Deliverable Length: 4–6 Pages Managers Often Face Ethical Ch

Deliverable Length4 6 Pagesmanagers Are Often Faced With Ethical Dile

Managers are often faced with ethical dilemmas in organizations. They often use ethical decision-making tools to help them make appropriate choices. Then, they have to effectively communicate their decisions to their employees. An organizational culture that has integrity is often driven by managers that demonstrate values and strong ethical standards. Please review the following articles on ethics and business communication: Ethical Decision Making Models What is Business Communication?

Reflect back on what you have learned about these topics in your program. Then as a refresher, research ethical theories, ethical decision-making, and business communication, and please answer the following questions: What ethical theories are important for managers to use in an organization? What steps or process should a manager use to make ethical decisions? What business communication theories help a manager communicate effectively? What are your preferred methods of business communication and why are they effective? Click to access the Assignment template.

Paper For Above instruction

Ethical decision-making and effective communication are fundamental components of successful management within organizations. As managers often encounter complex ethical dilemmas, their ability to navigate these challenges ethically significantly impacts organizational integrity and culture. This paper explores essential ethical theories that guide managers, examines systematic decision-making processes, discusses communication theories facilitating effective management communication, and shares personal preferences for communication methods based on their effectiveness.

Ethical Theories for Managers in Organizations

Understanding and applying ethical theories are crucial for managers when making decisions that impact employees, stakeholders, and the organization as a whole. Deontology, utilitarianism, virtue ethics, and ethical relativism are among the most influential theories. Deontology emphasizes adherence to moral duties and principles, advocating that managers should act according to ethical rules regardless of outcomes (Kant, 1785). Utilitarianism encourages maximizing overall happiness and minimizing harm, guiding managers to consider the broader consequences of their decisions (Bentham, 1789). Virtue ethics focuses on the character and integrity of managers, promoting virtues such as honesty, fairness, and courage (Aristotle, 4th century BC). Ethical relativism suggests that ethical standards are context-dependent and may vary across cultures and situations (Hefs, 2014). Managers need to be proficient in these theories to evaluate dilemmas comprehensively and to uphold organizational ethical standards.

Steps and Processes for Ethical Decision-Making

Numerous models outline processes managers can follow to ensure ethical decision-making. A widely accepted process involves identifying the problem, gathering relevant information, considering ethical guidelines, exploring alternative actions, evaluating consequences, and making a decision aligned with organizational values (Ferrell et al., 2019). The "Four-Component Model" by Rest (1986) emphasizes moral awareness, moral judgment, moral motivation, and moral character as critical stages in ethical behavior. Leaders should foster an environment encouraging open dialogue and reflection during decision processes, ensuring accountability. Implementing ethics training and establishing clear codes of conduct also provide frameworks that support consistent ethical decision-making.

Business Communication Theories Supporting Effective Management

Effective communication is paramount for managers to implement ethical decisions successfully. Several theories underpin effective management communication, including Shannon and Weaver’s Transmission Model, which emphasizes clarity and the accurate transfer of messages (Shannon & Weaver, 1949). The Interactive Model incorporates feedback mechanisms, fostering dialogue and understanding (Barnum, 2011). Additionally, Situational Theory of Publics posits that communication strategies must adapt based on audience sensitivity and relevance (Grunig & Hunt, 1984). Transformational Leadership Theory also supports ethical communication by inspiring and motivating employees through transparent and moral messaging (Bass, 1985). These theories highlight the importance of clarity, feedback, adaptability, and inspiration in fostering trustworthy organizational communication.

Preferred Methods of Business Communication and Their Effectiveness

Personally, I prefer a combination of face-to-face communication and digital platforms such as emails and video conferencing. Face-to-face interactions facilitate trust, immediate feedback, and nuanced understanding, especially when discussing sensitive ethical issues (Gudykunst, 2004). Digital communication methods are efficient, accessible, and allow for documentation, making them suitable for formal and remote contexts. Video conferencing bridges the gap by enabling visual cues and real-time dialogue, which are crucial for maintaining engagement and clarity when discussing ethical policies or organizational changes. These methods are effective because they accommodate different communication needs, promote transparency, and foster personal connections essential for upholding organizational ethics.

Conclusion

In summary, managers play a pivotal role in fostering organizational integrity through the use of appropriate ethical frameworks and effective communication strategies. Ethical theories such as deontology, utilitarianism, and virtue ethics provide a foundation for moral judgment. Systematic decision-making processes, supported by models like Rest's Four-Component Model, ensure ethical clarity and accountability. Effective communication theories emphasize clarity, feedback, and adaptability, which are essential for transmitting ethical standards. Combining face-to-face, digital, and visual communication methods optimizes understanding and trust. By integrating these theories and practices, managers can develop an organizational culture rooted in ethical values, transparency, and mutual respect, thereby ensuring long-term success and integrity.

References

• Aristotle. (4th century BC). Nicomachean Ethics.
• Bass, B. M. (1985). Leadership and Performance Beyond Expectations. Free Press.
• Bentham, J. (1789). An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation. Clarendon Press.
• Ferrell, O. C., Fraedrich, J., & Ferrell, L. (2019). Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making & Cases. Cengage Learning.
• Grunig, J. E., & Hunt, T. (1984). Managing Public Relations. Holt, Rinehart & Winston.
• Hefs, J. (2014). Ethical Relativism. In S. G. Craig (Ed.), Ethics in Business (pp. 45–58). Routledge.
• Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Prussia: Johann Friedrich Hartknoch.
• Rest, J. R. (1986). Moral Development: Advances in Research and Theory. Praeger Publishers.
• Shannon, C. E., & Weaver, W. (1949). The Mathematical Theory of Communication. University of Illinois Press.
• Gudykunst, W. B. (2004). Bridging Differences: Effective Intergroup Communication. Sage Publications.