Reflective Essay On Ethical Boundaries Of Business Using Diagnostic Tools.

The key aspect of reflection is a critical evaluation of the self. Students will undertake a number of in-class cases during the semester and must use two (2) of the nominated cases as the basis for their self analysis, signed by the unit facilitator to verify they have been completed in class. The unit coordinator and or facilitator will then nominate which ones are to be used as part of the assessment. Online students will be sent these cases.

Students will also complete at least 3 ethical diagnostic tools.

Students are to use the findings of these tools to analyse how and why they made their decision(s) the assumptions made and approaches used, and whether their positions changed over time and why.

The Gold and Diamond Watch Case

Business organisations tend to face issues related to ethics and morality while executing regular operations. It is important to adhere with the ethical guideline of the company not only to ensure company goodwill but also to retain the business relationship with all its stakeholders. The purpose behind writing this report is to analyse two different scenario regarding violation of business ethics with the help of at least 11 diagnostic tools. These tools are necessary to determine the intensity of ethics and morality within characteristics. Therefore, in this report I am going to present a reflective approach on ethical boundaries of business organisations using the tools.

In case of the Gold and diamond watch, there are some ethical breaches related to the activities done by Ryan. It can be stated that there are some practices in the Middle East that encourage the business officials to ask for gifts and kinds. However, this is also some sort of practice of bribery. As a matter of fact, it was important for Ryan to understand what is identified as ethically right or wrong. Moreover, after getting clear prohibition from the company’s end he should not pursue such practices further. In this context, the Utilitarian principles plays a pivotal part. As per the rule Utilitarianism it can be stated that the action of an individual must be rely on the wider consequences (Mill, 2016). In Ryan’s case, his action contributes negatively to the business purpose of the Anderson Office Supplies. Moreover, it is also important to perceive an idea regarding the loyalty towards the company. Therefore, Ryan should listen to his boss rather taking it personally. The act utilitarianism plays significant role in this regard. As per the theory, an individual or a business organisation should have some initiatives despite of having restrictions and obstacles in the society and obviously this performance will be optimised for the benefits of most number of people (Thompson, 2018). Ryan thought that his initiatives would help the organisation as well fulfilled his personal gains but in return it created problem for the organisation. If I played the role of Ryan then I never proceed further to continue the business deals. It was because of my moral understanding.

My understanding on the moral considerations are based on the perceived knowledge ratio and the self-assessment questionnaire (Kingsford, Hawes & de Rosnay, 2018). As per the perceived knowledge ratio it can be argued that my understanding about the moral and ethical considerations reflected that it is important for the corporate organisations to ensure sustainability. I have scored 4.0 out of 7 in the perceived knowledge ration and it proves my in-depth knowledge and understanding regarding the importance of ethics. Based on this understanding, I can presume that Ryan did not do the right thing because before dealing with the clients it was more important for him to follow the policy and objectives of the organisation. On the other hand, my diagnostic tests related to the self-assessment questionnaire proved my recognition towards the authentic leadership. It is scored 64 which identifies very good understanding of the authentic leadership. Based on this test, I can say that the boss of the company did the right thing in terms of terminating Ryan because the maintaining the organisational policy was more important to Charles, the boss rather than protecting the employees.

My Understanding of Moral Considerations

In case of the All Asia Airways and the Oz Gold case it can be identified that there are some ethical breaching and dilemma regarding both the cases. In the first case study David Long, the purchasing agent did not understand whether he opted for the ethical standpoint or going with the company policy. On the other hand, Oz Gold directly connected with the lack of sustainability measures. Both the cases are strongly contradicted the moral stands of gold watch case. With the help of my diagnostic tools it can be stated that in terms of harm, fairness and authority my opinion regarding the role of the Longe is very important. It can be ascribed that Longe should choose the moral considerations instead of putting more emphasis on the organisational policy. Here, a contradictory argument can be derived in terms of the case studies. However, it can be stated that morality is the ultimate thing that the individuals must possess rather than putting emphasis on other things.

Case studies of All Asia airways and Gold Diamond watch has been taken into account in order to elaborate unethical practices and its outcome. Although, several factors influence the decision of being immoral. An employee can face difficulty of understanding cultural diversities across nation and their business practices. It has been observed from the following case studies that the practice of bribery is regarded differently in Asian countries from European. Comparing both the cases, it has been presented that how a moral practice can bring sustainability into business. Further, the case of All Asia airways, where the entrepreneur himself was corrupt and believed in profitability more than ethics, he ended up in loss of both the monetary resource and company image. Here, the Utilitarian philosophy can be applied appropriately. The entrepreneur of All Asia Airways could have followed this ethical theory in order to sustain his business. Initial profit cannot be greater than a sustainable ethical business practice. As a potential leader, I can deliver the judgment that if I were in the place of Ryan as a salesperson I would never do such mistakes of misinterpreting cultural differences. Moreover, in case of such a highly competitive aviation industry, I would prefer to acknowledge the sustainability and ethical framework to the highest priority.

Considering both the scenarios, it can be stated that there were lack of understanding as far as the importance of ethics and morality is considered within a business organisation (Pearson, 2017). The first one, helps to have an idea how with the cultural differences gratitude quotient changes from one country to another. The second company, was practicing bribery and several unethical terms from its core. No matter who is practicing the unethicality, in terms of sustainable business practice and if maintaining the goodwill is priority then company must comply with the legal consideration of a country. Moreover, ethical instructions must be a part of company’s mission and vision statements.

References:

Kingsford, J. M., Hawes, D. J., & de Rosnay, M. (2018). The moral self and moral identity: Developmental questions and conceptual challenges. British Journal of Developmental Psychology, 36(4), 652-666.

Mill, J. S. (2016). Utilitarianism. In Seven Masterpieces of Philosophy (pp. 337-383).

Pearson, R. (2017). Business ethics as communication ethics: Public relations practice and the idea of dialogue. In Public relations theory (pp. 111-131).

Thompson, D. F. (2018). The possibility of administrative ethics. In Classics of Administrative Ethics (pp. 79-92).