical Dilemmas and Standards

Learning Goals 6. I will be able to define ethics, ethical behaviour and ethical dilemmas. 7. I will be able to explain how high standards of ethics can be maintained.

What is Ethical Behaviour? Ethics • Code of moral principles. • Set standards of good and bad and right and wrong. Ethical behaviour • What is accepted as good and right in the context of the governing moral code.

Study Question 1: What is ethical behavior? Ø Law, values( Broad beliefs about what is appropriate behavior), and ethical behavior: – Legal behavior is not necessarily ethical behavior. – Personal values help determine individual ethical behavior. • Terminal values ( preferences about desired end state) • Instrumental values Management - Chapter 3 4

Figure 3. 1 Four views of ethical behavior. Management - Chapter 3 5

Ethical Dilemmas How do ethical dilemmas complicate the workplace? • An ethical dilemma occurs when choices offer potential for personal and/or organizational benefit but may be considered unethical. Ethical dilemmas include: • Discrimination • Sexual harassment • Conflicts of interest • Customer confidence • Organizational resources • http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=lo. Xq. K 6 D 6 lbk

RATIONALIZATIONS FOR UNETHICAL CONDUCT • “It’s not really illegal. . . ” • “It’s in everyone’s best interests. . . ” • “Nobody will ever find out…” • “The organization will protect me. . . ” Source: Saul W. Gellerman, Harvard Business Review, 1986 Chapter 3 Management Fundamentals Schermerhorn & Wright 7

“DOUBLE-CHECK” FOR ETHICAL DECISIONS • Question 1 “How will I feel about this if my family finds out? ” • Question 2 “How will I feel about this if it is printed in the local newspaper? ” Chapter 3 Management Fundamentals Schermerhorn & Wright 8

Ethical Dilemmas Factors influencing ethical behavior include: • The person – Family influences, religious values, personal standards, and personal needs • The organization – Supervisory behavior, policy statements and written rules, and peer group norms and behavior • The environment – Government laws and regulations, societal norms and values, and competition climate in an industry

Monsters Inc. • http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=CUCSK 1 QFwts

• Learning Goal – I will be able to define ethics, ethical behaviour and ethical dilemmas.

First Nations People vs Oil Pipeline • http: //www. huffingtonpost. ca/2012/11/21/pacific-trails-pipeline-roadblock_n_2171695. html#slide=1482764 • Why does this article display the concept of ethics? • Do you think the oil company is being ethical or socially responsible? Why or why not? • What are the positive outcomes of the oil pipeline? • What are the negative consequences of the oil pipeline?

How can high ethical standards be maintained? • Top managers serve as ethical role models. • All managers can influence the ethical behavior of people who work for and with them.

How can high ethical standards be maintained? • Excessive pressure can foster unethical behavior. • Managers should be realistic in setting performance goals for others.

How can high ethical standards be maintained? Codes of ethics: • Official written guidelines on how to behave in situations susceptible to the creation of ethical dilemmas. Areas often covered by codes of ethics: • • • Workforce diversity Bribes and kickbacks Political contributions Honesty of books or records Customer/supplier relationships Confidentiality of corporate information

Code of Ethics Exercise – Your answers will go on the bulletin boards. 1. In pairs, develop what you consider to be an appropriate Code of Ethics for teachers at Bronte College. Develop 7 -10 individual rules that would apply. 2. Develop a formal classroom Code of Ethics that will apply to students at Bronte College. 3. Have one group member write out a final copy of both codes. You will present your answers to the class.

PORTFOLIO HOMEWORK - Make sure that you can answer these questions. • • • What is ethical behavior? Define values. How could people have different views on ethics? Explain. What are the cultural issues in ethical behavior? Define ethical dilemma. Name some areas in a organization that there might be an ethical dilemma. List 4 common rationalizations unethical managerial behavior> Name the factors that influence ethical behavior in an organization. Give an example for each. How can organizations maintain high ethical standards?

Learning Goals 6. I will be able to define ethics, ethical behaviour and ethical dilemmas. 7. I will be able to explain how high standards of ethics can be maintained.