Assignment 2: Workplace Ethics

Assignment 2 Workplace Ethics

This assignment will give you the opportunity to analyze an ethical situation you are familiar with, have personally experienced, or learned about in the news. It should be an ethical situation in the workplace. You will be graded on the following criteria: Write a four to six (4-6) page paper or a five-minute video in which you: Thoroughly describe a situation that you have been involved in, are aware of, or have learned about in the news. How did the situation get to be an ethical issue? Was the situation handled correctly? Why or why not? If so, what ethical concept was used to justify the action taken? If not, make sure to include an ethical concept(s) (Kantian, utilitarian, virtue, etc.) in your actions or recommendation. If the situation is not yet resolved, make a recommendation using an ethical concept. If you write a paper: Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements: Typed, double-spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length. If you do a video: Make sure your delivery is professional. Check your appearance. Check the background. Make sure you stay within the allotted time. Make eye contact with the camera. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Determine the considerations for and process of ethical decision making to balance social responsibilities and address any moral, economic, and legal concerns. Analyze your selected situation using the predominant ethical theories, such as utilitarian, Kantian, and virtue ethics to guide ethical business decision making. Determine the implications and impact of any applicable civil liberty laws. Use technology and information resources to research issues in business ethics. Write or speak clearly and concisely about business ethics.

Paper For Above instruction

In the contemporary workplace, ethical issues are pervasive and can significantly influence organizational reputation, employee morale, legal standing, and overall success. Recognizing and analyzing these issues is crucial for developing responsible and morally sound business practices. This paper aims to examine a workplace ethical dilemma, assess how it was handled, and explore ethical concepts that justify or suggest improvements to decision-making processes.

Selected Ethical Situation

The chosen scenario involves a mid-sized technology company's decision to implement a new employee monitoring system. The management introduced software that tracks employees' internet usage, keystrokes, and screen activity without prior detailed disclosure. An employee discovered the monitoring and raised concerns about privacy violations and the lack of transparency. The situation gradually escalated as employee morale declined and trust in leadership eroded.

How Did the Situation Become an Ethical Issue?

The ethical dilemma stemmed from the conflict between the company's need to ensure productivity and security versus employees' right to privacy. The management's decision to deploy monitoring software without explicit disclosure created a perception of surveillance that infringed on personal privacy rights. The issue escalated when employees felt their dignity and autonomy were compromised, raising questions about consent, transparency, and fair treatment. According to the ethical principle of respect for persons—central in Kantian ethics—privacy and autonomy are vital rights that must be honored (Kant, 1785). Failing to inform employees about the monitoring violated this principle, transforming a managerial security measure into an ethical concern.

Was the Situation Handled Correctly?

The initial handling was flawed, as management failed to communicate the purpose and scope of monitoring activities transparently. This omission contributed to mistrust and a sense of betrayal among employees. According to utilitarian principles, which emphasize the greatest good for the greatest number, transparency would have promoted greater workplace harmony and productivity, outweighing the perceived privacy intrusion (Mill, 1863). Conversely, the company's secretive approach resulted in reduced morale and increased anxiety, negating the utilitarian benefits. Proper handling would have involved engaging employees beforehand, explaining the reasons behind monitoring, and establishing clear boundaries to respect individual rights while addressing organizational concerns.

Application of Ethical Concepts

Applying Kantian ethics, the primary concern revolves around respect for personal dignity and honesty; thus, transparency is paramount. By informing employees about monitoring practices, the company would respect their autonomy—an essential Kantian duty. In contrast, a utilitarian perspective might justify monitoring if it enhances overall productivity and security, provided employees perceive the process as fair and necessary. Virtue ethics, emphasizing the character of organizational leaders, advocates for honesty, integrity, and fairness, suggesting that managers should act with moral virtue by fostering trust and respect in workplace policies (Aristotle, 4th century BC). Therefore, the best course involves a balanced approach that integrates these ethical principles, ensuring that organizational needs do not override individual rights.

Recommendations and Resolution

If unresolved, the ethical issue could be mitigated through comprehensive communication and stakeholder engagement strategies. The company should implement transparent policies outlining monitoring scope, purpose, and employee rights. Establishing a feedback mechanism allows employees to express concerns, promoting ethical dialogue and shared understanding. Additionally, adopting a proportionate monitoring approach—limiting data collection to necessary information—aligns with ethical standards. From a virtue ethics perspective, leadership should cultivate trustworthiness, fairness, and respect. These steps foster an ethical organizational culture that balances security with individual rights, aligning management practices with core ethical principles.

Implications and Legal Considerations

Legal frameworks such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and various U.S. state laws govern employee data privacy. Compliance with these laws is essential to avoid legal repercussions and uphold civil liberties (European Commission, 2016). Employers must ensure that disciplinary actions, privacy policies, and data handling procedures conform to legal standards, which often require explicit consent and limited data usage. Ignoring legal obligations may result in lawsuits, financial penalties, and reputational damage. Therefore, integrating legal considerations into ethical decision-making processes is vital for responsible business conduct.

Conclusion

Workplace ethics demand a careful balance between organizational objectives and respect for employee rights. The analyzed scenario underscores the importance of transparency, respect, and stakeholder engagement in ethical decision-making. By applying ethical principles such as Kantian respect, utilitarian benefits, and virtuous leadership, organizations can navigate complex dilemmas effectively. Ultimately, fostering an ethical culture rooted in trust and integrity not only mitigates conflicts but also enhances long-term organizational sustainability and social responsibility.

References

• Aristotle. (4th century BC). Nicomachean Ethics.
• European Commission. (2016). General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
• Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals.
• Mill, J. S. (1863). Utilitarianism.
• Spinello, R. A. (2019). Cyberethics: Morality and Law in Cyberspace. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Schneider, A. (2014). Business Ethics: A Textbook with Cases. Cengage Learning.
• Valentin, S. (2017). Analytics and the Ethical Use of Data. Journal of Business Ethics, 145(3), 569-583.
• Reidenberg, J. R. (2018). Boundaries of Privacy in Data-Driven Business. Harvard Law Review, 131(7), 1838-1882.
• Hunt, S. D., & Vitell, S. J. (1986). A General Theory of Marketing Ethics. Journal of Macromarketing, 6(1), 5-16.
• Brown, M. (2020). Maintaining Ethical Practices in the Digital Age. Business Ethics Quarterly, 30(2), 215-234.