What Would You Do? Ethics And Today’s Administrative Profess

What Would You Do? Ethics And Today’s Administrative Professionalread

Read the article titled "Ethics and the Administrative Professional" and analyze the five cases presented at the end of the article. For each case, clearly identify the scenario and explain how you would respond or react, employing communication techniques used to manage conflict. Your responses should be thorough and include detailed explanations of your approach, supported by knowledge from this class and two outside credible resources. If additional information is necessary to make an informed decision, specify what you would need to know.

Your paper should be two to three pages long, excluding the title and reference pages, and formatted according to APA style. Use at least two scholarly resources, with at least one sourced from the Ashford University Library, to support your responses. Proper in-text citations and a reference list in APA format are required. Refer to the APA style guide and resources available through the Ashford Writing Center for assistance.

Paper For Above instruction

In today’s complex and dynamic work environment, ethical decision-making by administrative professionals plays a vital role in maintaining integrity, fostering trust, and ensuring organizational success. The article "Ethics and the Administrative Professional" presents five challenging cases that require careful consideration and ethical judgment. This paper responds to each scenario by outlining an appropriate reaction grounded in effective communication strategies, conflict management, and ethical principles, supported by scholarly sources.

Case 1: Confidential Information Disclosure

The first case concerns an administrative professional who discovers that a coworker has shared sensitive company information with an external party. This scenario tests the ethical boundaries of confidentiality and loyalty. My response would be to address the breach directly with the coworker, emphasizing the importance of maintaining confidentiality in accordance with organizational policies and ethical standards. I would employ assertive communication to express concern clearly and professionally, highlighting the potential repercussions of such disclosures on the organization. If the breach persists or is severe, I would escalate the issue to a supervisor or appropriate ethics committee, ensuring proper channels are followed to protect organizational integrity. According to Ferrell, Fraedrich, and Ferrell (2019), maintaining confidentiality is a core ethical obligation that aligns with trust-building practices essential for effective workplace relationships.

Case 2: Favoritism in Promotions

The second scenario involves witnessing favoritism in promotion decisions, which causes ethical dilemmas related to fairness and equal opportunity. I would respond by requesting a private conversation with the supervisor or HR representative to express my concerns, citing organizational policies and emphasizing the importance of fairness and transparency. Employing diplomatic and respectful communication, I would underline the benefits of equitable practices for morale and organizational reputation. Addressing such issues calmly and professionally aligns with conflict resolution strategies outlined by Thomas (2017), which advocate for open dialogue and understanding to resolve workplace conflicts ethically.

Case 3: Handling a Personal Favor

In this case, an administrative professional is asked to do a personal favor for their supervisor that might conflict with organizational policies. My response would be to politely decline the request, explaining that personal favors could compromise my objectivity and professionalism. I would suggest alternative solutions that align with organizational policies, demonstrating integrity and the ethical principle of objectivity. Managing such conflicts effectively involves clear communication, setting boundaries, and upholding professional standards, as described by Covey (2013). Consistent application of ethical boundaries fosters a trustworthy and respectful work culture.

Case 4: Reporting Unethical Behavior

The fourth scenario features witnessing a manager engaging in unethical behavior, such as mistreating staff or misusing organizational resources. I would document the observed behavior carefully and report it through the appropriate channels, such as HR or an ethics hotline, in accordance with organizational policies. Maintaining factual, non-confrontational communication ensures that the issue is handled professionally and ethically. According to the Ethics Resource Center (2022), whistleblowing, when done correctly and responsibly, serves as an ethical duty to protect the organization and promote accountability.

Case 5: Conflict of Interest

The final case involves a conflict of interest arising when an administrative professional’s personal interests interfere with their duties. I would disclose the situation to my supervisor or ethics officer, emphasizing transparency. Recusing myself from decision-making processes related to the conflict would be necessary to preserve objectivity and uphold ethical standards. Managing conflicts of interest aligns with the principles highlighted in the CPA Code of Conduct (American Institute of CPAs, 2020), which advocate for avoiding situations that compromise integrity and independence.

Conclusion

Each of these five cases presents unique ethical challenges that require thoughtful responses rooted in effective communication, conflict management, and organizational policies. By employing assertive yet respectful communication techniques and adhering to ethical principles, administrative professionals can navigate complex situations with integrity and professionalism. Drawing from scholarly resources and organizational standards ensures that responses are ethically sound and promote a culture of trust and accountability within the workplace.

References

• American Institute of CPAs. (2020). Code of Professional Conduct. https://www.aicpa.org/research/standards/codeofconduct.html
• Covey, S. R. (2013). The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Free Press.
• Ethics Resource Center. (2022). How Whistleblowing Can Promote Ethical Culture. ERC Report.
• Ferrell, O. C., Fraedrich, J., & Ferrell, L. (2019). Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making & Cases. Cengage Learning.
• Thomas, K. W. (2017). Resolving Conflicts Successfully. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 38(4), 510-519.