...Business Research Report Title Presented to: Assessment Code: RWT1 Student Name: Name Student ID: xxxxxxxxx Date: 10/03/2012 Mentor Name: Dayna Haydon Table of Contents Executive Summary 3 Introduction 4 Research Findings 4 Finding Number 1 4 Finding Number 2 5 Finding Number 3 5 Recommendations 5 Conclusion 6 References 7 Executive Summary The main objectives of this report were to evaluate and determine if business ethics and corporate citizenship initiatives would increase employee efficiency within the workplace, the impact of these programs on the reputation of the organization and their effect on the organization’s relationship with employees, investors, and customers. A variety of relevant books and modern journal articles were used to research on this subject. The review of these articles and books revealed that corporate social responsibility initiatives play a fundamental role in building the image of the company as well as strengthening the organization’s relationship with its customers. Ethical programs on the other hand guide employee actions and in effect minimize any points of conflict that may arise within the workplace thereby increasing workplace efficiency and overall employee productivity. Ethical programs also ensure that financial reporting abides by the stipulated standards. This ensures that the information contained in financial reports is reliable and therefore increases...
Words: 2518 - Pages: 11
...Ethics from Personal Decisions to Organizational Procedures Class: BUS512 Organizational Behavior 13th edition Authors: D Hellriegel and J W Solcum, Jr 2008 South-Western, Cengage Learning Abstract There are standards people govern themselves by and expect everyone else to live by. Everyone’s everyday decision are not only actions that affect themselves but everyone else around them. These rules, decisions, and behaviors make up a person’s ethics. Ethics are the morals and beliefs that help to tell the difference between what is right and what is wrong. It is comprised of many things but not solely defined by any of them. Ethics can be learned from religion but if ethics was a religious practice it would be reserved for saints but even atheists practice ethics. Some say ethics comes from how you feel but the truth is feelings are always fluctuating and changing. If your feelings change then you are really acting on your feelings and not your ethics. Ethics is independent of feelings yet dependent on thinking if something is right or wrong. All these cover personal ethics that a person has. When stepping into a work environment there are organized ethics that are placed by the company. Organizational ethics help to align everyone’s ethics under a general atmosphere of what is right and what is wrong. These personal ethics and organizational ethics as well as organizational policies are all under constant evaluation as individuals make choices...
Words: 1587 - Pages: 7
...Assignment 1- “How Personal Can Ethics Get?" BUS 520- Leadership and Organizational Behavior 1. Discuss how personal differences and preference can impact organizational ethics. http://www.oppapers.com/essays/Assignment-1-How-Personal-Can-Ethics/705932 To understand personal differences and preferences we must first discuss personality. An individual’s personality is defined by five major indicators which can be defined as emotional stability, agreeableness, extraversion, conscientiousness and openness. (Don Hellriegel & John W. Slocum, 2010) The one I find most impending on organizational ethics would be conscientiousness. Conscientiousness is defined by Hellriegel and Slocum as being the individuals concern of their self discipline, the ability to act responsibly and the ability to direct their behavior. A person who is more conscientious is more inclined to be responsible, careful, respectful, driven and thorough. The opposite can be said about a person that is less conscientious. Organizational ethics can be defined as the ethics outlined by the organization and how the organization is expected to respond to internal or external stimuli. (Organizational Ethics, 2011) If an individual is not conscientious in their own personal life, how can they be conscientious when it comes to upholding the organizations ethical structure? http://www.termpaperwarehouse.com/essay-on/Assignment-1/36619 Ones upbringing and life's experiences form ones world view and how...
Words: 1988 - Pages: 8
... Responsibility – Company Q For over forty years, the subject of business ethics has continued to evolve and one aspect in particular, social responsibility has become more of a focus. A company’s attitude on social responsibility is evaluated in how they maximize positive impacts on stakeholders while minimizing the negative impacts. Stakeholders include employees, customers, investors and the communities in which they operate. Over time, examples from the world of business have shown ethical standards and social responsibility have a positive impact, not only in terms of reputation management, but long-‐term organizational success. Based on the information provided about Company Q’s actions, it appears that the primary driver for their business decisions is short-‐term economic responsibility without evaluating impacts to all of their stakeholders. Three business decisions are noted which if evaluated independently would not be enough...
