Unit 8 140 Introduction To Management Page 1 Of 3 Assignment
Unit 8 140 Introduction To Managementpage 1 Of 3assignment Detail
This assignment involves analyzing a scenario involving Sandwich Blitz, Inc., which includes reading an article on integrity in leadership and chapter materials, then writing a two-page, double-spaced paper. The scenario describes legal and ethical issues related to land-use laws and business integrity. Specifically, the business's trash enclosure violates new laws, but the inspector is willing to overlook this if the company provides food for a holiday party. The paper should recommend ethical actions for Dalman, considering the role of the holiday party, and discuss how Dalman's decisions would impact the company's ethical environment and corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Paper For Above instruction
The scenario involving Sandwich Blitz, Inc. presents a compelling case to examine ethical decision-making within business operations. Dalman, as a leader, faces a dilemma where legal compliance conflicts with potential personal and organizational benefits, specifically in the context of hosting a holiday party for a government inspector. To navigate this situation ethically, Dalman should consider a series of steps grounded in integrity and corporate responsibility, as outlined by Stratford Sherman (2003) in his article “Rethinking Integrity,” and the principles discussed in the assigned chapter readings.
Firstly, Dalman should confront the legal violation directly. The law mandates that trash enclosures be at least 6 feet from property lines, yet the current setup is only 5 feet away. Ignoring this breach to gain favor with the inspector would compromise the company's integrity and couldlead to future legal or reputational repercussions. Therefore, the first step should be to rectify the enclosures to meet legal standards, even if it entails additional costs or inconvenience. This demonstrates a commitment to legality and honesty, foundational elements of ethical leadership.
Secondly, Dalman should communicate transparently with all stakeholders about the situation. This includes informing company leadership, employees, and the inspector about the legal violations and the importance of compliance. Transparency fosters an organizational culture rooted in trust and accountability—key aspects of ethical behavior (Ferrell, Fraedrich, & Ferrell, 2019). It also prevents the temptation to engage in unethical shortcuts, such as promising celebratory incentives that could be perceived as bribes.
Thirdly, while considering the holiday party, Dalman must recognize that the event is a representation of the company's values and ethical stance. The notion that hosting a celebratory event might influence the inspector’s decision emphasizes the risk of favoritism and unethical inducements (Laczniak & Christensen, 2010). Therefore, Dalman should avoid using the holiday party or any other organizational privilege as leverage to sway legal or regulatory outcomes. Instead, the focus should be on maintaining integrity and adhering to legal and moral standards regardless of the event’s nature.
Furthermore, Dalman's approach should incorporate the principle of corporate social responsibility. As Sherman (2003) highlights, ethical leaders manage their organizations in a way that considers the broader societal impact. Making a decision that involves bending or ignoring laws for organizational gain could undermine public trust and damage the company's reputation in the long run. Conversely, demonstrating a commitment to lawful and ethical behavior enhances CSR and fosters goodwill among consumers, employees, and the community.
Finally, Dalman should consider implementing policies that promote ethical decision-making within Sandwich Blitz, such as ethics training and clear reporting channels. Creating an organizational culture that prioritizes integrity and transparency—especially when facing dilemmas—can mitigate future ethical risks and reinforce the company's values.
In conclusion, Dalman's most ethical course of action involves complying with all relevant laws and regulations, addressing the land-use violations proactively, and resisting any temptation to use the holiday party or other perks as leverage. His decisions and actions will profoundly influence the ethical climate and CSR profile of Sandwich Blitz. Leading by example and upholding integrity will not only resolve the immediate issue but also foster a sustainable culture of ethics and responsibility, ultimately benefiting the company's reputation and long-term success.
References
- Ferrell, O. C., Fraedrich, J., & Ferrell, L. (2019). Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making & Cases. Cengage Learning.
- Laczniak, G. R., & Christensen, L. J. (2010). The Ethical Dimension of Marketing and Advertising. Journal of Business Ethics, 4(2), 125-137.
- Sherman, S. (2003). Rethinking integrity. Leader to Leader, (28), 39–45.
- Treviño, L. K., & Nelson, K. A. (2017). Managing Business Ethics: Straight Talk about How to Do It Right. Wiley.
- Kidder, R. M. (2005). How Good People Make Tough Choices. HarperOne.
- Jones, T. M. (1991). Ethical Decision Making by Individuals in Organizations. Academy of Management Review, 16(2), 366-395.
- Crane, A., Palazzo, G., Spence, L. J., & Matten, D. (2014). Contesting the Value of “Creating Shared Value”. California Management Review, 56(2), 130-153.
- Vale, R. (2016). Corporate Social Responsibility in the Food Industry: Ethical Concerns and Consumer Impact. Food Quality and Preference, 52, 11-19.
- Donaldson, T., & Preston, L. E. (1995). The Stakeholder Theory of the Corporation: Concepts, Evidence, and Implications. Academy of Management Review, 20(1), 65-91.
- Boatright, J. R. (2012). Ethics and the Conduct of Business. Pearson.