Discussion Topic: Business Ethics - Analyze And Discuss

Discussion Topicbusiness Ethicsquestionanalyze And Discuss What If A

Analyze and discuss what, if anything, a moral employee should do when his or her superiors refuse to look into apparent wrong-doing within the organization. Response 175 words. Chapter 1. Required Text(s): Business Ethics. Author William H. Shaw. Edition 9th. Year 2021. Cengage.

Paper For Above instruction

In the context of business ethics, when an employee observes potential wrongdoing within an organization but encounters resistance from superiors to investigate or address the issue, they face a significant ethical dilemma. A moral employee is compelled by the principles of integrity, responsibility, and moral courage to act in accordance with what is ethically right, even when it conflicts with loyalty to the organization or fear of retaliation (Shaw, 2021).

Firstly, the employee should document the apparent misconduct discreetly, gathering facts to substantiate their concerns. This aligns with the ethical obligation of responsible whistleblowing, aimed at protecting stakeholders, including other employees, shareholders, or the public. Communicating concerns through established internal channels, such as reporting to HR or ethics committees, demonstrates adherence to organizational procedures, which helps mitigate personal risk.

If internal avenues fail, the employee must weigh the moral imperative of exposing wrongdoing against potential repercussions. According to ethical frameworks like Kantian deontology, rectifying injustice mandates taking action even at personal risk (Bowden, 2012). Moral employees might consider external whistleblowing to authorities or media if internal efforts prove futile, as they have an ethical responsibility to prevent harm and uphold organizational integrity.

Ultimately, the employee’s choice hinges on their moral conviction to prevent harm and uphold justice, recognizing that silence perpetuates injustice and compromises personal integrity. By acting ethically, they serve as guardians of moral standards within the business environment.

References

  • Bowden, R. (2012). Business Ethics: A Textbook with Cases. Cambridge University Press.
  • Shaw, W. H. (2021). Business Ethics (9th ed.). Cengage.
  • Ferrell, O. C., Fraedrich, J., & Ferrell, L. (2020). Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making & Cases. Cengage.
  • Kidder, R. M. (2005). How Good People Make Tough Choices. HarperOne.
  • Donaldson, T., & Werhane, P. H. (2019). Ethical Issues in Business: A Philosophical Approach. Routledge.
  • Beauchamp, T. L., & Bowie, N. E. (2018). Ethical Theory and Business. Pearson.
  • Robinson, D. (2014). Corporate Moral Responsibility and Whistleblowing. Business Ethics Quarterly, 24(2), 137-163.
  • Tenbrunsel, A. E., & Smith-Crowe, K. (2008). Ethical Fading: The Role of Self-Deception in Unethical Behavior. Academy of Management Review, 33(3), 670–684.
  • Palmer, D., Marcus, A., & McGraw, P. (2020). Managing Ethical Behavior in Organizations. Routledge.
  • Joyner, B. E., & Payne, D. (2002). Evolution and Implementation: A Study of Values, Ethics, and Corporate Responsibility. Journal of Business Ethics, 41, 297–311.

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