Words: 923 - Pages: 4
...Running head: THE EVOLUTION OF BUSINESS ETHICS The Evolution of Business Ethics Ebony Thomas Ashford University OMM 640 April 6, 2015 1 THE EVOLUTION OF BUSINESS ETHICS 2 The Evolution of Business Ethics Ethics includes a mixture of one's beliefs and standards in civilization. Every person has their own perspective of ethics because every situation, person, and culture is different. According to Ferrell et al (2013), "business ethics comprises the principles, values, and standards that guide behavior in the world of business" (Ferrell, Fraedrich, & Ferrell, 2013, p. 7). In simpler terms, business ethics are a collaboration of both society's ethics of right and wrong and the people who work for and have any involvement in an organization ethics. Therefore, regardless of an individual definition of ethics, it is equally important in a business environment and practicing good ethical behavior can eliminate the potential of a hostile environment. Ethics has changed tremendously over the years in society as well as the business world. This research will take a deeper look into the evolution of business ethics. A further analysis of the development of business ethics over the past decades and examines how the rise of social issues played an extensive role. Further, a discussion on how these changes impact current business philosophies and reporting practices will be also be reviewed. Development of Business Ethics Business ethics derived from innumerable changes that occurred...
Words: 1588 - Pages: 7
...Ethical Issues Ethical Issues - Why are ethical issues a major concern in organizations? What individual influences impact ethical behavior? How can organizations influence ethical behavior in employees? Use a recent article from the Wall Street Journal, or other reputable publication, for an example of ethical issues being addressed by a corporation today. Ethics is a major concern and plays a significant part of the US society it is a crucial part in the world of business. The Unique characterization of ethics all though it is part of law ethical behavior comes down to what is right and what is wrong ethically. This paper will look at ethical behavior within an organization. It will look at what is right and what is wrong ethically and moreover how it affects society within an organization. It will reflect on some history of ethics to describe and discuss ethical behavior. Ethical behavior can have an enormous impact either positive or negative, ethically, financially, and emotionally to the people who make up the organization. We will look at why is ethical behavior a major concern within an organization. It will look at the individual influences impact of ethical behavior. Finally, how an organization influences ethical behavior in employees. Ethics is a term that has existed in years before (BC) and continues to exist today. Ethics is philosophical moral treatment of the moral order. According to Socrates the ultimate object of human activity is happiness and...
Words: 1526 - Pages: 7
...How Personal Can Ethics Get? Introduction Ethics are principles or morals in which one distinguishes right from wrong based on their beliefs, social and economical environment in addition to their upbringing. Businesses and organizations should implement good uncompromised ethical practices, policies and procedures in order to obtain a positive reputation and to be successful. Employees are faced with many personal ethical decisions on a daily basis; a wrong decision could lead to stress, a bad reputation from colleagues or retaliation from management. Organizational leaders should build trust with their employees, display integrity and good ethical business practices. This was not the case with Valerie Young and the CEO of the company, Lionel Waters. In this paper I will discuss the personal differences and preferences can impact organizational ethics, how organizational policies and procedures can impact ethics, the ethical dilemmas Valerie is facing, and the best recommendation for Valerie. Personal Ethics As individuals in the United States we are entitled to our own opinions, preferences and thoughts; whether it’s deciding organizational affiliations or potential places of employment. The impact of personal difference and preference on an organization can be both positive and negative, in addition to the correlations of personal values to organizational values. There are many diversified organizations, clubs and groups all of which have values...
