...TWO BUDGET TARGETS Right or Wrong-Logical Ethical Analysis Joe has created two separate targets based on two separate reasons. Firstly he has created aggressive performance targets for his subordinates in order for them to be as effective as possible and always perform at their best. On the contrary he has negotiated highly achievable targets for himself the past three years and gotten away with it through being the one who knows the market better than his superiors and thus This is not an unknown or unusual phenomenon, but rather a common way of “creating slack”. There can however be reasons for this kind of behavior. Though it may seem unethical it can be argued for being a way to protect oneself from rigid, unfair performance evaluations. The previously stated can further be argued to be appropriate considering the rapidly growing, uncertain market that may justify taking such safety actions due to unpredictability of the performance measures that this type of market can cause. He does not fire those of his subordinates that fails to meet their targets (only 25% are met), but nor does he give bonuses to those who “underachieves”. Instead, he simply provides the vast majority of the bonus to those (relatively few) who does meet the aggressive performance targets. As for himself, he has negotiated for highly achievable targets leading to high bonus rewards as a consequence of exceeding those targets by staggering 40%. However, it is safe to say that Joe’s actions definitely...
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...businesses have made a bad reputation for themselves because they are only interested in making money, an example of this would be the Enron case. Many of today’s top corporations have been fined a lot of money for unethical decisions. Ethical behavior in business improves the well-being of the individuals because it promotes things such as generosity, and compassion for each other and their customers. Ethical behavior among businesses can be enhanced when there are conferences between CEO’s of the organization and their employees talking about the standards of the organization. One way to find out if there is an understanding of ethical behavior is to ask employees if they understand the core values that make up the business. If they do not know them employees may unknowingly be practicing unethical behaviors that the company may not tolerate (2007, Nov 9). One out of every three major corporations offers some kind of ethical training which helps their employees to work through difficult situations. For example these programs will help employees to better understand and handle situations when they are confronted with a situation involving unethical behavior being exhibited by another employee. If companies do not have any of these programs they can expect unethical decisions to be made by their employees (White). In recent years companies like Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Wal-Mart have hired chaplains of many religions to work for the company. Members of the God Squad as ...
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...Effects of Unethical Behavior ACC291 Effects of Unethical Behavior Accounting is used as a kind of language to communicate and report information about the financial position of an organization in a way that is understood by its intended users. The information reported is vital to investors and creditors of that organization as it gives them an insight of the business. This information is used as a determining factor in the decisions they will make regarding investing or extending credit in a particular organization. As a result of this, it is not uncommon to encounter individuals and organizations that utilize unethical behaviors and practices to make the books look more appealing to outsiders. Corporate scandals can be very public affairs that cost companies not only money but their reputation in the public eye. The pubic often question the reason why some individuals are willing to run their companies honestly and others turn to unethical and illegal activities. The causes of unethical practices in business are diverse and complex. There are different situations that could lead to unethical practices. Some executives and managers get themselves involved in things like misusing company funds, bribery, misleading financial analysis, exaggerating revenues, or purposely providing incorrect information. Two well known examples of unethical practices are the Enron and WorlsdCom scandals. Both companies were involved in fraudulent and unethical accounting reporting...
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...Tips in writing Case Studies Strengths of Case Studies Provides detailed (rich qualitative) information. Provides insight for further research. Permitting investigation of otherwise impractical (or unethical) situations. Because of their in-depth, multi-sided approach case studies often shed light on aspects of human thinking and behaviour that would be unethical or impractical to study in other ways. Research which only looks into the measurable aspects of human behaviour is not likely to give us insights into the subjective dimension to experience which is so important to psychoanalytic and humanistic psychologists. Case studies are often used in exploratory research. They can help us generate new ideas (that might be tested by other methods). They are an important way of illustrating theories and can help show how different aspects of a person's life are related to each other. The method is therefore important for psychologists who adopt a holistic point of view (i.e. humanistic psychologists). Limitations of Case Studies Can’t generalize the results to the wider population. Researchers' own subjective feeling may influence the case study (researcher bias). Difficult to replicate. Time consuming. Because a case study deals with only one person/event/group we can never be sure whether the conclusions drawn from this particular case apply elsewhere. The results of the study are not generalizable because we can never know whether the case we have investigated...
