Unethical Influences in the Promotion Process

Unethical Influences in the Promotion Process

Jesse Brooks

Columbia Southern University

Abstract

This paper discusses the promotion procedures of a large steel manufacturing company and the unethical influences that obstruct its due process. This paper gives insight into the advantages of having an internal market system along with outlining the criteria and procedures used for this company’s internal market system. This paper will show how this company transitions from a rational method perspective to implementing a political method perspective for promoting candidates. Additionally, this paper will identify the behind the scenes tactics used by supervisors for the purpose of controlling the selection results. This paper will also address how politics plays a pivotal role in manipulating an employee’s performance image. Next, this paper will point out the advantages to corporations that establish an ethical internal promotion market. Finally, this paper will explain how the unethical behavior of supervisors can impact employee culture, individual morale, work performance and interpersonal relationships.

Unethical Influences in the Promotion Process

Each major corporation has an employee handbook that outlines the procedures for internal promotions. Organizations go to great lengths in establishing a promotion program that supports the needs of their organizational structure while promoting a fair and unbiased tournament. The integrity of an organization’s promotion process is predicated on the ethical values of the actors that have a direct input and or influence that determines the results of the process. If all corporations conducted their internal and external business with an ethical agenda there would be little to scrutinize. But not all of the actors involved in the promotion process conduct themselves with an ethical agenda. At a large steel manufacturing company unethical supervisors use manipulation, influence and political...