Identify A Company Or Organization In The Media Or With Whic

Identify A Company Or Organization In The Media Or With Which You A

1. Identify a company or organization in the media or with which you are familiar that operates ethically. What are the reasons this company/organization is ethical? (You may refer to the leadership, management, products, or services of the organization.)

2. Do you believe the covenantal ethic and social contract views are realistic for large organizations like Bank of America, JPMorgan, ExxonMobil, and Citibank, or federal agencies like the FTC and the Department of Defense? Why or why not? Explain.

3. Outline some steps you would recommend for preventing future corporate scandals like Enron, WorldCom, and the subprime lending crisis based on the contents of this module.

4. My job requires that I lie every day I go to work.

I work for a private investigation agency called XRT. Most of the work I do involves undercover operations, mobile surveillances, and groundwork searches to determine the whereabouts of manufacturers that produce counterfeit merchandise. Each assignment I take requires some deception on my part. Recently I have become very conscious of the fact that I frequently have to lie to obtain concrete evidence for a client. I sometimes dig myself so deeply into a lie that I naturally take it to the next level, without ever accomplishing the core purpose of the investigation.

Working for an investigative agency engages me in assignments that vary on a day-to-day basis. I choose to work for XRT because it is not a routine 9-to-5 desk job. But to continue working for the agency means I will constantly be developing new untruthful stories. And the longer I decide to stay at XRT, the more involved the assignments will be. To leave would probably force me into a job photocopying and fling paperwork once I graduate from college.

Recently I was given an assignment that I believed would lead me to entrap a subject to obtain evidence for a client. The subject had applied for disability on workers’ compensation after being hit by a truck. Because the subject refused to partake in any strenuous activity because of the accident, I was instructed to fake a flat tire and videotape the subject changing it for me. Although I did not feel comfortable engaging in this type of act, my supervisors assured me that it was ethical practice and not entrapment. Coworkers and other supervisors assured me that this was a standard “industry practice,” and that we would go out of business if we didn’t “fudge” the facts once in a while.

I was told, “Do you think every business does its work and makes profits in a purely ethical way? Get real. I don’t know what they’re teaching you in college, but this is the real world.”

1. What is the dilemma here, or isn’t there one?

2. What would you have done in the writer’s situation? Explain.

3. React to the comment, “Do you think every business does it’s work and makes profits in a purely ethical way? Get real. I don’t know what they’re teaching you in college, but this is the real world.” Do you agree or disagree? Why?

4. Describe the ethics of this company.

5. Compare and contrast your personal ethics with the company ethics revealed here?

Paper For Above instruction

In contemporary society, witnessing ethical practices within organizations provides a nuanced perspective on the importance of integrity and moral principles in business operations. An example of a company perceived as operating ethically is Patagonia, an outdoor apparel retailer renowned for its commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility. Patagonia's leadership emphasizes transparency, environmentally friendly sourcing, and fair labor practices, which underscore its ethical stance. The company's mission statement explicitly reflects its dedication to environmental activism, which has garnered trust and loyalty among consumers who value corporate social responsibility (CSR). Patagonia’s initiatives, such as using recycled materials and supporting environmental causes, demonstrate a genuine commitment to ethics that aligns with their corporate values and operations.

The concepts of covenantal ethics and social contract theory offer insightful frameworks for understanding organizational responsibility, especially in large entities like Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, ExxonMobil, or governmental agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or the Department of Defense (DOD). While these theories advocate for moral commitments and collective agreements to uphold societal values, their practical application may sometimes seem idealistic. Nevertheless, their relevance persists; covenantal ethics emphasizes integrity within organizational relationships, fostering trust and accountability. Social contract theory underscores the implicit agreements between organizations and society that necessitate ethical conduct to sustain legitimacy and public trust. For large organizations and agencies, adopting these ethical paradigms is challenging due to complex operational structures, but their principles serve as vital guidelines for promoting corporate accountability and social responsibility, even if full realization remains aspirational.

To prevent future scandals akin to Enron, WorldCom, or the subprime mortgage crisis, organizations need to implement robust ethical safeguards. First, establishing a strong corporate culture rooted in integrity through leadership that exemplifies ethical behavior is essential. Ethical training programs should be mandatory at all levels, fostering awareness and accountability. Implementing transparent reporting systems and encouraging whistleblowing without retaliation can help detect misconduct early. Additionally, aligning executive compensation with long-term ethical performance rather than short-term profits discourages risky or deceptive practices. Regulatory oversight must be strengthened, with regular audits and third-party assessments ensuring compliance. Firms should also embed ethical considerations into decision-making processes, from product development to financial reporting, ensuring that throughout every operational phase, ethics are prioritized over greed or expedience. These proactive measures are essential in cultivating corporate environments where scandals are less likely to occur.

Addressing the personal ethical dilemma posed by working for an investigative agency like XRT, which involves deception, raises important questions about the morality of such practices. In the described scenario, the agent is instructed to falsify evidence to entrap a subject falsely claiming disability benefits, which presents a moral conflict. The dilemma hinges on the conflict between professional duties and personal ethics. Engaging in deceit to gather evidence may constitute misconduct, and the agent’s discomfort signals a moral discomfort with deception. The ethical challenge is whether such practices, justified by industry standards and business survival, align with broader principles of honesty and justice. Personally, I believe a more ethical approach would involve transparency and legal avenues of investigation rather than deception, even if that complicates the process or jeopardizes immediate goals.

The supervisor’s justification that “every business does it’s work and makes profits in a purely ethical way” dismisses the importance of moral integrity in business. I respectfully disagree. While it is true that various organizations may engage in unethical practices, accepting that as 'the real world' diminishes the value of ethics and undermines efforts to promote fairness and honesty in business. Ethical conduct should be the norm rather than the exception, providing a foundation for sustainable success and societal trust. Aligning organizational practices with universal ethical principles enhances long-term legitimacy and reputation, which ultimately benefits the organization more than short-term gains achieved through deception.

The ethics of the described investigative company appear compromised by the routine acceptance of deception and potentially illegal tactics. Justifying lying and staging events as industry standards erodes the moral integrity expected in lawful investigative work. Such practices blur the line between legitimate intelligence gathering and unethical manipulation, risking legal repercussions and reputational damage. In contrast, my personal ethics emphasize honesty, transparency, and respect for individuals’ rights. While I recognize the complexities faced by investigative agencies, I believe that integrity should underpin all professional activities, and any deviations must be critically examined and justified within an ethical and legal framework.

In conclusion, the contrast between personal and corporate ethics underscores the importance of integrity in professional conduct. Cultivating ethical awareness and adhering to moral principles are essential for fostering trust and accountability in organizations. Emphasizing transparency and accountability, alongside comprehensive ethical training, can guide organizations and individuals toward practices that align with societal values and promote sustainable success.

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