Journal Assignments: Journals Are A Self-Reflective Tool

Journal Assignments Journals Are A Self Reflective Tool That Allows S

Journal Assignments: Journals are a self-reflective tool that allows students to post their personal reflections about course-related materials. Journal #1 – Business Ethics (Chapter 2) Business ethics has been at the heart of many discussions over the years and continue to trouble employees and shareholders. Stories about dishonesty and wrongful behavior in the workplace appear on a regular basis in newspapers and on the national news.

Questions: 1) Why do you think it can be so difficult for people to do what is right? 2) What is your personal code of ethics? Prepare a code outlining what you believe is morally right. The document should include guidelines for your personal behavior. 3) How will your code of ethics affect your decisions about selecting a company in which to work? In this and other journals and papers: Incorporate additional research in your responses , demonstrating that you did some investigating that relates to the journal topic, and/or supports your answers. Even though this is a personal journal, it should also include some additional research as well as reflection.

Paper For Above instruction

Ethical conduct in the workplace is a multifaceted issue that has generated ongoing debate across industries and sectors. Personal integrity, cultural influences, organizational policies, and societal norms all contribute to ethical decision-making. This essay explores why individuals often find it challenging to do what is right, presents a personal code of ethics, and discusses how such a code influences employment decisions.

One of the primary reasons it can be difficult for people to consistently do what is morally right stems from the complexity of ethical situations and the competing interests involved. According to Kohlberg's stages of moral development (Kohlberg, 1981), individuals progress through different levels of moral reasoning, which can influence their capacity to make ethical choices. In many cases, external pressures, such as organizational culture or financial incentives, may encourage individuals to act unethically. Additionally, cognitive biases like self-interest and rationalization can lead to moral lapses. For example, a report by the Ethics & Compliance Initiative (2020) highlights that employees often face conflicts between organizational goals and personal morals, making ethical dilemmas particularly challenging.

My personal code of ethics is rooted in principles of honesty, responsibility, respect, and fairness. I believe it is morally right to act truthfully, uphold my commitments, treat others with dignity, and ensure justice in my interactions. Specifically, I commit to being honest in my communications, accepting accountability for my actions, respecting diverse perspectives, and striving for equity in decision-making processes. This code aligns with the core values promoted by ethical frameworks such as Kantian ethics, which emphasize duty and moral obligation (Kant, 1785).

Having a well-defined code of ethics significantly influences my career choices, including the selection of a potential employer. Organizations that uphold integrity, transparency, and social responsibility resonate with my personal value system. Research indicates that employees are more engaged and satisfied when working for ethical organizations (Valentine & Fleischman, 2008). Therefore, I would prioritize companies with demonstrated ethical practices, such as strong corporate social responsibility programs, clear codes of conduct, and leadership commitment to ethical standards. In choosing an employer, I consider their reputation for honesty, compliance with legal standards, and the presence of mechanisms to report unethical behavior without fear of retaliation (Schaubroeck et al., 2012).

In conclusion, ethical decision-making is complex and influenced by various external and internal factors. Developing and adhering to a personal code of ethics provides a moral compass that guides behavior and influences professional choices. By aligning my career decisions with my ethical principles, I aim to promote integrity both within myself and in the organizations I serve, fostering a more honest and responsible workplace culture.

References

  • Ethics & Compliance Initiative. (2020). 2020 National Business Ethics Survey. Retrieved from https://www.ethics.org
  • Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Translated by Mary Greg. Harper & Brothers, 1903.
  • Kohlberg, L. (1981). The psychology of moral development: Moral stages and the idea of justice. Harper & Row.
  • Schaubroeck, J., Lam, S. S., & Peng, A. C. (2012). Cognition-based and emotion-based trust as mediators of leader-member exchange (LMX) and team performance. Journal of Applied Psychology, 97(4), 785–797.
  • Valentine, S., & Fleischman, G. (2008). Ethics training and organizational commitment. Journal of Business Ethics, 77(2), 159–172.

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