Business Ethics Reflections

Morality and values-based dilemmas in the workplace are difficult to handle when employees have to choose between what’s right and what’s wrong according to their own principles. Many ethical choices are clear cut In the workplace because we can easily think about what Is ‘right’ In the workplace and what Is ‘wrong’ In the workplace. Other times there are situations that arise In the workplace setting that two or more Important values, rights, or responsibilities conflict and we have to choose between equally unpleasant alternatives.

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Ethical dilemma Is defined as a Alton where two or more ‘right’ values are In conflict with one another. For Instance, as a manger it is up to me come the end of the summer season In the Lawn and Garden department to lay off some of the seasonal help and keep others as permanent associates at Walter. When choosing what employees stay and what other employees are going to be terminated ethically, I need to think about my virtues, values, and morals in regards to this sort of situation.

As a whole, each concept needs to play a big part in not only how I choose associates but these concepts also need to also play a big role in the associate in how they work and interact at work. Virtue is described as; conformity to a standard of right or a particular moral excellence. As a manager in making a decision as to who is staying at my company and who is being terminated I need to do the right thing by; ensuring that I am following all of the rules and regulations when terminating an employee.

I need to review their work performance, see if the called off at all in the three months they have been employed, and ensure that all the training they have completed is being used with other employees and customers. As an employee it is up to them to ark to the best of their abilities, do right by the customer, always be to work on time and do not call off unless totally necessary, and respect the individual( customer, and associate). Values are described as; Important and lasting beliefs or ideals shared by the members of a culture about what Is good or bad and desirable or undesirable.

Values have major influence on a person’s behavior and attitude and serve as broad guidelines In all situations at work and outside of work. As a manager It Is Important to me that I am following the three basic beliefs or values of my company which are; aspect for the individual, service to the customer, and striving for excellence. These three basic beliefs were all started with Sam Walton and It Is up to all associates, management Included to advocate the three basic beliefs for future employees.

An associate that could be put In a permanent position at Walter needs to show that they are following and upholding all three of these basic beliefs every day. Morals at the workplace are defined as: Private conduct based on strict adherence to a sanctioned or accepted code of what is right or wrong. Morals as a manager is just ongoing the right thing and giving everyone a chance to learn and grow within the Walter community. Not everyone is the same and it is moral obligation to me to Walter.

Each associate has different morals as well as values, and virtues but when we are at Walter we all need to adhere to the code of conduct that we are all taught at the beginning of our employment and also believe in the three basic rules that Sam Walton believed in. So, at the end of the day the customer is happy with our products and services as well as our associates being proud of the Job they do and happy to work with the people they work with. External social pressure has become a major driver in business ethics.

This is especially true for small businesses and large businesses in the community. Companies need to give strong consideration to social expectations in the areas of general community involvement and environmental responsibility. The information age has contributed significantly to this increased importance of social pressure as word spreads quickly when companies fail to adhere to social standards. For instance, when a manager is considering who to lay-off or terminate they cannot Just terminate an associate cause of their race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation or if they are handicapped.

All associates need to be considered equal and need to be graded equally on their work performance, values and knowledge. If associates were fired on their race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation or handicap, not only is this moral wrong but it goes against all of Walter’s basic beliefs and standards for the company. Managing at a major retail store will definitely teach you many things, but when it comes to morals, values, and virtues there is only one thing to remember, do the right thing.

Every associate is different and deserves to be respected and developed as any other employee in the company. No matter if their skin color is different, or they are older/younger then you, or they are handicapped each person deserves a chance to learn and grow within the Walter community and aspire to whoever they want to be. All associates need to continue to strive for excellence and always serve the customer to the best of their abilities and as long as they continue to take leadership and constantly do the right thing they will always have a career within any company especially Walter.