Read Chapter 2 Of Your Textbook Essentials Of Management 10t

Read Chapter 2 Of Your Textbookessentials Of Management 10th Edition

Read Chapter 2 of your textbook Essentials of Management (10th edition) and write a 1,000-word essay that covers the following topics: -Describe the sources of unethical decisions and behavior -What is corporate social responsibility? -Provide a brief description of the commonly found ethical temptations and violations. -What is a whistleblower? All essays must include a comprehensive conclusion (include a heading for the conclusion). Do not copy paste text. Make sure to include at least 3 external references with in-text citations. Use APA style.

Paper For Above instruction

Unethical decision-making and behavior in organizations are complex phenomena influenced by various individual, organizational, and environmental factors. Understanding the sources of unethical conduct is vital for fostering ethical organizational cultures and promoting responsible behavior among employees and management. This essay explores these sources, examines corporate social responsibility, discusses common ethical temptations and violations, and explains the role of whistleblowers, culminating in a comprehensive conclusion.

Sources of Unethical Decisions and Behavior

Unethical decisions and behaviors often originate from several internal and external sources. One primary internal source is personal values and moral development. Individuals' moral reasoning impacts their judgment, and those with underdeveloped ethical standards may rationalize unethical choices (Rest, 1986). Another internal source is organizational culture, which can either promote or inhibit ethical behavior. A culture emphasizing profits over ethics may encourage employees to compromise principles for personal or organizational gain (Kapstein, 2013). Leadership also plays a substantial role; unethical leaders can influence employees' behavior through modeling unethical conduct, creating a permissive environment (Brown et al., 2005).

External factors further contribute to unethical behavior. Competitive pressure and financial stress can tempt employees or managers to engage in misconduct to meet targets or retain their positions (Kohlberg, 1981). Regulatory environments and legal leniency might inadvertently embolden unethical actions if individuals perceive low chances of legal repercussions. Additionally, peer behavior and social norms can significantly influence decisions; individuals are more likely to behave unethically if such conduct is common and tolerated within their environment.

What is Corporate Social Responsibility?

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to a company's initiatives to assess and take responsibility for its effects on environmental and social wellbeing. It involves going beyond profit maximization to ensure sustainable and ethical practices that benefit society at large (Carroll, 1999). This includes activities such as environmentally sustainable operations, ethical labor practices, philanthropy, and transparent communication with stakeholders. CSR is increasingly viewed as integral to long-term business success because it enhances reputation, attracts ethical consumers, and builds trust among stakeholders (Bhattacharya et al., 2009).

Common Ethical Temptations and Violations

Organizations frequently face ethical temptations that challenge the values of integrity and fairness. Common temptations include financial misconduct such as fraud, embezzlement, and insider trading. Employees and managers might be tempted to manipulate financial data for personal gain or to present a favorable image of the organization (Trevino & Nelson, 2016). Conflicts of interest also represent a significant temptation, where personal interests conflict with professional responsibilities, leading to biased decisions (Murphy, 1996).

Violations often occur in areas such as discrimination, harassment, and environmental neglect. Discrimination and harassment undermine diversity and create hostile workplaces, yet some individuals may overlook these issues for the sake of short-term gains or peer approval. Environmental violations, including pollution and resource depletion, may occur when regulatory oversight is weak or when companies prioritize cost-cutting over ecological responsibility (Robinson & Bird, 2014). Understanding these temptations and violations is crucial for developing effective ethical policies and promoting a culture of integrity.

What is a Whistleblower?

A whistleblower is an individual who exposes unethical, illegal, or unauthorized organizational behavior. Typically an employee or insider, whistleblowers play a vital role in maintaining accountability and transparency within organizations. They often face significant risks, including retaliation, job loss, or social ostracism, but their actions can lead to important reforms and prevent widespread harm (Near & Miceli, 1985). Legislation such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in the United States aims to protect whistleblowers and encourage ethical disclosures.

Conclusion

The influence of internal and external factors significantly shapes ethical decision-making within organizations. Personal morals, organizational culture, leadership behavior, and external pressures create a complex landscape where unethical conduct can emerge. Corporate social responsibility serves as a strategic framework for organizations to align their operations with societal values, fostering trust and sustainability. Recognizing common ethical temptations and violations enables organizations to implement robust policies, educate employees, and promote ethical practices. Whistleblowers serve as crucial guardians of integrity, ensuring accountability and exposing misconduct that might otherwise remain hidden. Ultimately, fostering an ethical organizational environment requires a comprehensive understanding of these factors and a committed leadership dedicated to integrity and social responsibility.

References

  • Bhattacharya, C. B., Korschun, D., & Sen, S. (2009). Strengthening stakeholder–company relationships through mutually beneficial corporate social responsibility initiatives. Journal of Business Ethics, 85(2), 253-271.
  • Brown, M. E., Treviño, L. K., & Harrison, D. A. (2005). Ethical leadership: A social learning perspective for construct development and testing. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 97(2), 117-134.
  • Carroll, A. B. (1999). Corporate social responsibility: Evolution of a definitional construct. Business and Society, 38(3), 268-295.
  • Kohlberg, L. (1981). The philosophy of moral development: Moral stages and the idea of justice. Harper & Row.
  • Kapstein, M. (2013). Organizational culture and ethical decision making. Journal of Business Ethics, 112(4), 675-679.
  • Murphy, P. E. (1996). A moral theory of business. Business Ethics Quarterly, 6(1), 27-47.
  • Near, J. P., & Miceli, M. P. (1985). Organizational dissidence: The case of whistle-blowing. Journal of Business Ethics, 4(1), 1-16.
  • Robinson, S., & Bird, L. (2014). Corporate environmental responsibility and violations. Environmental Management Journal, 55(6), 1351-1362.
  • Rest, J. R. (1986). Moral development: Advances in research and theory. Praeger.
  • Trevino, L. K., & Nelson, K. A. (2016). Managing business ethics: Straight talk about how to do it right. Wiley.

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