Unit Four Assignment

Ethics training in the workplace can arguably not fully aid in the promotion of awareness on the recommended ethical practices in a company. Still, it will go a long way in boosting morals as a way of making workers more productive and harmonious with each other. Being ethically aware will aid in the maintenance of a corporate culture that is positive and one that upholds a sharp public image. Such is particularly important considering the responsibility corporation has as an agent of morality. Corporations are indeed being looked at as not only profit-making enterprises, but they are also looked at as moral agents accountable for their conduct for their employees, suppliers, investors, as well as customers (Johnston, 2020).  An ethics program can impact or change behavior by lowering scandalous instances in the workplace. The program will also help employees to have a better understanding of the impacts influencing ethical decision-making as well as encourage ethical behavior.

Some of the ethical issues that show the impact of multinational corporations (MNCs) on ethical behavior back home include the issue of sweatshops, child labor, environmental pollution, and discrimination. There is also the problem of nepotism, the human rights of indigenous populations, corruption, and bribery. With ethical behavior standards varying between different countries, MNCs end up holding different moral values when weighing the values to their respective home countries against the need of showering acceptance and tolerance of the practice in the different regions in countries they choose to do business in (Mintz, 2011). Different owners can, at times, find it a challenge in coming up with a single collection of universal values, but they may adapt to practices that only apply well in the global market.

There may also be a need for a global code of conduct, as its importance lies in the potential it has in establishing the organizational values that drive the commended actions as well as principles that fall under decision making. The global code of conduct may be more critical as a part of an ethical framework for companies across the globe, both local and international. Some of the main elements that need to be included in the code of conduct include an atmosphere of commitment to the organization. The system of conduct not only lays down a healthy and positive cultural foundation for the enterprise but may also aid organizations in enforcing and implementing legal as well as the procedures and policies for an array of decision-making processes. Another essential element includes the trust between the organization and the involved stakeholders impacted by its actions (Mintz, 2011). These include suppliers, employees, the consumers, as well as the public in general. The code of conduct also needs to establish the values that organizations that drive their principles, which underlie decision-making.

Companies also need to operate using sustainable business practices, as sustainability has proved to become more than a mere fad or word. The past corporal trends have determined viability as having real business advantages in the course of conscientiously being integrated into various business operations. Sustainable business practices lead to an improvement of organizations’ brand image as well as a competitive advantage, reduced costs, and increased productivity. The skeptics of sustainability come with the claim that sustainable business practices may eat into the organization’s profit. However, developing sustainable business practice in itself lends efficient operating, which streamlines the placed efforts as well as conserving resources that improve employee productivity as well as reducing cost (Spooner, 2020).

The different case studies addressed in Unit Four go a long way in presenting business ethics as being more than a mere concept used in the enhancement of the image of corporations. They also show ethics as the very pillar of success for any company. The cases confirm the need for businesses to apply business ethics from the first time they start operating Business ethics include the actions of an individual in working with the company. They also present ethics as a subject often taken as being rather abstract or relative through the belief that rules may not always apply to them.

Some of the other related topics include the impact of unethical business practices. There is a need to look at the ways poor ethical decisions can impact a company. These include legal issues. Corporations that carry out unethical practices in ways that break the law can face vast amounts of fines as well as other penalties. There is also the issue of poor employee performance as a result of unethical practices (Spooner, 2020). People may decide breaking rules only because their leaders are doing the same. Such cultural constructs tear the organization apart. They can also become discouraged as well as fail to see the significance of working hard in an environment that is inherently unethical.

The major takeaway in the unit include insights in the manner in which employees may be inspired towards being responsible in ethical leadership. There is also a need for examining the leader-follower relationship that is addressed in Unite Four in detail. The unit also includes insights into the leadership styles that can be used in organizations, as well as how they get to impact ethical leadership. The detailed look at the seven habits of strong moral leadership, the benefits that come with ethical leadership, and the various types of leaders have also proved to be essential aspects of the unit (Spooner, 2020).

References

Dimitrova, S. (2017, November). Ethical Issues in Multinational Companies’ Business. Izvestia Journal of the Union of Scientists – Varna. Economic Sciences Series, Union of Scientists – Varna, Economic Sciences Section(1), 224-236.

Johnston, K. (2020). Ethical & Social Responsibilities of the Management of a Multinational Organization. Retrieved April 21, 2020, from https://smallbusiness.chron.com/ethical-social-responsibilities-management-multinational-organization-68164.html

Mintz, S. (2011, 10, 10). Using a Code of Conduct to Build Trust in the Workplace. Retrieved from https://www.workplaceethicsadvice.com/2011/10/using-a-code-of-conduct-to-build-trust-in-the-workplace.html

Spooner, A. (2020). Importance of Ethics in Business. Retrieved April 21, 2020, from https://business.lovetoknow.com/business-operations-corporate-management/importance-ethics-business