Ethics Reflections Paper

Ethics Reflection Paper Nadine C. Brown STR/581 Strategic Planning and Implementation University of Phoenix Jose L. Hernandez, MBA November 15, 2010 Ethics Reflection Paper During this age of philosophy in which people exercise their freedom of speech and is concerned with their personal development, it becomes a challenge to remain ethical while considering ones social responsibilities. population ar striving to become more successful without being dishonest or disrespectful.With more emphasis on moral and ethical issues, equality and amusement park trade, businesses are under pressure to be fair and ethical to satisfy not only government standards, but also consumers, and additionally, to attract more shrewd employees (Hughes, 2010, p. 1). Many factors gouge affect ones ethical decision-making process. For example, ones own values and ideology about right and wrong can make one doubt ones own beliefs if the outcome is unfavorable. The interaction with family and friends can gr eatly influence decision-making because of the emotions involved.One can experience conflict with socialization in the community when it goes against ones religious beliefs. In addition, businesses want to be successful and honest while competing in a struggling economy. contrast can exist with ones own values and ethics. Organizations want to remain competitive but also practice honesty with consumers and stakeholders who want to bring a return on their locatement. To ensure employees remain ethically sure of the gilds values, obligations to customers, society and stakeholders, organizations should develop a code of ethics and compound its principles in its strategic plan.The Importance of Ethics in an Organization A code of ethics incorporated in the strategic plan is especially meaning(a) for leaders. When leaders make decisions, they must consider the impact their decisions pull up stakes have on others. Leaders are often put in decisions where they must strike among o ptions that vary in their degree of ethical behavior (Sherwin, 1983, p. 1). This is true because of the competition of priorities. For example, the goal of any organization is to generate a profit for its stakeholders.To reach this goal, few may apply unethical methods to generate that profit, such as increasing proceeds or cutting expenses. On the other hand, the same stakeholders who take shape and invest in the organization are a part of the general makeup of the community. If cutting costs harms the individuals who make up the community, it would be harming the stakeholders as well. The decision make is then unethical because it is not for the greater good. Therefore, leaders should (Sherwin, 2010, p. 2) 1. Recognize all perspectives when making an ethical decision. . Define who you are, your company and personal values. 3. Dont grant personal gains to outweigh the good of the organization. Changes in My Ethical Perspectives While attending University of Phoenix, my ethical p erspectives have changed. This is evident when required to write essays. Many essays exist online to be used by all. The decision to avoid using them demonstrates my values of honesty and integrity. The university strives to keep its student honest by posting its own code of Ethics.Temptations that will allow me to take the easy way out always exist. Because students benefit more from doing their own work, possessing the moral courage to do what is right, even when one is faint-hearted of the results, demonstrates ones ethical values. According to my William Institute Ethical Awareness Inventory, the results or consequence of my actions stems from my ethical perspective. I know turning in the work of others for my own benefit is wrong and will have consequences that may appear later. ConclusionThe pressure of trying to remain ethical to stakeholders and society may result in businesses making unethical decisions. Businesses want to make a profit for stakeholders but may hurt the pe ople in the community in the process. Leaders are often put in decisions where they must choose among options that vary in their degree of ethical behavior (Sherwin, 1983, p. 1). To ensure leaders and employees remain ethically aware of the impact of their decisions organizations should develop a code of ethics and ncorporate its principles in its strategic plan. As a result, leaders will remain ethically aware of the companys values and its obligations to customers, society and stakeholders when making decisions.References Hughes, S. (2010). Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethical Business. Retrieved on November 14, 2010 from http//www. squidoo. com/CSR-ethicalbiz Sherwin, D. (1983). Work-Place Ethics. Retrieved on November 15, 2010 from http//www. chsbs. cmich. edu/leader_model/Development/media/Targeted%20Lessons/workplace_ethics. htm