A634.7.4.RB_MaceRoyce
Watch the two videos from business ethics speakers and discuss how your organization portrays its values. Share any examples where behaviors were portrayed positively by your leaders or an instance where someone was unethical in your work environment.
Weinstein (2012) highlights that ethics are about more than just talking about them — it is about also acting on them. In doing so, others will respond better to your actions and as a leader or manager and you will likely feel better about yourself in the process. This is exactly how I feel sometimes about my own organization, Values are preached (taking care of your people, do your best, set the example, give constructive criticism to your subordinates, etc.) and yet they are not fully enacted by those that preach it.
Additionally, Weinstein (2012) identifies a framework for acting ethically. Specifically, he talks about the importance of criticism and ethically intelligent apologies. Criticism and apologies are necessary to help others in meeting ethical standards; it is not just reserved for work performance. By giving heartfelt criticism and apologies, leaders can garner respect and improve relations with their people. Unfortunately, criticism and/or apologies do not take place in a formatted environment in my organization. As a person who prides himself in acting ethically by utilizing constructive criticism and emotionally intelligent apologies (and pushing others to do the same), a lack of recognition in this area makes me wonder, "What's the use? Nobody cares about acting ethical!"
Fortunately, I am mature enough to realize that ethics go beyond the workplace or recognition for using them. Giving up on my ethics in the workplace because I don't see them reciprocated by others would be a poor decision. In reality, it is up to me as a leader to continue the ethical behavior at all costs and to set the example for everyone in my organization. Gallagher (2013) argues that every choice has a consequence. In using this theme, we remember that if my organization chooses to preach ethics without action, then eventually it will falter. As an individual, if I choose to act less ethically, then my own ethics may be called into question and/or lead to hardship both personally and/or professionally.
In conclusion, my organization could do better in the ethics department. To clarify, there aren't a bunch of ethical violations happening, but preaching ethical code and not ensuring its implementation throughout the organization will ultimately lead to failure. If the ethical code is described in the organization and includes taking care of your people, doing your best, setting the example, and giving constructive criticism to your subordinates, then it needs to be practiced at the highest level and below. Only then can we prevent the subtly unethical behavior of not practicing what you preach which can lead to potentially larger ethical violations.
Resources
Gallagher, C. (2013, January 27). Business Ethics Keynote Speaker - Chuck Gallagher - shares
Straight Talk about Ethics! [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=gUJ00vNGCPE
Weinstein, B. [TheEthicsGuy]. (2012, August 24). Keynote Speech Excerpts from The Ethics Guy.
[Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLxbHBpilJQ
Weinstein (2012) highlights that ethics are about more than just talking about them — it is about also acting on them. In doing so, others will respond better to your actions and as a leader or manager and you will likely feel better about yourself in the process. This is exactly how I feel sometimes about my own organization, Values are preached (taking care of your people, do your best, set the example, give constructive criticism to your subordinates, etc.) and yet they are not fully enacted by those that preach it.
Additionally, Weinstein (2012) identifies a framework for acting ethically. Specifically, he talks about the importance of criticism and ethically intelligent apologies. Criticism and apologies are necessary to help others in meeting ethical standards; it is not just reserved for work performance. By giving heartfelt criticism and apologies, leaders can garner respect and improve relations with their people. Unfortunately, criticism and/or apologies do not take place in a formatted environment in my organization. As a person who prides himself in acting ethically by utilizing constructive criticism and emotionally intelligent apologies (and pushing others to do the same), a lack of recognition in this area makes me wonder, "What's the use? Nobody cares about acting ethical!"
Fortunately, I am mature enough to realize that ethics go beyond the workplace or recognition for using them. Giving up on my ethics in the workplace because I don't see them reciprocated by others would be a poor decision. In reality, it is up to me as a leader to continue the ethical behavior at all costs and to set the example for everyone in my organization. Gallagher (2013) argues that every choice has a consequence. In using this theme, we remember that if my organization chooses to preach ethics without action, then eventually it will falter. As an individual, if I choose to act less ethically, then my own ethics may be called into question and/or lead to hardship both personally and/or professionally.
In conclusion, my organization could do better in the ethics department. To clarify, there aren't a bunch of ethical violations happening, but preaching ethical code and not ensuring its implementation throughout the organization will ultimately lead to failure. If the ethical code is described in the organization and includes taking care of your people, doing your best, setting the example, and giving constructive criticism to your subordinates, then it needs to be practiced at the highest level and below. Only then can we prevent the subtly unethical behavior of not practicing what you preach which can lead to potentially larger ethical violations.
Resources
Gallagher, C. (2013, January 27). Business Ethics Keynote Speaker - Chuck Gallagher - shares
Straight Talk about Ethics! [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=gUJ00vNGCPE
Weinstein, B. [TheEthicsGuy]. (2012, August 24). Keynote Speech Excerpts from The Ethics Guy.
[Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLxbHBpilJQ
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