Ethics Reflections Paper
Ethics Reflection
Strategic Planning and Implementation
During this age of philosophy in which people exercise their freedom of speech and is concerned with their personal development, it becomes a challenge to remain ethical while considering one’s social responsibilities. People are striving to become more successful without being dishonest or disrespectful.
With more emphasis on moral and ethical issues, equality and fair trade, “businesses are under pressure to be fair and ethical to satisfy not only government standards, but also consumers, and additionally, to attract more discerning employees” (Hughes, 2010, p. 1). Many factors can affect one’s ethical decision-making process. For example, one’s own values and ideology about right and wrong can make one doubt one’s own beliefs if the outcome is unfavorable. The interaction with family and friends can greatly influence decision-making because of the emotions involved.
One can experience conflict with socialization in the community when it goes against one’s religious beliefs. In addition, businesses want to be successful and honest while competing in a struggling economy. Conflict can exist with one’s own values and ethics. Organizations want to remain competitive but also practice honesty with consumers and stakeholders who want to receive a return on their investment. To ensure employees remain ethically aware of the company’s values, obligations to customers, society and stakeholders, organizations should develop a code of ethics and incorporate its principles in its strategic plan.
The Importance of Ethics in an Organization A code of ethics incorporated in the strategic plan is especially important for leaders. When leaders make decisions, they must consider the impact their decisions will have on others. “Leaders are often put in decisions where they must choose among options that vary in their degree of ethical behavior” (Sherwin, 1983, p. 1). This is true because of the competition of priorities. For example, the goal of any organization is to generate a profit for its stakeholders.
To reach this goal, some may apply unethical methods to generate that profit, such as increasing proceeds or cutting expenses. On the other hand, the same stakeholders who work and invest in the organization are a part of the general makeup of the community. If cutting costs harms the individuals who make up the community, it would be harming the stakeholders as well. The decision made is then unethical because it is not for the greater good. Therefore, leaders should (Sherwin, 2010, p. 2): 1. Recognize all perspectives when making an ethical decision. . Define who you are, your company and personal values. 3. Don‘t allow personal gains to outweigh the good of the organization. Changes in My Ethical Perspectives While attending University of Phoenix, my ethical perspectives have changed. This is evident when required to write essays. Many essays exist online to be used by all. The decision to avoid using them demonstrates my values of honesty and integrity. The university strives to keep its student honest by posting its own code of Ethics.
Temptations that will allow me to take the easy way out always exist. Because students benefit more from doing their own work, possessing the moral courage to do what is right, even when one is unsure of the results, demonstrates one’s ethical values. According to my William Institute Ethical Awareness Inventory, the results or consequence of my actions stems from my ethical perspective. I know turning in the work of others for my own benefit is wrong and will have consequences that may appear later. Conclusion
The pressure of trying to remain ethical to stakeholders and society may result in businesses making unethical decisions. Businesses want to make a profit for stakeholders but may hurt the people in the community in the process. “Leaders are often put in decisions where they must choose among options that vary in their degree of ethical behavior” (Sherwin, 1983, p. 1). To ensure leaders and employees remain ethically aware of the impact of their decisions; organizations should develop a code of ethics and ncorporate its principles in its strategic plan. As a result, leaders will remain ethically aware of the company’s values and its obligations to customers, society and stakeholders when making decisions.
References
- Hughes, S. (2010). Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethical Business. Retrieved on November 14, 2010 from http://www. squidoo. com/CSR-ethicalbiz
- Sherwin, D. (1983). Work-Place Ethics. Retrieved on November 15, 2010 from http://www. chsbs. cmich. edu/leader_model/Development/media/Targeted%20Lessons/workplace_ethics. htm
