Recall a recent news story related to unethical behavior by a company. What were the effects of the ethical breach in terms of their reputation and profitability?
Consider the strengths and weaknesses of each of the three ethical decision-making approaches (utilitarian, rights, and justice). Is one of the three more appealing to you than the other two? Why or why not?
Assume you found your dream job working for a company for which you have always wanted to work. Once you start, you find everyone works a lot of overtime and weekends. Do you think it is ethical for you to be expected to sacrifice your personal life in favor of working long hours and weekends? Why or why not?
Application Essay:
Do you believe someone can be trained to be more ethical? Why or why not?
Full Answer Section
- Profitability Loss: The bank incurred significant financial losses due to fines, settlements, and customer churn.
Ethical Decision-Making Frameworks:
- Utilitarianism: This approach emphasizes maximizing overall happiness and minimizing suffering. While it may have justified pushing sales to meet customer needs, it ignores individual rights and fairness.
- Rights: This approach focuses on protecting fundamental human rights. In the Wells Fargo case, violating customer rights to privacy and financial security would be a major concern.
- Justice: This approach promotes fairness and equity. Unethical sales quotas put undue pressure on employees and prioritized profits over customer well-being, violating principles of justice.
Personal Appeal:
The
rights-based approach resonates most with me. It prioritizes individual autonomy and protects people from harm. While utilitarianism can be attractive, it can sacrifice individual rights for the greater good. Justice ensures fairness, which is crucial for a healthy work environment and society.
Dream Job and Overtime:
Even in a dream job, excessive overtime and weekend work raise ethical concerns:
- Work-Life Balance: Constant overtime disrupts personal life and well-being. It's unethical to expect employees to sacrifice everything for work.
- Burnout: Overworked employees are more prone to burnout, leading to decreased productivity and safety risks.
It's not unethical to go the extra mile occasionally, but a company culture that normalizes excessive work hours is unethical. Open communication and fair compensation for overtime are crucial. If these efforts fail, it might be necessary to reassess working conditions or consider alternative employment.
Can Ethics Be Taught?
Yes, ethics can be instilled and developed. Here's why:
- Exposure to Ethical Reasoning: Classroom discussions, case studies, and ethical codes can equip individuals with frameworks for making ethical decisions.
- Role Models: Leaders who demonstrate ethical behavior inspire and influence others to follow suit.
- Organizational Culture: Companies that prioritize ethics, transparency, and accountability encourage ethical behavior among employees.
While some individuals may be naturally predisposed towards morality, conscious efforts can cultivate a stronger sense of ethics in individuals and organizations.
Conclusion
Ethics are fundamental to individual and corporate success. Understanding different approaches like the rights-based framework helps us navigate complex professional situations. We can all strive to make ethical decisions and advocate for ethical workplaces.
Sample Answer
Unethical Conduct, Ethical Frameworks, and Personal Choices
Unethical Behavior in the News:
A recent example of unethical corporate behavior is Wells Fargo's 2016 fake accounts scandal. Employees opened millions of unauthorized accounts to meet aggressive sales quotas. This resulted in:
- Reputational Damage: The scandal tarnished Wells Fargo's reputation for honesty and customer trust. The bank faced public backlash, regulatory fines, and a decline in customer satisfaction.