What ethical behaviors should the individual exhibit

W3 ethics la1

Business Ethics and the Individual

Overview:

People are quick to say that it is not the business that did bad things but the people who run the corporation.  This week’s thrust is the examination of ethics from the individual’s perspective in the workplace.  What ethical behaviors should the individual exhibit? And what behaviors should the individual expect from the business? Also discussed are several unique 21st century ethical issues facing the individual in the workplace.

Theme 1:  Knowing Your Own Values and Ethics

Read/View:

• Do The Right Thing: Making Ethical Decisions in Everyday Life
• What Are Your Values
• Identifying Your Values (Priority Test)
• Living Your Values (1)
• Living Your Values (2)
• 27 Psychological Reasons Why Good People Do Bad Things

Theme 2:  Unique Ethical Issues for the Individual

Below are several of the most common and contemporary ethical issues that employees face in the workplace.

Read/View:

• Whistleblowing: Redefining Ethics
• Snowden and the Ethics of Whistleblowing
• Employee Behavior Standards in the Workplace
• Should Companies Monitor Their Employees Social Media
• Common Ethical Workplace Dilemmas
• Moral Issues Facing Employees

Question

Activity #1: Making the Case

One of your readings for the week, “27 Psychological Reasons Good People Do Bad Things”, looks at a number of examples where arguably good people are faced with challenging ethical situations and take perhaps a less than ethical stance in reaction thereto. For this activity you are to select 3 of the examples and discuss whether you agree or disagree with the outcome or conclusion. In your discussion I want you to make the most compelling arguments you can to convince and persuade me that your point of view is the correct one. Is there anything in your value system that leads you to your point of view?