Ethics

Summary Paper

BUS670: Legal Environment (MAE1041A)

Summary Paper

Allegiance and consistency are essential elements of a successful workplace. One of the major factors to a successful business is the code of ethics. Why are ethical issues a major concern in organizations? According to author James S. Rourke (2007), “ethics refers to a field of inquiry or discipline, in which matters of right or wrong, good and evil, virtue and vice, are systematically examined (p.64). Ethical issues are a major concern for any organization. Companies sometime face lawsuits, lose money, and reputation is destroyed due to ethical issues. Ethics influences the values and reputation of any company. The company as a whole suffers when the code of ethics has been violated. The reputation of the company can be damaged in a manner where it not only jeopardizes the company but the rights of valued employees.

What individual influences impact ethical behavior? According to Kinicki & Kreitner (2009), there are internal and external organizational influences. “Ethical codes, organizational culture, organizational size, structure, perceived pressure for results and corporate strategies are all internal organizational influences that impact ethical behavior as well as: political and legal, industry culture, national culture and environment”, which are external organizational influences (p. 25). On a personal or individual level, “personality, values, morals, reinforcement and gender influence ethical behavior” (p.25).

I believe that your upbringing will determine what influences impact ethical behavior. If a person grew up in an environment where stealing took place and no morals of what is right or wrong existed, there is a possibility that you will steal or be influenced to steal. Stealing or the thought of stealing will carry over in an organization. There are possibilities that you will not conform to rules and standards of an organization, become a liability to the company,...