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...encompasses honesty, confidentiality where necessary and openness. Adhering to ethical and moral principles when communicating ensures minimal negative consequences, hence, positive action and reaction from the audience. This makes it a crucial aspect of leadership. It is important to note that effective and ethical communication is different. For instance, a charismatic leader such as a politician has the ability to appeal to the emotions of the masses, but if the truth is exaggerated or hidden, this cannot be referred to as ethical communication. It is only effective. Ethical communication includes what is said as well as what is not said, hence the need to act as one preaches and correction of false impressions. Throughout human history, unethical communication has been portrayed as a powerful weapon of destruction. It has ruined interpersonal relationships, been used to support greed, corruption, oppression and tyranny within institutions as well as starting and fuelling economic injustice, violence and war, genocide and tribal conflicts among other social evils [ (Makau, 2009) ]. Ethical communication has also been shown to foster human relationships, foster truth, honesty and peace, hence understanding and peace. This shows the power that communication holds, more so, ethical communication. Being a topic that covers a wide range in everyday life, there are numerous approaches...
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...the company’s current market capitalization value. Here, the question of whether to dump the shares, or to be honest with their buyers and sell at transparent price, is a serious ethical dilemma for the company. This is definitely an interesting situation where a single major ethical decision could push the entire company to the edge; leaving nothing but liquidation. Participants of the issues and their method There were two main characters in the movie with clashing views: Sam Rogers (head of risk management department) and John Tuld (CEO). John Tuld claimed that the company should make a maximum effort to sell all the shares at the false price, while Sam Rogers believed that this is not an ethically right act to pursue. Tuld used the incentive and culture approach to persuade his employees to turn to his side. The Wall Street culture, infamous for the concept of taking others down for survival, allowed the employees to morally think that their unethical actions were “okay” given the setting. Furthermore, the CEO offered up to $1.3 million for every 93% of the portfolio sold, which pushed the employees to commit even more towards this scam. Sam Rogers later joined the CEO’s side, explaining that he “needed the money”. Personal insights on ethical decisions Initially, I had thought...
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...the lack of audience-centered thinking • Uses vague, confusing language (More than three times during what period? Will have to answer to the author for what specific penalties?) • Polarizes workers by inciting conflict between “punctual” employees and others 1.2 The tasks described have the following communication directions: a. Downward, upward, and horizontal—since the entire company is involved. A memo is the best choice (either printed or electronic) to ensure that everyone receives the message (as opposed to, say, a blog posting, which is more passive). b. Upward. Depending on the situation, could be a formal proposal or a presentation at an executive meeting. c. Horizontal. Because this situation calls for feedback, a phone call, an e-mail, or an instant message would be appropriate. d. Downward, upward, and horizontal—since the entire company is involved. This situation is likely to involve both a considerable amount of information and periodic updates as marketplace conditions change. A blog would be an ideal vehicle for this (particularly with an automated RSS newsfeed), as...
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...help them achieve their business goals while maintaining that ethics, commitment and fairness are the cornerstone of its business. STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES Every employee is expected to: • Report to work on times as scheduled. If an employee is going to be more than 10 minutes late, he or she must contact their supervisor. If an employee is tardy more than three times in a 90 day period, disciplinary action will be taken up to and including termination. • Once an employee reports to work, it is his or her responsibility to remain positive and helpful to coworkers at all times. • Employees must maintain professionalism at all times. • Employees must provide excellent customer service at all times while at work. If a situation occurs in which an employee cannot help a customer for any reason, it is his or her responsibility to inform management as soon as possible that help is needed. • Bring all ideas to the table during the mandatory bi-monthly meeting. It is important that each employee has an entrepreneurial spirit. Acceptance of gifts or gratuities • No employee of BDC may accept any...
