Ethics

Ethics - Fundamental Ingredient of Society

What might be the proper thing to do when finding a wallet containing, credit cards, identification, and a large sum of cash? Should the wallet be returned to its owner? Consider the principles that would lead to the right decision in this situation. In The Miniature Guide to Understanding the Foundations of Ethical Reasoning Dr. Richard Paul and Dr. Linda Elder address the basic concepts of ethical behavior. According to Paul and Elder, ethical reasoning focuses on two types of actions. These two types of actions are actions that lead to the positive aspects of the human condition and those actions that lead to the negative aspects of the human condition. (Paul and Elder (2003) In the example of the lost wallet, a person capable of critical thinking and ethical reasoning might ask themselves two key questions. How will keeping the wallet help the person who lost it? How will keeping the wallet hurt the person who lost it? Answering these two key questions would lead to an ethical decision of returning the wallet. Now, for example, consider a case where an employee working at a company is offered trade secrets of a competitor. The ethics in this example are no different from those that apply to the person finding the wallet. The same ethical principles that apply to an individual in society are the same ethical principles that apply to the employees in the workplace.

The English language is replete with words that imply ethical and unethical thought and/ or behavior. Terms that imply both positive and negative ethical behavior are heard in everyday language. (Paul and Elder 2003) We began to encounter these terms at an early age. One of the first things we learned from our kindergarten teacher was to be honest. How many times we told to "Wait our turn!" or to Share!"? and that behaviors such as, cheating or lying, are considered wrong. Terms associated with ethical thought and behavior can also be found in the works of distinguished philosophers. Janet V. Danely noted in Ethical Behavior for Today's Workplace that Aristotle had much regard for the virtues of ethical behavior and standards in attributes to include bravery, truthfulness, justice and generosity. (Danely 2006)

From the scandal at Enron to prominent colleges making headlines over recruiting violations, the news brings us examples of unethical behavior. We define the "rules" of how we lead our everyday lives. We should set the example whether we are as teachers, professional athletes, or as the president of the United States. We should be inspiring others to behave ethically.

According to Paul and Elder, many situations arise where a person's decisions and actions can affect the welfare of others. Ethical principals send a message when they become part of behavior. (Paul and Elder (2003) In much the same way, the behavior of employees in a company can influence a customer's confidence in the company. Reasons like this are why many companies have, as part of their employee development programs, workplace ethics training. For example, Courses such as Procurement Integrity, Harassment in the Workplace, and Truth in Negotiations Act are required at Harris Corporation. As stated in Ethics: The Good, Bad, the Important (American Society for Training & Development 2006) 52 % of American workers have seen at least one type of misconduct at work.

We gain a considerable degree of ethical insight from critical observation and awareness of human behavior, according to Paul and Elder. An action is deemed unethical when it intrinsically denies some inalienable right. Certain acts, such as sexism, are considered unethical in and of themselves. (Paul and Elder (2003) Ethical companies are aware of these types of actions and take steps to prevent them from

occurring. If the ethical company becomes aware of these types of actions they will put an end to them. Consider this case study which demonstrates good business ethics -

Two female coworkers were faced with an uncomfortable situation. A male coworker was making inappropriate advances of a sexual nature towards both women. Their company had not fully delved into any sort of sexual harassment policy, so this was new territory for the company. The company took steps to remove the two women from the situation, but the harassment continued. The company gave the male employee doing the harassing a final warning. This employee continued to harass both women. The company eventually terminated the male employee.

In the field of ethics, the four major classifications are Deontological, Teleological, Rights-Based and Human Nature. . In the case study above, the actions of the employee doing the harassing is an example of the Human Nature classification of behavior. In the Human Nature classification, a person is thought to be someone who is seeking self-pleasure not concerned with others, arrogant, and self-centered. Unlike the other classifications, the Human Nature classification is not concerned about others or their well-being. The other three classifications take others into account and the overall equality of the whole. ( Anonymous. (Date unknown). Introduction to Ethics for the University of Phoenix. Retrieved July 11,2006, from the University of Phoenix Online Web Site: https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/secure/resource/resource.asp)

Being respectful towards supervisors, coworkers, and customers promotes an environment of tolerance and openness that is the perfect breeding ground for establishing employee and customer satisfaction and loyalty. (Danely 2006) However, on occasion, a breakdown in ethical behavior can lead to unsatisfied customers.

Consider this case study- Last year, an elderly couple visited India. They were to fly from Portland (PDX) on United Airlines to Seattle then from Seattle with Asiana Airlines to India. On November 29, 2004 the couple arrived at PDX at approximately 4:50 AM at the United Airlines ticket counter. After a long wait the ticket agent checked them and their baggage in and issued boarding passes for travel to New Delhi, India. The couple then had a long wait at airport security. When they finally arrived at their gate, the couple was informed that the flight had left 3-5 minutes prior to their arrival and they were directed back to the ticket counter. The agent informed them that there were not any other flights until Dec 1st, 2004 and they were re-booked.

This incident forced them to reschedule their Asiana flight from November 29th to December 1, 2004 as well. On December 1, 2004 they flew from Portland to Seattle. When they arrived in Seattle, Asiana Airlines charged each of them a $ 75 penalty and a $225 increased fare for a total increase of $600. Given their