HIST 157 OL1 US History Since 1865 Summer 2015 Final Exam Du

Hist 157 Ol1 Us History Since 1865summer 2015 Final Examdue As A Wor

Cleaned assignment instructions

Summarize the article, identify the author’s intended audience, critique the article, assess how the author addresses business ethics within the workplace, formulate your own conclusions on the topic, and ensure your entire writing assignment is formatted according to APA style. The paper must be at least two pages long, excluding cover and references pages.

Paper For Above instruction

The article “Do Codes Make a Difference?” explores the role and effectiveness of organizational codes of ethics and conduct in shaping behavior within the workplace and society at large. The author aims at a broad audience that includes business professionals, students of organizational behavior, and ethicists. The article emphasizes that while codes of ethics are widespread and often mandated by law or organizational policy, their practical impact on ethical behavior is mixed and often limited by factors like organizational culture, enforcement mechanisms, and individual compliance.

The author critiques the efficacy of codes of ethics by highlighting that their success heavily depends on how they are implemented and embedded within the organizational culture. Merely having a written code is insufficient; organizations must foster an environment where ethical behavior is encouraged and consistently reinforced. The article discusses instances where codes failed to prevent unethical conduct, such as in corporate scandals, illustrating that codes alone are ineffective without accompanying ethical leadership and accountability.

Within the context of business ethics at work, the author underscores the importance of integrating ethical standards into everyday practices rather than viewing codes as mere formalities. Ethical training, transparent communication, and leadership commitment are vital in ensuring that codes influence behavior genuinely. Moreover, the article explores how ethical lapses can damage organizational reputation, decrease employee morale, and lead to legal consequences. Therefore, organizations need to align their codes of conduct with core values and support a culture of integrity to achieve meaningful ethical compliance.

In my assessment, the article provides a comprehensive critique of the limitations and potentials of codes of ethics. It rightly emphasizes that documents alone do not shape behavior; cultural and leadership factors are more influential. The article encourages organizations to move beyond superficial compliance toward fostering ethical climates that promote transparency and accountability. My conclusion is that effective ethical management requires a holistic approach that combines formal codes with active leadership and ongoing ethical education, reflecting a realistic understanding of how ethics operate within complex organizational environments.

References

  • Kaptein, M. (2008). Developing and testing a measure for the ethical culture of organizations: The ethics culture questionnaire. Ethics & Behavior, 18(1), 3-22.
  • Treviño, L. K., & Nelson, K. A. (2017). Managing Business Ethics: Straight Talk about How to Do It Right. Wiley.
  • Sims, R. R. (1992). The challenge of ethical behavior in organizations. Journal of Business Ethics, 11(7), 505–513.
  • Valentine, S. R., & Kidder, D. L. (1998). Ethical contexts in organizations: Influences on organizational commitment and work behavior. Journal of Business Ethics, 17(11), 1093–1102.
  • Ferrell, O. C., Fraedrich, J., & Ferrell, L. (2019). Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making & Cases. Cengage Learning.
  • Kidder, R. M. (2005). Moral Courage: Taking Action When Your Values Are Stained (2nd ed.). HarperOne.
  • Palmer, D., & Rozeff, M. (1997). Ethical climate and organizational culture: An empirical assessment. Journal of Business Ethics, 16(4), 439–449.
  • Schwartz, M. S. (2004). Ethical culture and corporate compliance. Journal of Business Ethics, 55(3), 273–285.
  • Crane, A., & Matten, D. (2016). Business Ethics: Managing Corporate Citizenship and Sustainability in the Age of Globalization. Oxford University Press.
  • Gini, A. (1995). Responsible Managing: A Framework for Ethical Business Practice. Praeger.

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