St.

Mary’s Catholic School

Web Design and Development

Assignment
Afomia Mulugeta
11-B
2

Submitted To: Mr. Girma

Submission Date: 14/05/2017 E.C
Project Assessment

Answer the following summative assessment questions according to the

instructions given below.

Activity 1. Codes of ethics and conduct

Study the following statements and indicate whether they apply to a code of

ethics or a code of conduct or both. 1

A. Becomes a legal agreement once signed

B. Legitimizes ethics.
C. Issued by a board of directors
D. Allows members to make independent judgments about the
most appropriate behavior
E. Encourages specific behavior
F. A mandatory set of standards that is strictly enforced
G. Only provides guidelines for behavior during difficult
situations.
H. Ensures standard behavior throughout the organization

Activity 2. Ethics theoretical assessment

Study the following statements and state whether they are true or false. If

you answer false give a reason for your answer. 2

1. Being ethical is not exactly the same as following the law.

2. A code of conduct is a document that simply guides ethical
decision making in all the members of an organization
3. If an employee signs a code of conduct, they enter into a
legal agreement with the employer.

Activity 3. Ethics theoretical assessment

Write Short Answer for the Following Question

1. Briefly discuss two reasons ethics are important in the

workplace.
2. List five aspects that are related to "personal
accountability" when it comes to workplace ethics and behavior.
3. Codes of ethics and conduct are documents that encourage
specific behavior in an organization. Discuss the differences between a
code of conduct and a code of ethics.
4. All organizations, no matter their size, can benefit from
a code of ethics or a code of conduct.

A. List two benefits of having a code of ethics in place.

B. List two benefits of having a code of conduct in place.

5. Briefly discuss three features that all professions have
in common.
6. Why do you think professions and professionals are so
important in society?
7. List five qualities that successful professionals have in
common.
8. List four of the common features of professionalism.
9. List four reasons professionalism is important in the
workplace.

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Activity 4 Case Study

You are in charge of a tiny, privately held company that employs close to 40

people. Important clients are going to drop by your workplace in a little

while. However, your wife calls to tell you that your autistic son is

participating in a dance performance at his school, which is a joyous

occasion for the family. It is exceedingly tough to reschedule the arranged

meeting. Furthermore, if the meeting is a success, your business will get a

lot of new business. For you, the commercial agreement is not as significant
as your son's performance. You request that your personal assistant inform

the clients that the meeting can be rescheduled for tomorrow due to your

illness.

 Identify the different personal and professional issues present in the

case. Also, examine whether what was done was right or not. If not,

then what could have been the best way to resolve the situation? 1

Activity 5. Features of professionalism in the workplace

Hidden in the block below are seven features of professionalism. After

reviewing that part, see if you can find and shade them.
 Answer

A. Becomes a legal agreement once signed

- Code of Conduct (typically, codes of conduct do become legal agreements once signed,
depending on the organization)

B. Legitimizes ethics

- Code of Ethics (a code of ethics is primarily focused on ethical principles and legitimizing them)

C. Issued by a board of directors

- Both (can apply to both codes, as both may be issued by a governing body within an
organization)

D. Allows members to make independent judgments about the most appropriate behavior

- Code of Ethics (designed to provide ethical principles for independent judgment)

E. Encourages specific behavior

- Code of Conduct (focuses on specific behaviors that are encouraged or discouraged)

F. A mandatory set of standards that is strictly enforced

- Code of Conduct (typically, codes of conduct are mandatory and enforceable)

G. Only provides guidelines for behavior during difficult situations

- Code of Ethics (often provides ethical guidelines, especially for difficult situations)

H. Ensures standard behavior throughout the organization

- Code of Conduct (ensures consistent and standard behavior across the organization)

1. True Reason: Being ethical involves following moral principles and values, which may not
always align with the law. Laws can vary by jurisdiction and may permit actions that some
people consider unethical.

2. False Reason: A code of conduct does guide ethical decision-making, but it can also
encompass rules, standards, and policies that members are expected to follow. It may not apply
universally to all situations, and interpretation may depend on the context.
3. False Reason: Signing a code of conduct typically signifies an understanding and
commitment to adhere to the principles outlined in the document, but it does not usually
constitute a legal agreement or contract. Legal agreements generally require more formalities
and specific terms regarding rights and obligations.

1. Two Reasons Ethics Are Important in the Workplace:

- Trust Building: Ethical behavior fosters trust among employees, management, and clients,
creating a positive workplace culture and enhancing collaboration and teamwork.

- Reputation Management: Ethical practices contribute to a company’s reputation, helping to

attract customers and talented employees while minimizing legal issues and enhancing brand
loyalty.

2. Five Aspects Related to Personal Accountability in Workplace Ethics and Behavior:

- Ownership of Actions: Taking responsibility for one’s own work and decisions.

- Transparency: Being open and honest about one’s work and processes.

- Adherence to Policies: Following organizational guidelines and ethical standards.

