Ethical Issues in Management

Ethical Issues in Management

La’Kisha Thomas

University of Phoenix

Organizational Ethics and Social Responsibility

MGT 216

Lisa DeMaria

August 31, 2009

Ethical Issues in Management

Affirmative action has been in debate since it was first mentioned in 1961 and continues to be controversial. With all of the debate, it can not take away the fact that some feel it is still needed in a consistent effort to insure that minorities and women are given fair advantages in the work place. As a company, the goal should always be to strive to create a more balanced work force that is diverse and unique. Since it was established everyone has heard all of the usual gripes and complaints about affirmative action being unfair, creating reverse discrimination, etc…, but even with those complaints the need for companies to have a diversity plan can not be ignored. In order for the company to continuously grow and advance, it is imperative that the company establishes a diverse workforce to stay competitive with other organizations and be effective in its community.

The government has done its part to help push the importance of diversity and created Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws requiring that as a company they apply the same opportunities and considerations to all applicants no matter their race, color, religion, sex national origin or age. The EEO laws help companies avoid any discrimination complaints, but a good solid diversity plan will also help with the resolution and correcting of any past or current acts of discrimination that may surface.

Corporate America can sometimes have negative reputation with many individuals in society. Some feel that it is the same “good old boys club” and there is no room for any others in that “world”. As we can see, the world is changing and corporate America has to change with it or it runs the risk of segregating the work force and alienating entire subgroups. It is also important that while making changes and...