Workplace Ethics

Table of Contents

In most cases, employees are cynical about the moral systems used in business and its executives. There are various reasons behind this cynicism. Firstly, it is crucial to note that different people have different ethical principles. This depends on an individual’s background, religious values, social norms and cultural perspectives among others. Due to this diversity, what is morally acceptable to an individual might be unethical to another person. This creates a platform for cynicism about the ethical frameworks in business and its leaders. Another reason behind the cynicism is that numerous businesses have the reputation of violating fundamental ethical principles. Such practice serves as the only option for some businesses to make profits (Trevino, 2007).

Additionally, most businesspeople engage in unethical practices in an attempt to gain a competitive edge over competitors. Consequently, the public perceives business as an institution that perpetrates unethical practice. It is also essential to note that some business entities mistreat employees in order to maximize productivity. This explains the extensive cynicism of employees towards business ethics. At a personal level, cynicism about business ethics motivates me to maintain the appropriate moral standards either as an employee or as a student. This is because I am familiar with the adverse implications of poor moral standards in business.

An ethical system encompasses a framework of values and principles that determine the behavior of an individual (Trevino, 2007). Ethical systems are also influential in terms of the nature of interactions between individuals. Ethical systems might apply to an individual, a group or even an entire organization. The extensive use of ethical systems is evident in almost all businesses. In a business setting, ethical systems encompass the moral values that bind the conduct and character of all employees in the organization. These values also govern the behavior of leading business executives and managers.

There are various reasons for using ethical systems in a business organization. The ethical system serves as a pertinent component of the decision making framework. Businesses face ethical dilemmas from time to time (Trevino, 2007). For instance, a business organization might have the opportunity to make tremendous profits through tax evasion. Tax evasion is an unethical practice in almost all societies. This scenario presents an ethical dilemma for the business. In such situations, the business uses its ethical system to establish the most appropriate decision. The Coca-Cola Company has a comprehensive ethics code. This code stipulates the company’s ethical system. For instance, it is against the company’s ethical system for an employee to solicit bribes in order to treat a customer favorably.

Reference

Treviño, L. & Nelson, K. (2007). Managing business ethics: Straight talk about how to do it right. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

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