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...Unethical Research Edward Sivick RES/331 June 17, 2013 Professor Tracy Sipma Introduction Business research is an important tool in business. The process includes planning, analyzing, and distributing relevant data, information, and insights to individuals making decisions. Unfortunately, some companies take business research to the next level and participate in unethical research. The following information about unethical research, injured parties, unethical behavior, and how to avoid unethical behavior are based on the article Cigarettes with “Defective Filters Marketed for 40 Years: What Philip Morris Never Told Smokers” (Pauly, 2002). Unethical Research According to the article Phillip Morris a major supplier of cigarettes world-wide has been selling filtered cigarettes for over 40 years with some major issues. While the cigarettes are made in the factory some of the micro filaments in the filter break making fragments. When the consumer goes to smoke the cigarette these fragments release when the individual is puffing. The problem with this is cellulose acetate fragments and carbon particles are released; when this occurs the filter is defective. Phillip Morris was aware of this problem naming it “fall-out” but did not disclose this information to the public and alert consumers that the product may be releasing harmful chemicals that are not normally released. Upon further review of Phillip Morris documents 61 documents containing information regarding fall-out...
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...company name] | Creating an Ethical Organization | | Business Ethics | Saurabh | How to Create an Ethical Workplace? Ethics in the workplace are vital, even to small business owners. No company wants to be known as unethical, and employees are more apt to display higher morale and more productivity when they know they are working for a morally sound company. It is important to create a conscientious workplace that is transparent, both to employees as well as the general public. Small business owners should never tolerate inappropriate behavior in an employee and employees should be properly trained on what is considered unethical and ethical. * Set an example for your workforce. In order for employees to behave in an ethical manner, they need to know that they are working for a moral boss. They will be much less likely to display signs of unethical behavior if they know that this type of behavior will not be tolerated or ignored. * Create a policy dealing with ethics. This company policy should state your expectations for your employees as well as outline what is and is not considered acceptable. Having a clearly written policy will help you take action should an employee act unethically. * Allow employees to report unethical behavior in a safe environment. No one enjoys ratting out a fellow employee, particularly if it will be made known who turned the person in. Give your employees a safe and anonymous way to air their complaints so that you can...
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...moral obligation of serving adults of a certain age depending on the state’s legal drinking age. This is not only a moral responsibility, it is a legal obligation. Other legal and moral obligations include limiting patrons when their level of inebriation may become a hazard to themselves or others. When customers are obviously too drunk, employees must “cut-off” the clients for their own safety and the safety of others. The relationship between ethics, morality, and social issues in the legal environment will be explored. One ethical and social issue is the communities need for respect and order. Communities oppose establishments that stay open very late in residential areas with disorderly patrons. Loud and disorderly customers create unethical and moral dilemmas. Taste will be a fixture in the community that gives back when applicable. Social events for families and neighborhoods as well as community programs may be in conjunction with other businesses a part from the wine bar itself. Taste will require ethics training, monitoring, and enforcement. Employees will attend a class or provided with information on ethical work practices. The class will review how to deal with unruly customers. A formal code will be instituted for ethical business practices. New employees and recruits will receive formal training and a copy of the ethics code for dealing with clients. Managers will review guidelines on how to treat employees equally. Ethical decision-making will be reviewed for a...