- Responsiveness to Feedback: Accepting constructive criticism and using it to improve

performance.

- Commitment to Continuous Improvement: Actively seeking ways to enhance one’s skills

and ethical standards.

3. Codes of Ethics and Conduct as Behavior Guides:

- Codes of ethics provide a framework for ethical decision-making and set the principles that
guide behavior in professional situations, while codes of conduct outline specific expectations
for behavior and actions within the organization.

4. Differences Between a Code of Conduct and a Code of Ethics:

- Code of Ethics: Focuses on broad principles and values guiding moral behavior and decision-
making in various situations.

- Code of Conduct: Provides specific rules and guidelines on expected behaviors and practices
within the organization, detailing what is permissible and what is not.

5. Benefits of Having Codes in Organizations:

A. Two Benefits of a Code of Ethics:

 - Guidance for Decision-Making: Helps employees navigate complex ethical dilemmas by
providing clear ethical standards.

- Cultural Foundation: Establishes a shared set of values that reinforces the organization's
mission and vision.

B. Two Benefits of a Code of Conduct:

- Clear Expectations: Clearly defines acceptable behaviors and practices, reducing ambiguity
in employee actions.

- Enforcement Mechanism: Provides a basis for disciplinary actions against unethical

behavior, promoting accountability.

6. Three Common Features of Professions:

- Specialized Knowledge: Professions require a significant level of expertise and knowledge in

a specific field.

- Standards of Practice: Professions have established standards that govern the conduct and
quality of work.

- Commitment to Service: Professions typically emphasize serving the interests of clients or

the community over self-interest.

7. Importance of Professions and Professionals in Society:

- Professions and professionals contribute to societal stability, provide essential services,

uphold ethical standards, and foster trust, ensuring that communities function effectively and
fairly.

8. Five Qualities of Successful Professionals:

- Integrity: Adhering to ethical principles and values.

- Competence: Demonstrating expertise and a commitment to quality work.

- Adaptability: Being flexible and responsive to changing circumstances.

- Communication Skills: Effectively conveying ideas and listening to others.

- Leadership: Inspiring and guiding others to achieve collective goals.

9. Four Common Features of Professionalism:

- Appearance: Adhering to acceptable dress codes and maintaining a professional demeanor.

 - Respect: Treating colleagues and clients with courtesy and consideration.

- Reliability: Consistently delivering quality work on time.

- Confidentiality: Protecting sensitive information and maintaining trust.

10. Four Reasons Professionalism Is Important in the Workplace:

- Enhances Productivity: Professional conduct fosters an environment of focus and

dedication.

- Promotes Positive Culture: A professional atmosphere encourages respect and collaboration.

- Builds Reputation: Organizations with professional practices are more likely to attract clients
and talent.

- Reduces Conflict: Professionalism minimizes misunderstandings and conflicts within teams,

promoting harmony.

This scenario presents a complex interplay of personal and professional issues:

Personal Issues:

1. Family Priorities: The son's dance performance is a significant personal event for the family,
particularly for an autistic child whose milestones and achievements may be especially
meaningful.

2. Emotional Investment: There is likely a strong emotional connection to the son's success and
happiness, contributing to the importance of attending the performance.

3. Parental Responsibility: As a parent, the responsibility to support and celebrate important

moments in a child's life is crucial.

Professional Issues:

1. Client Relationships: The meeting with important clients has the potential to secure new
business, which is vital for the company's future.

2. Business Reputation: The company’s reputation may be impacted by rescheduling meetings,

especially if clients feel that their time is not valued.

3. Leadership Responsibilities: As the head of the company, there is an expectation to maintain

professionalism and uphold commitments, which may conflict with personal needs.

Evaluation of the Decision:

Notifying the clients that the meeting must be rescheduled due to illness can be seen as a
necessary but ethically ambiguous decision. On one hand, it preserves the importance of family
and personal life, but on the other hand, it could lead to issues of trust and communication
with clients.

Was it the Right Decision?

1. Ethical Consideration: Using illness as an excuse when the real reason was attending a
personal event may not align with professional integrity. It can create mistrust if the truth
comes to light.

2. Priorities: While prioritizing the family is justifiable, handling the situation transparently
might have preserved integrity while still allowing for personal fulfillment.### Alternative
Solutions:

1. Open Communication: Inform clients of the situation honestly, emphasizing the importance
of family while expressing commitment to the business. Most clients may understand the
balance between personal and professional demands.

2. Reschedule Proactively: Offer a few alternate times for rescheduling the meeting, showing
willingness to accommodate their schedules.

3. Delegate: If possible, consider sending a trusted team member to represent the company at
the meeting, ensuring business obligations are met while attending the performance.

4. Seek Support: If there are other leaders or senior staff, share the situation with them and see
if they can step in for the meeting while you attend the performance.

By approaching the situation with honesty and a balance of professionalism and personal
needs, it is possible to maintain client trust while prioritizing family values.