Words: 934 - Pages: 4
...Assignment #1: “How Personal Can Ethics Get?" Course BUS 520: “Leadership and Organizational Behavior” Discuss how personal differences and preference can impact organizational ethics. Personal differences and preference can definitely impact organizational ethics, meaning a set of values that define the organization and how those working within that organization view or perceive those values to be as well, whether that be in a positive or negative way. In the case with Valerie, her personal differences included her personality, attitudinal, and emotional attributes (Hellriegel, D., & Slocum,Jr., J. W. (2010), p.70) that influenced her preferences when it came time for her to make an ethical decision in regards to her boss’s unethical behavior, because she responded in a way that was in the best interest for her. Naturally, her personality will not allow her to agree with her boss’s behavior, but because she did not go with her gut instinct to rectify the situation based off her emotions, she developed a negative attitude toward her boss and job. Although Valerie’s personal differences are more ethical than her boss, she still impacted the overall organizational ethics in a negative way by withholding pertinent information from the rest of her colleagues. I say she contributed to the organizational ethics in a negative way because her department was already being run by someone who “was a constant example of how not to be ethical in handling business and employees. Instead of...
Words: 1576 - Pages: 7
...“Title Rhenzl” Business is an economic activity whereas its concern is continuously and constantly producing and distributing goods and services to market in order to provide and satisfy human needs, wants and demand (Henry, 2015). Meanwhile, ethics had been studied by the philosophers for about 2500 years, since the time of Plato and Socrates. As of today, ethics is considered as the moral standards that an individual is relying upon when making a judgment and decision. This statement is supported by Bennett wherein ethics clearly defines what is the right and wrong things and shapes what kind of behavior the business should act on (2014). For the sense of business according to Joseph, ethics are constructed and decided by each business...
Words: 1812 - Pages: 8
...“Business Ethics & Social Responsibilities” Part 1 – Introduction to Social Responsibilities and Business Ethics Focus point: • What is the meaning of “Business Ethics” & “Social Responsibilities”? • What kind of responsibilities do businesses have, towards their stakeholder? • Why are these important? Definitions: a) Social responsibilities … are duties that a business owes to those affected by its activities. b) Business ethics … is the influence of values and beliefs upon the conduct and operation of businesses, i.e. about morality and doing ‘what is right’ and not ‘what is wrong’. … “Why is it important that businesses should conduct ethical behavior?”… Businesses are often said to be run for the benefit of their owners, i.e. their “shareholders”. However, other “stakeholders” are also an important part of business decision making because it is argued that businesses have “Social Responsibilities” towards them. As such, businesses should act in a responsible and ethical manner and consider the possible effects of any decisions they make. “So…what kind of social responsibilities do businesses have, towards these stakeholders?” As we should know, businesses do not operate in isolation, they are actually a “part of society” who has an impact upon the lives of those communities in which they operate. And therefore… *** A firm which is ethical with regard to the society as a whole and the community...
Words: 1813 - Pages: 8
...Table of Contents Question 1: 2 Question 2: 5 2.1: 5 2.2: 6 Question 3: 9 Question 4: 13 Bibliography 17 Question 1: The definition of ethics deserves more than just one sentence, as it is an ambiguous, complex and intangible subject that revolves around behavior towards society, the environment and the business world at large. It is a reflection of one’s personal values and behavior within the business environment and is concerned with what is right and what is wrong based on sometimes religious values, law, established practices, society and individual conscience. Ethics is based on unwritten rules that address fairness, responsibility, moral obligation and compassion. From the above, business ethics can be defined as “The application of a moral code of conduct to the strategic and operational management of a business.” (Define Business Ethics -Discussion and Debate, online) The impact of ethics on business needs to be seen as positive. Corporations that are purely profit driven will not see this positivity as they perceive that ethics limits them to do business as they wish. One thing they must bear in mind is that consumers are more savvy and educated now and respect organizations that practice business in an ethical way and support these organizations wholeheartedly. Ethics drives business to conduct itself in a right and moral way ensuring that no one (society, environment and industry) is harmed. The ethical issues in the extract that need to...
