The topic of this paper might lead the cursory reader to the assumption that this is another countless academic paper about „Ethic“. But “Ethic” is a topic, which is more than a current interest, and it belongs to each of us. The literature today tends to value independence, encouraging people to become liberated and do their own thing. The reality is that we are interdependent, and the independent model is not optimal for use in an interdependent environment that requires leaders and team players.
Sometimes it is necessary to take a deeper look into value systems of persons, environments, and organizations. The main question is ”How can people survive with integrity in the business environment?” and “How can organizations provide the employees with the necessary support for ethical behaviour in companies?”.
The problem with relying on the Personality Ethic is that unless the basic underlying paradigms are right, simply changing outward behaviour is not effective. We see the world based on our perspective, which can have a dramatic impact on the way we perceive things. The character Ethic assumes that there are some absolute principles that exist in all human beings. Some examples of such principles are fairness, honesty, integrity, human dignity, potential and growth. Sometimes principles contrast with practices in that practices arte for specific situations whereas principles have universal application. And especial for these situations it is necessary to have a “code of conduct” to lead the organization into an ethical direction, and to give the right support.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Ethics
2.1 Ethics and Moral
2.2 Doing the right things
2.3 Fair behavior in business
2.4 Why it is so difficult to be an ethical person?
2.5 One way to solve the ethical dilemma in companies
3. Conclusion
4. Bibliography
5. Endnotes
Objectives and Topics
This assignment explores the complex relationship between personal ethics, professional integrity, and organizational environments. It investigates why individuals often struggle to maintain ethical standards despite clear codes of conduct, analyzing the influence of psychological, social, and systemic pressures in business life.
- The psychological phenomenon of the "Illusion of Objectivity" in managerial decision-making.
- The conflict between personal moral values and corporate or systemic expectations.
- Practical approaches to implementing ethical policies and procedures in corporate settings.
- The necessity of courage, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence in leadership.
- The role of organizational culture in fostering or hindering ethical behavior.
Excerpt from the Book
2.4 Why it is so difficult to be an ethical person?
The Ethics Officers Association commissioned a survey of 1,300 associates at all levels in American companies. And what they found is startling: About half admitted to engaging in unethical business practices. For the most part, breaches of trust or codes of morality were relatively minor, such as calling in sick when they want time off, or taking home supplies from the company cabinet. But 9 percent admitted lying or deceiving a customer, 6 percent have falsified numbers in reports or documents, and 5 percent have lied to superiors on serious matters or withheld critical information. And 4 percent admitted to having taken credit for someone else’s work or idea. Some of the breaches are extremely serious: 3 percent have engaged in a copyright or software infringement, and 2 percent have forged someone’s name on a document. One percent has reported false information when filing government forms, such as tax returns.
By contrast, a study of outstanding accountants at one of America’s largest firms discovered that one distinction was a competence called “courage”: They were willing to stand up to their clients and against pressures at their own accounting firms, to risk loosing an account, to insist people do what was right. And the best accountants had the courage to speak up against even massive resistance to be sure the rules were followed – a stance requiring immense integrity and self-confidence. (There was a good news/bad news edge to this finding: The good news was that their best accountants had this kind of courage; the bad news was that most of their accountants did not.)
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the core challenge of maintaining ethics in business and presents the foundational question of how organizations can effectively support employees in making ethical choices.
2. Ethics: This chapter provides a comprehensive analysis of the moral philosophy behind decision-making, the prevalence of the "Illusion of Objectivity," and the systemic difficulties in aligning individual behavior with fair business practices.
3. Conclusion: The concluding chapter synthesizes the main findings, emphasizing that ethical behavior begins with individual courage and that true ethical leadership requires self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
4. Bibliography: Lists the academic and professional sources utilized throughout the assignment.
5. Endnotes: Provides supplementary references for specific citations used in the text.
Keywords
Ethics, Moral, Integrity, Business Ethics, Ethical Dilemma, Decision Making, Illusion of Objectivity, Corporate Strategy, Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Policy and Procedures, Accountability, Values, Responsibility, Professional Conduct
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this assignment?
The work examines the concept of ethics in the professional world, specifically looking at why maintaining integrity is challenging and how organizations can address ethical dilemmas.
What are the central themes discussed?
The themes include the psychology of ethical decision-making, the impact of organizational culture, the necessity of corporate policies, and the personal attributes required for ethical leadership.
What is the core research question?
The assignment seeks to answer how individuals can maintain integrity within a business environment and how organizations can provide the necessary support for ethical behavior.
Which scientific approach is utilized?
The author uses a analytical review approach, referencing psychological studies, organizational surveys, and management theories to assess ethical behavior.
What is covered in the main body?
The main body covers the distinction between ethics and morality, the "Illusion of Objectivity," the difficulty of being ethical, and practical top-down approaches to solving ethical dilemmas in companies.
Which keywords characterize the work?
Key terms include Ethics, Moral, Integrity, Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, and Organizational Culture.
What does the author mean by the "Illusion of Objectivity"?
It refers to the psychological tendency of individuals to believe they are free from prejudice and bias in their decision-making, even when their thoughts are unconsciously influenced by their environment.
Why is courage considered vital for ethical behavior?
The text argues that courage is necessary to stand up against group pressure or organizational demands that conflict with personal integrity or established ethical standards.
- Quote paper
- Executive MBA Manuela Mühlbauer (Author), 2004, The illusion of objectivity, the question of ethics, or give the right support, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/49901
