about ethics essay

The moral values that govern a person's actions

The moral values that govern a person's actions in general or when performing a certain action are referred to as ethics. Values are founded on laws or beliefs that are built on people's perceptions of what is wrong or right. Human morality is resolved by ethics, which defines virtue, vice, good, and evil. As a result, ethics affect people's everyday lives and they control the choices that people make on a daily basis. For example, when a little deceit or cheating is in the public interest, honesty is tossed out the window. The purpose of this essay is to analyze Jordans case scenario towards helping an audience understand the concept of ethical dilemmas that exist within an organization.

Part 1

Jordan's Ethical Dilemmas

Jordan's Ethical Dilemmas

(A) There are different categories of ethical dilemmas that employees experience on a daily basis. Conflict of interest refers to an ethical dilemma where whatever a person is about to do benefits the individual. Therefore, ethics play a significant role in determining the final decision. Another ethical dilemma refers to a conflict of loyalty that explores whether to stand with a friend or a decision even when it is no longer beneficial towards the morality of the individual. Honesty and integrity aids in creating peace and harmony. Therefore, a person should have the ability to stand by the right thing even when the wrong ideas may prove to be profitable. The fourth category is bribes, which ties to determine if it is immoral for an employee to collect bribes irrespective of the situation. Finally, whistleblowing ethical dilemma group puts workers in a tight spot when it comes to reporting any malpractices within a company regardless of the person who does it. In Jordan's case, her loyalty and integrity are in question.Jordan's Ethical Dilemma

(B) Ethics in Jordan's case means that she can accept that she was not the only one responsible for the outcome of the presentation and acknowledge April's contribution (Driver, 2013). Such decisions also exercise ethical beliefs and standings and in turn reveal a person's honesty. Good ethics promote flourishing in life, but bad ethics stimulate misery and usually harsh criticism from society as a whole. If Jordan chooses to take the promotion without letting Luis know the truth, it will mean that even her relationship with April will strain with hard feelings and shame on her part. Although what makes one thing ethical for one person is not to say it makes it moral to everyone because not all ethical questions have the same answer leading to moral dilemmas which are usually inevitable. Jordan faces the moral dilemma of being portrayed as a malicious, selfish person who has no integrity. Some situations challenge people's judgment leading the participating parties to stick in a position where they have no idea which moves to make decision wise.(C) Jordan should think about how it would feel if the decision she makes was to be public worldwide. Thinking if the decision will have beneficial results and how it will speak of her character to others if the action she wants to take determines what she stands for and believes in. Also, it defines whether there is a rule that works universally for that particular situation so as to do the same (Driver, 2013). By asking herself these questions, it allows a decision to be made competently, honestly, and with proper rationale. Nevertheless, it does not mean that everyone is going to agree with it or applaud the decision.

Part 2

Employee's Roles/Responsibilities Regarding Ethical Situations

Employee's Roles/Responsibilities Regarding Ethical Situations

(A) Ethics is the criteria used by the public to pass judgment on others, so making wise decisions is vital. Lacking integrity leads to mistrust among employees. If Jordan cheats her way to the top and the rest of the workers know about it, she will lose their respect in the future. Jordan should consider that it is a very positive thing to have good values as it attracts customers or clients in whichever case and builds strong loyalty from them. Additionally, as creative supervisors both Jordan and April should take their position of leadership seriously and show a good example.Selfishness also plays a role in employees not operating ethically in business. Looking into personal gain, and praise leads many to step on other people's toes by use of dubious means to excel, which is a bad thing. Conversely, emphasizing the importance of having good ethics and how it will raise the standards of the business to employees and any other person concerned in your organization goes a long way to ensuring no one remains ignorant on the matter (Driver, 2013).Fear of change also makes employees operate unethically within an organization. Innovativeness and a strong will to succeed is a good business motivator, but the core has to be a strong moral backbone that will ensure longevity (Laidlaw, 2014). Jordan and April show their business ethic by the fantastic presentation they created. Persons involved in the organization should understand that honesty builds trust from others and by Jordan being honest about the help she received. Having a mindset that believes in change and taking risks goes a long way in ensuring that no hidden individual benefits are being sought out and that the only agenda is to the interest of both the individual and the organization (Laidlaw, 2014). Jordan's loyalty to April shall speak volumes about her ethics. In this case where there is a conflict of loyalty, only good ethics can get her out of it.(B) Respect for people and being fair to them ensures harmony as there is a sense of equality for everyone who comes in contact with the organization. A law-abiding citizen is appealing as a business owner or even an employee. Not being entangled in legal wrangles is unappealing to clients; it puts them off because it taints the reputation of the organization to be shady and untrustworthy.Secondly, it is imperative to ask for advice from colleagues before making a huge decision. Fellow workmates will help their coworker look at the issue from different perspectives. If the workmates care about their friend, they will provide scenarios that will assist the person of interest to decide if the decision made is ethical or done for personal interest.

The Organization's Role/Responsibility in Ensuring Ethical Practices

The Organization's Role/Responsibility in Ensuring Ethical Practices

(C) Effective leadership skills increase productivity in a business. In most situations, this happens when the leader has good ethics that are good regarding general conduct with others and even increasing opportunities for the youth in business is a quality that represents good standards. When people are faced with ethical dilemmas, the ability to be a good leader embodies minding the well-being of others. Teaching employees that when it comes to ethics it's better to put others ahead of you first. Understanding that you would want to be treated well by others makes you treat others well also, and that loyalty and honesty are always appreciated. The business reputation is primary for its survival and even the ability to outlive other businesses; business owners should take proper care of the reputation of their organization, employees, and themselves to say the least. By doing so, there is confidence that the good name will remain intact.(D) Appraisals are one way of enhancing ethical behavior within all organization's departments. When a staff performs exceptionally without blackmail or any unethical ways, the individual should receive a reward, and the rest will follow suit to get the same in the future. Also, an organization should adjust working conditions to suit the employees' duties (Laidlaw, 2014). Workers need to feel comfortable and safe as they work. If not, they will deliver low-quality services. All department leaders should follow the work done by the subordinates. For example, in case a boss finds out that some employees are corrupt, the leader should punish the individual by putting that worker on probation as a lesson to the rest. Another way to enhance ethical behavior in all departments includes listening to the grievances of the employees. Once they realize that someone is fighting for them, such a union representative, it will give them hope, and they will stick to moral behavior to prove the rest of the world wrong. Finally, instilling rules and regulations will guide the people to know the dos and do not of the organization that promotes morality.

Summary Paragraph

Jordan ensuring that the relationship between her and her co-worker remains robust should be her highest priority. Jordan choosing to stay loyal and honest about April's role in the outcome of the presentation shows good ethics and selflessness. The need to satisfy personal interest does not sound like a way of embracing teamwork. People like Jordan should confide in their friends to help them figure out if their decision is ethical or not to avoid making a mess in the future. Equally, employees should have knowledge about the different categories of moral dilemma that they can face regularly. Doing so will aid in knowing their position towards justice, honesty, and avoiding unnecessary conflicts in the future.

References

Driver, J. (2013) Ethics: The fundamentals. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley &sons.
Laidlaw, J. (2014). The subject of virtue: An anthropology of ethics and freedom. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

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