Words: 4518 - Pages: 19
...Organizational Ethics Paper Jaime Terreforte II ETH/316 July 27, 2015 Tyra Barnes Organizational Ethics Paper What is organizational Ethics? Well according to definition, organizational ethics is best described as the work standards and principles of all operating businesses. Organizational ethics comprises of acts of compassion, fairness, honor, integrity, and responsibility. It is important for employers to fully make sure that all employees understand the principles of organizational ethics through training. (Small Business.chron.com, 2015) This paper will discuss the organizational ethics in the retail industry. The retail corporation of Dollar Tree is the primary focus of this essay. Some points that will be addressed are external social pressures, organizational issues and the relevance of organizational and personal decision making, and finally the relationship between legal and ethical issues. External Social Pressures The fundamental role of external social pressures are based on social influence. Social influence basically means that an individual’s actions, reactions, and thoughts are influenced by communities or groups. This will include peer pressure, persuasion, marketing, sales, and conformity. (Business dictionary.com, 2015) External social pressure is a very important aspect when it comes to business ethics in particular small businesses in small communities. There are many social expectations in which businesses needs to pay attention to. These expectations...
Words: 1031 - Pages: 5
...the employees f. Women discrimination g. Unfair business with minorities such as older worker, religious minorities h. Unlawful business practice Would the use of the third party independent contractors insulate MNC's from being attacked? Would that practice offer MNC's a good defensive shield against charges of abuse of “their employees”? Answer: Human rights issues is one of the most important issues in this globalization era. There are no universal or International Standard of what is right or wrong because of the cultural differences among the countries. For example, some country appreciate child labor but some country has a strict law of child labor. So when a business organization conducts business in another country, they are trying to take advantage of that country. The reason for an organization to do business beyond the border is to maximize their profit. Sometimes some MNC does offshore or outsourcing to get the job done. So some MNC goes to the third world country to gain economies of scale. For example Apple Inc. Products are produced by a third party independent manufacturer Foxconn, which situated in China. They have some controversies about some unethical human rights issues which brings public attention. Even though Foxconn produce apple inc. products. But Apple Inc. Face any loss for that. So Yes, the use of third party independent contractors insulate MNC from being attacked by the customer for ethics. Yes, this practice would offer MNCs a good defensive...
Words: 1211 - Pages: 5
...The Responsibility Project 1 RUNNING HEAD: The Responsibility Project The Responsibility Project ETH 316 January 27, 2014 Professor Mary Sortino The Responsibility Project 2 The Responsibility Project A short film was chosen to view on the Responsibility Project website. The film chosen was named Greyston Bakery. The film highlights some very important issues concerning business and their place within their community. The film explores how external social pressures influenced the organizational ethics of the bakery and its management. These issues have proven relevant to both personal and organizational decision making. The film also presents the viewer with information regarding the relationship between ethics and the law as they pertain to business operation. The short film is about Greyston Bakery which is famous for the brownies it makes and sells. Despite the success of the brownie Greyston CEO Julius Walls Jr wants people to be aware of what is happening behind the scenes at his company. He views the profits of his company as the means to supporting a mission. Walls Jr classifies Greyton as a social enterprise in which there are two bottom lines, one for profits and one for a social mission. The film presents the external social pressure of giving back to the community. Greyston Bakery focuses one of its social efforts on providing employment to people within its own community using an open hiring process. Open hiring allows an opportunity for employment to anyone...
Words: 890 - Pages: 4
...View of Business Ethics Summary Paper of My ‘Ethical Position’ From My Experience, Knowledge And What I Have Gleaned From The Business Ethics Class. ABSTRACT The ability to recognize and deal with complex business ethics issues has become a significant priority in twenty-first century companies. In recent years, a number of well publicized scandals resulted in public outrage about deception and fraud in business and a demand for improved business ethics and greater corporate responsibility. The publicity and debate surrounding highly visible legal and ethical lapses at a number of well known firms, including AIG, Countrywide Financial and Fannie Mae, highlight the need for businesses to integrate ethics and responsibility into all business decisions. The field of business ethics deals with questions about whether specific business practices are acceptable. For example, should a salesperson omit facts about a product’s poor safety records in sales presentation to a client? Should an accountant report inaccuracies that he or she discovered in an audit of a client, knowing the auditing company will probably be fired by the client for doing so? Should an automobile tire manufacturer intentionally conceal safety concerns to avoid a massive and costly tire recall? Regardless of their legality, others will certainly judge the actions taken in such situations as right or wrong, ethical or unethical. By this very nature, the field of business ethics is controversial...
Words: 1803 - Pages: 8
