RUNNING HEAD: ETHICS REFLECTION PAPER

Ethics Reflection Paper Anthony Vivero STR/TM581 December 13, 2011 Robert F. Amason, Jr.. MSIM, PMP, Phd, University of Phoenix Facilitator

ETHICS REFLECTION PAPER Ethics Reflection Paper Ethics. What is it and why is it so important especially in an organizational point of view? In the business world, one may hear the word ethics mentioned frequently or not at all. It may involve small decisions such as accepting a tip even the though the individual did not

work for it, or it may involve some larger scale decision as to whether or not a company buy-out is more for personal gain rather than an overall benefit for the companies involved. One thing is certain, ethics is a part of the individual / organization whether it is accepted or not. Ethics is defined as a set of moral principals that govern a group or an individuals behavior. With an organizational viewpoint, ethics in the business environment involves structural, organizational, and individual issues based on morality, with emphasis on both internal and external connections of organizations (Enderle, 2010). This paper aims to further explain that ethical viewpoint as well as the organizations social responsibility in strategic planning and development - with emphasis on stakeholder needs. Role of Ethics and Social Responsibility in Developing a Strategic Plan With Consideration In Stakeholder Needs Social responsibility is an integral part of an organizations mission and vision objectives. When formulating or redeveloping the mission of an organization, those involved in making strategic decisions must hold the view of everyone involved from an internal standpoint (employees and stockholders) to an external standpoint such as the general public, customers, competitors, unions, governments, suppliers, and the local community. It all works hand-in-hand in such cases where the general public expects the organization to improve the quality of life, customers want what is paid for, employees want job satisfaction, stockholders claim appropriate investment returns, and unions request member benefits. No longer is the stockholder the only focus of an organizations responsibility. Studies indicate the top stakeholders have shifted to

ETHICS REFLECTION PAPER customers and government, followed by stockholders and employees, and finally, society (Pearce & Robinson, 2007). In order for an organization to incorporate the interests of all of these groups into its mission statement, steps must be used, which include (1) the identifying who the stakeholders are, (2) understanding the specific claims of the stakeholders in relation to the organization, (3) resolving and prioritizing the claims, and (4) effectively weaving these claims into other elements of the organizations mission. With regards to an organizations ethical responsibilities, the view of moral and appropriate business behavior comes into play. These ethical responsibilities are commitments that go beyond any legal requirements where an organization is expected to conduct itself in an ethical manner. Having an ethical viewpoint in mind as well as knowing its social responsibilities, the

organization is better prepared in making a sound, strategic plan. This information will also help provide the company with a mission statement that encompasses the needs of the various stakeholders involved. Explain how your ethical perspectives evolved throughout this program. With regards to my ethical perspectives, I do not believe my viewpoints have veered too much in relation to how they were when I first started the program. If anything I believe that my ethical perspectives have increased from the knowledge I have learned throughout my MBA program. For as long as I can remember, I have always had the notion that an individuals character defines him or her and will shape the direction and decisions he or she will go towards, hence the reason why my ethical profile most closely aligns with character. My ethical perspective is based on what it is good to be above what it is good to do. By having the concept of ethics focus on methods to help people obtain moral excellence, I believe that strategic

ETHICS REFLECTION PAPER decisions will be that much easier to make because of the honesty and integrity behind those choices. Add to this the idea that because those individuals making the decisions are honorable, virtuous, and ethical, it becomes much easier to trust these individuals to make the right decisions. Otherwise, if the individual were known to be of bad character, he or she would be improperly suited to decide on conflicting issues between right and wrong. Having high character standards does have its drawbacks, of course. I may easily be frustrated with the simple reason that not everyone holds the same ethical values as I do; development of ones character is also not a top priority these days, especially with how society

aims to make a quick buck while stepping on one another in the process; I may also come across organizations that have a pseudo system of ethical rules, but are clearly pushed to back in favor of possible dishonest conduct; individuals I work with may have a different view of morality, thus my perspective may not be understood by them; and the word integrity is easily said, but seldom conducted. To ensure my character is upheld to those around me, I need to be sure my words match my deeds. I need to continue to be genuine, sincere, and honorable, while being transparent no matter where I am. With regards to my workplace, the questionnaire helped me to realize how unethical my job truly is compared to my viewpoints. The organization shows very little openness when it comes to ethical communication. One-on-one communication is replaced with bickering and venting towards employees, with very little interaction with the owners. There is also very little integration with ethics and the organization. Whatever may bring money into the company is what the owners will shoot for, regardless of the situation. With the issue of individual trust and empowerment, initially the organization pushes for this, but shortly after it reverts back to what

ETHICS REFLECTION PAPER the owners want. Overall, the organization will push for teamwork and open communication unless of course it goes against the wants of the owners. Conclusion

Ethics plays an important role both personally and within the business environment. The more focus that is placed on the concept, the more thought-provoking decisions become. This, in turn, will help both the individual and the organization realize what is at stake when choices are made.

ETHICS REFLECTION PAPER References Enderle, G. (2010). Clarifying the Terms of Business Ethics And CSR. Business Ethics Quarterly, 20(4), 730-732.

Pearce, J. A., & Robinson, R. B. (2007). Strategic management: Formulation, implementation, and control (10th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. University of Phoenix. (2011). Williams Institute: Ethical Choices in the Workplace. Retrieved from University of Phoenix, STR/TM581 website. University of Phoenix. (2011). Williams Institute: Ethics Awareness Inventory. Retrieved from University of Phoenix, STR/TM581 website.