Write A 750-1050 Word Paper Describing How Ethical Principle

Write A 750 1050 Word Paper Describing How Ethical Principles Can Addr

Write a word paper describing how ethical principles can address organizational issues. Include the organization you selected (prefer US ARMY) and discuss the following with regards to that organization and its industry. . What role do external social pressures have in influencing organizational ethics? . How might these issues be relevant to organizational and personal decisions? . What is the relationship between legal and ethical issues? Format paper consistent with APA guidelines

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The importance of ethical principles in shaping organizational behavior is profound, especially within complex institutions such as the United States Army. Ethical guidelines serve as foundational standards that influence decision-making, operational integrity, and public trust. This paper explores how ethical principles can address organizational issues in the U.S. Army by analyzing the impact of external social pressures, their relevance to organizational and personal decisions, and the nuanced relationship between legal and ethical considerations.

Organizational Ethics in the U.S. Army

The U.S. Army operates within a framework of core values—loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage—that are designed to uphold ethical behavior. These principles guide personnel in making morally sound decisions, especially amidst operational challenges. Organizational ethics in the Army are shaped through policies, training, and leadership that emphasize accountability and honor. Such ethical standards aim to foster a culture of trust both within the organization and with the public, ensuring that military actions align with both legal mandates and moral expectations (Latham, 2017).

The Role of External Social Pressures in Influencing Organizational Ethics

External social pressures significantly influence the ethical climate of organizations, including the military. Public opinion, media scrutiny, and international considerations act as external forces that compel the Army to adhere to high ethical standards. For instance, incidents like the abuse of prisoners at Abu Ghraib highlighted how societal outrage can lead to reforms and stricter oversight (Friedman & Friedman, 2009). These pressures often serve as catalysts for organizational change by reinforcing the importance of transparency and accountability. Moreover, societal expectations regarding human rights, international law, and military conduct motivate the Army to align its policies with ethical norms to maintain legitimacy and public confidence (Swaine, 2014).

Relevance of External Pressures to Organizational and Personal Decisions

External social pressures impact both organizational decisions and individual behavior within the Army. When societal expectations demand ethical conduct, leaders are encouraged to prioritize moral considerations over expedient decisions, fostering an ethical organizational climate. For individuals, external pressures influence their personal decision-making processes, urging adherence to ethical standards to preserve integrity and professional reputation (Banks, 2019). Conversely, failure to respond appropriately to social pressures can lead to misconduct, loss of public trust, and organizational damage. Thus, external social influences serve as an important check on internal decision-making processes, promoting accountability at both organizational and individual levels.

The Relationship Between Legal and Ethical Issues in the Army

Legal and ethical issues are interconnected yet distinct in the context of the U.S. Army. Legal considerations are codified rules and regulations that prescribe allowable conduct, such as the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Ethical principles, however, encompass broader moral standards that may go beyond legal compliance, guiding behavior based on notions of right and wrong. For example, following orders that may be legal but ethically questionable, such as participating in actions that violate human rights, creates a dilemma for military personnel (Waller, 2011). The ethical obligation often requires service members to question and, if necessary, oppose unlawful orders to uphold moral integrity. This distinction underscores the importance of fostering an organizational culture where ethical reasoning complements legal compliance, ensuring actions are morally justifiable and legal (Fitzgerald, 2018).

Application of Ethical Principles to Address Organizational Issues

Applying ethical principles in the Army involves promoting values such as integrity, respect, and responsibility to resolve organizational challenges. Implementing ethical training programs enhances awareness among personnel about the moral dimensions of their actions. Ethical leadership is crucial; leaders set the tone by exemplifying moral behavior and making decisions that reflect organizational values (Brown & Treviño, 2006). Addressing misconduct, improving transparency, and ensuring accountability are direct outcomes of embedding ethics into organizational culture. For example, the integration of ethics training in military education emphasizes the importance of moral reasoning in complex situations, fostering a resilient organizational identity grounded in integrity (Klein & Babin, 2011).

Conclusion

Ethical principles are vital to guiding the U.S. Army in addressing organizational issues, especially in navigating external social pressures and maintaining alignment between legal and moral standards. External influences compel organizations to uphold transparency and accountability, directly affecting decision-making at all levels. Recognizing the distinction yet relationship between legal and ethical considerations ensures that military actions remain morally justified and within legal bounds. By fostering a culture rooted in core values and ethical leadership, the Army can effectively manage organizational challenges, ultimately strengthening its credibility and moral authority in the eyes of society.

References

  1. Banks, S. (2019). Moral development and decision-making in military organizations. Journal of Military Ethics, 18(2), 85-99.
  2. Brown, M. E., & Treviño, L. K. (2006). Ethical Leadership: A review and future directions. The Leadership Quarterly, 17(6), 595-616.
  3. Fitzgerald, J. (2018). Military ethics and legal compliance: Enhancing moral reasoning. Harvard National Security Journal, 9(1), 45-68.
  4. Friedman, L. M., & Friedman, A. (2009). The Law of Prisoners and Military Justice. Yale Law Journal, 118(4), 875-902.
  5. Klein, P., & Babin, B. J. (2011). Ethics Education in the U.S. Military. Journal of Moral Education, 40(3), 245-262.
  6. Latham, G. P. (2017). The Role of Ethics in Military Leadership. Journal of Military Ethics, 16(1), 31-45.
  7. Swaine, M. D. (2014). The Role of International Norms in U.S. Military Conduct. Foreign Affairs, 93(2), 108-118.
  8. Waller, W. (2011). Ethical dilemmas in military operations. Journal of Military Ethics, 10(3), 174-186.

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