Ethics and the Workplace

Term Paper # 116156

Business
Ethics

A look at some of the ethical dilemmas that pervade the workplace everyday.

1,359 words () | 3 sources | APA | 2009 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how ethical dilemmas pervade the workplace everyday and how these problems are inevitable because each individual tends to put his or her own needs and desire before others, and the goal in any industry is to maximize profits. The paper looks at four of the most popular ethical "competing claims" - conflict between two or more personally held values, conflict between personal values and the values held by another person or the organization, conflict between basic principles and the need to achieve a desired outcome and conflict between two or more individuals or groups to whom one has an obligation. Using the personal experience of the author, the paper discusses how, in order to reach these lofty expectations, workers will often find themselves in situations where they can easily jeopardize others as well as themselves.

From the Paper:

" For leaders, it is important to utilize specific methods to deal with ethical problems in the workplace. Bettina Lankard (2000) explains "discussion, analysis, problem solving, and decision making are critical to the ethical resolution of conflicts." Perhaps, if there was better communication or leadership from the branch manager, this situation might not have occurred. It is also important to consider that "the resolution of conflict cannot rest in the hands of one or two individuals. All stakeholders in a situation must be involved--for legal as well as ethical reasons. " (Lankard, 2000) Small branch problems can escalate to other branches easily which is the reason that most businesses have hierarchy management structures. Problem solving is best done through collaboration. "

Sample of Sources Used:

Ezarik, Melissa (2002, October) "Getting it right: How to Deal with Ethical Dilemmas in the Workplace isn't Always Easy or Obvious" Career World. Retrieved: July 16, 2007. Website: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0HUV/is_2_32/ai_108790336/pg_3
Kirrane, D. E.(1990, November) "Managing Values: A Systematic Approach to Business Ethics." Training and Development Journal 44, no. 11: 53-60.
Lankard, Bettina. Resolving Ethical Dilemmas in the Workplace: A New Focus for Career Development. ERIC Digest No. 112. Retrieved July 16, 2007. Website: http://www.ericdigests.org/pre-9220/focus.htm