Running head: ETHICS 1

Ethics

Name

Institution
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Ethics

It is challenging for leaders to make ethical choices. Nonetheless, such managers

experiencing the dilemma may apply various decision-making approaches. Moral absolutism

constitutes the fundamental and universal ethical approach. The concept represents a firm

conviction that an act cannot be right for anybody anywhere if it is not justifiable to

somebody. While the idea is usable in cross-cultural situations, business leaders can apply the

approach especially if a subject operates beyond the culturally acceptable standards.

The decision-making process is simple due to the universal plan. It predetermines the

ethical choice hence eliminating the need for debates and lengthy reflection. Besides,

appropriate decisions are compulsory or highly preferable even in the United States because

of global regulations and national laws. According to Wilkens (2011), the precise denotation

of wrong and right eases the oversight process. Therefore, the workers, stakeholders, and

business associates can enjoy same standards due to the universal approach.

According to the critics of ethics, a striking similarity exists between ethical

imperialism and the global leadership concept hence posing a challenge particularly to the

cross-cultural engagements. No businessperson or a leader wishes that the international

community or people at home should regard him as possessing a rigid ethical stance. In case

a leader has such a stance, it is highly likely that his subjects will see him as discriminatory to

the convictions of others.

For instance, a chief executive officer may be contemplating how to form an alliance

with an overseas business entity that is against women in power. An organization such as this

may have a policy that limits the womens ability to rise the ranks, and the CEO may face an

ethical dilemma on collaborating with this corporation. Further, it is imperative for a

multinational to uphold environmental standards and policies, especially if it operates in a

third-world nation with lax pollution standard. Lastly, a business leader may consider if a

worker refrains from participating in debates because of his culture or has an introverted

personality. Alternatively, the employee may just be uncooperative.

I agree that the alternative to the universal approach is cultural relativism. According

to cultural relativism, the ethics in a given environment are variable depending on the values

and norms. The concept also respects the validity and variance distinct viewpoints in global

cultural settings. Nonetheless, the individuals subscribing to the cultural relativism may

pinpoint the applicability of ethical standards beyond the boundaries. The examples of

workplace ethical standards are fair pay, employee safety, and rights. I recommend that the

leaders should not use cultural relativism as an excuse of enforcing poor working conditions

while relaxing the environmental policies. Instead, they should embrace the unified social

contracts theory that not only ensures respects for local cultures but also guarantees shared

ethics.

Regarding the ethical egoism, it is clear that some moral agents can pursue normative

values based on their self-interests. However, this principle contrasts that of psychological

egoism where only self-interest is the influential factor for ethical responsibility. Researchers

consider rational self-interest as ethical if the consequences of a persons actions are

beneficial to the doer. In the case of ethical egoism, the moral agents may not necessarily

have an obligation of assisting others. At the same time, the moral agents should not harm the

others wellbeing and interests.

The Understanding of Ethic

Cantrell & Lucas (2007) reveal that ethical values and principles are crucial in

decision-making and other engagement in a corporate setting. Indeed, ethics serves as a guide

to the corporate policies and laws since it influences the leaders productivity and reputation.
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The corporate leaders applying leadership principles affect not only the subject's loyalty but

also their morale. For instance, workers regard their leaders as role models hence their

engagement can shape the workforces discipline and acceptable behavior. The employees

will work towards matching the leaders ethical standards. Over time, an organizational

culture emerges, especially if the managers exhibit a moral behavior they would like to

observe in their juniors.

People approach their lives with ethical and moral framework either subconsciously

or knowingly. In most cases, the individuals cultivate this structure early in life because they

take their parents worldview. Other sources of moral justification are friends and religion.

Still, it is common for the ethical stances to change over the years as people grow up. Some

may opt for a conventional life while other become liberal. In this consideration, it is true that

the leaders do not lose their moral frameworks once they assume the role in the society or an

organization. During their tenure, they shape up the corporate operations depending on their

ethical and moral frameworks.

In a business setting, the ethics can be descriptive or normative. In the case of

normative ethics, the leader ought to understand the employee behavior specifically if it

relates to their social upbringing or culture. The leader may be a conservative in financial

expenditures because his parents encouraged saving money. Nonetheless, the leader must

understand that their personal beliefs have a lasting impact on their managerial decisions.

On the other hand, the descriptive ethics entails the incorporation of best practices in

the societal or corporate procedures and policies. In a culturally diverse country such as the

United States, an organization can have customers or employees that observe specific

holidays and traditions. Therefore, it is the business leaders mandate to consider such
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behaviors during policymaking. A failure to be cognizant of the variable ethics can result in a

poor performance.

As the leader instills ethical framework in the society or organization, he must do so

while appreciating the viewpoints of others. Mutual respect is critical to a working

relationship. In my workplace, I think about the ways that my ethical principle connects me

with my workmates and the consumers. Likewise, the business owner must consider if his

moral standing increases the bottom line or profitability. Other factors to consider are the

losses from the incorporation of such principles (Cantrell & Lucas, 2007). I also realize that

we come from different economic, social, and cultural background hence the need of

balancing the institutionalization of ethical principle with concern and respect for others

welfare.

Core Values

A leader must consider many core values and ethical principles to ensure profitability

and cordial working relationship with the stakeholders and consumers. First, he must commit

to responsible financial management by eliminating fraudulent and misrepresentative

activities. Second, the leadership must respect and treat the customers or co-workers with

dignity. Most importantly, the manager should lead the corporation in giving back to the

society through various corporate social responsibilities. The CSR engagements such as

investments in local learning institutions yield a win-win outcome.

I have core values that are in line with the leadership and workplace ethics. It is hard

to be employed if the worker lacks the competency and skills. It is also notable that most

organizations focus on profitability. The main ingredients of success are teamwork and

workforce motivation, but they are unattainable unless the firm has ethical policies and
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guidelines. The manager monitors the employees to ensure they comply with such

regulations.

The acceptable behavior is specifiable by the organization, especially during the

hiring process. The interviewers can even summarize their expectation from the potential

employees. In this regard, I always refrain from harassing other using an unprofessional

language when holding conversations with colleagues and customers. A failure to adhere to

the ethical codes of conduct can result in firing or verbal warnings.

In summary, I execute my job with integrity and honesty because my job entails

financial transactions and work management. I also refrain from sneakiness and gossip during

practice time thus taking responsibility for my actions. The measures I consider for

accountability include timeliness and showing up during the workdays according to the

human resources schedule. If my engagements go wrong, I maintain professionalism and

remain truthful. I also collaborate with others during task execution. In the process, I

strengthen my relationship with the customers, supervisors, and peers. My goal is to set aside

personal interests for the attainment of the companys aims and objectives. Lastly, I am

committed to strong work ethic and positivity. My core values dictate my ethical direction

because I refer to the corporate policies while observing the attributes of a prominent

business leader and mentors keenly.

References

Cantrell, W., & Lucas, J. R. (2007). High-performance ethics: 10 timeless principles for next-

generation leadership. Chicago: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Wilkens, S. (2011). Beyond bumper sticker ethics: An introduction to theories of right and

wrong. New York: Intervarsity Press.