Question

Most organizations can be classified as either ethical or unethical

Answer 1

Ethics at an organizational level are the principles and standards by which they operate. They are demonstrated through acts fairness, integrity, compassion, honor and responsibility. These ethical standards guide individuals and the company as a whole to act in an honest and trust-worthy manner in all their day to day interactions. This encourages employees to make the right directions for the company and not the individual. Additionally, it gives them courage to come forward and highlight any dishonest or unethical behavior.

When organizations fail to inculcate these qualities or standards, the firm and the employees at large develop and witness some form of ethical misconduct. This could vary from misuse of company’s paid time, abusive behavior from the ones in power – managers and supervisors, theft on the part of the employees through manipulation of expense reimbursements or check tampering, lying to fellow employees, and the most common one these days would be the violation of company’s internet policies.

Companies should aim to create an ethical culture that goes beyond mere compliance.