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...operation of all businesses, large and small. This paper will explain some of the many similarities and differences that exist among virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. It will also offer personal insight of my opinion of virtue, value, and moral concepts as related to deontological ethics. Virtue, value, and morals all directly relate to the field of ethics. Virtue is behavior that relates very high standards to the deed being carried out, representative of the good in the situation. Values are fundamentally the principles of behavior, judging what one deems as important to life. Morals are instinctive feelings of what is right or wrong in decision making. They can vary from person to person discriminative on the culture, lifestyle, and background of the person that is using the moral judgment. Many similarities and differences reside among Utilitarianism, Virtue theory, and Deontological ethics. Those who follow Utilitarianism ethics generally look at matters on a broad scope. They consider all sides to an argument, carefully weighing good versus bad, in an effort to answer the question “What should be done?” Businesses that operate on a strict code of virtue ethics place more emphasis on the roles of character and virtue of the situation rather than doing one’s moral duty or acting only with thoughts of the good of the greater society. Deontological ethics are classified by a focus that adheres to independent moral rules or duties, such as action with...
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...In the last decade ethics has taken an important place in corporate America after some unethical and fraudulent business practices getting uncovered. Few companies’ such as Tyco, Enron, Arthur Anderson, and WorldCom have made their name synonymous with corporate fraud. Unethical behavior of top executives like Bernard Madoff and Martha Stewart can sink the whole company. This paper will explain the role of ethics and social responsibility when developing a strategic plan. In this paper I will also discuss how my ethical responsibility has changed during MBA program. Ethics in Strategic Planning Ethical means that which is morally good, and morally right, as opposed to legally or procedurally right (Mendonca, 2001). Business like most other social activities presupposes a background of ethics and would be impossible without it. To be a good business leader it is very important to doing the right things. Any unethical behavior at workplace can be creates very stressful and overwhelming environment for employees. For example, if an employee finds an unethical behavior, which is not necessarily illegal, his or her inner self of right and wrong could play a role in what he or she does. A good corporation needs to know what is good and bad not only just now, but also within the action-relevant future (Mintzberg, Lampel, Quinn, & Ghoshal, 2003). To give clear directions on what to do in a situation that require ethical consideration, most of the organizations have opted to create a...
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...behavior. Ethics is a strong topic that can be discussed in some great length without reaching any kind of consensus stateside or abroad. However I will give some insight on the issues of corporate ethic’s and federal behavior. The responsibilities and objectives of the businesses will be observed, as well as the ethical obligations of the federal sector. One of the major issues that corporations have in the private sector is over reporting and under reporting of net income. Management in the corporate world seeks to show that every quarter the net income of business has grown. The way this is done is by adopting unethical means and illegal means in the operations of financial reporting. One such way this is done in the private sector is in the use of stock options for employees that enable private sector companies to take employment cost off balance sheet and inflate earning. Corporation’s when making decisions must be held to ethical standard as well as a technical or commercial standard. Corporation’s board members must govern the Ethical behavior of its C-level, upper, middle, lower management, and especially its accountant’s. Unfortunately this has not been the case in most situations until the economic downfall that started back in 2008. (The below statement is an example unethical corporate behavior.) “The sudden collapse of Enron, followed by other scandal such as WorldCom and a growing list of companies that have inflated earnings figures,...
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...MacDonald and talk directly to the CEO about what he thinks is dishonest business dealings with Symbol. He has tried to get a neutral opinion by going to the company’s controller. The controller took a passive stance and was not helpful in regards to what direction Davis should take. This passive inaction made Davis question again what ethics this company has. With three of Davis’s contacts appearing to him as unethical and having poor accounting practices, Davis should talk directly to the CEO. He has already tried to bring the accounting errors to his superiors and has little success in them acknowledging the issue. Steve from Symbol has already let Davis know that there is an accounting issue. The client should not have to badger the company for its money which is owed to it. Symbol being their largest client, the utmost must be done to keep Symbol happy. Davis knows that ConnectCo owes Symbol money but is unsure how much based on ethics. By removing training days of ConnectCo’s employees the debt owed to Symbol is reduced by approximately $30,000. This move is unethical because ConnectCo is supposed to take care of the training, which is why Symbol has hired them. Going directly to the CEO will show that Davis takes his job seriously. He will be showing initiative for his client and emphasizing that Symbol is an important revenue generator and as such needs to be...
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