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?
 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=loXqK6D6lbk
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=CUCSK1QFwts
• 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:
•
•
•
•
•
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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.