Ethical Decision Making and Leadership

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which factor is not mentioned as influencing the perception of ethical issue intensity in employees?

Pay scale adjustments (correct)

Corporate values

Management rewards and punishments

Corporate policies

What is the impact of ethical issue intensity on employees?

It leads to apathy towards ethical concerns.

It has no impact on decision-making.

It decreases employees' sense of responsibility.

It enhances ethical judgment and behavioral intention. (correct)

Which individual factor is not highlighted as influencing ethical decision-making?

Education

Work experience

Political affiliation (correct)

Personal values

In context to ethical decision-making, which demographic factor is noted to influence ethical awareness?

Nationality Signup and view all the answers

How do women generally respond to ethical scenarios compared to men?

They tend to be more sensitive to ethical scenarios. Signup and view all the answers

What does ethical issue intensity refer to in the context of decision-making?

The perceived relevance or importance triggering the ethical decision process Signup and view all the answers

Which individual factor is NOT listed as influencing ethical decision-making?

Marital status Signup and view all the answers

How do organizational values impact individual ethical decisions?

They mold the ethical perceptions and behaviors of employees. Signup and view all the answers

Which leadership style is most associated with promoting an organizational ethical climate?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an attribute of strong ethical leaders?

Focus on personal gain Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of formal codes and policies in an organization?

They help eliminate unethical behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is primarily considered when discussing ethical opportunity?

Conditions providing rewards or limiting barriers to behavior Signup and view all the answers

In the context of business ethics, how do corporate governance mechanisms influence ethical behavior?

They help shape the organizational culture surrounding ethics. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between individuals with an internal locus of control and those with an external locus of control in the context of ethical decision-making?

Internals believe they can influence events in their lives, whereas externals see events as determined by external forces. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors is primarily influenced by organizational culture according to the content?

Ethical decision-making processes Signup and view all the answers

How do significant others within an organization impact a worker’s ethical decisions?

They exert influence that affects ethical perceptions and choices. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant influence on the ethical culture of an organization?

The type and size of the industry Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the role of opportunity in ethical decision-making?

Opportunities can promote unethical behavior by providing incentives or lacking deterrents. Signup and view all the answers

Why might employees in a corporate environment resort to following directives from superiors in resolving ethical issues?

Obedience to authority can simplify complex ethical dilemmas. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of organizational values, why might these values outweigh an employee's personal values in decision-making?

Organizational values are reinforced by company policies and culture. Signup and view all the answers

What effect does a perceived positive ethical culture have on employees' decision-making?

It decreases the likelihood of unethical decisions being made. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Locus of Control

Describes individual beliefs regarding control over life events; divided into internal and external locus.
Internal locus: Individuals believe they can influence outcomes through their efforts and skills.
External locus: Individuals feel events are determined by uncontrollable external forces.

Organizational Factors

Organizational values often surpass individual values in shaping workplace decisions.
Ethical choices in business are collectively influenced by the organization's culture and structure.
Corporate culture: Comprises values, norms, and artifacts shared among members that impact ethical decisions.

Ethical Decision Making and Ethical Leadership

An organization's ethical culture indicates its moral compass, shaped by policies, leadership, and peer influences.
Employees are less likely to make unethical decisions in cultures perceived as ethical.
Significant individuals (peers, managers) heavily influence employee decisions regarding ethics.
Following authority can lead employees to prioritize directives over ethical considerations.
Industry type and organization size can impact ethical decision-making dynamics.

Opportunity

Opportunity reflects conditions that facilitate or hinder ethical or unethical behavior within organizations.
Lack of consequences for unethical actions (e.g., accepting gifts) encourages such behavior.
Motivational incentives and job context significantly shape ethical decision-making opportunities.
Management can enhance ethical issue awareness through rewards, punishments, and clear corporate policies.

Individual Factors

Personal values, principles, and education play critical roles in ethical decision-making.
Companies with scandals often reveal character flaws in individuals focused on self-interest over ethical obligations.
Key ethical issues in workplaces include honesty, conflicts of interest, and theft of resources.
Public perception of individual ethics varies by profession and is influenced by gender, education, nationality, and age.

Gender and Education

Women typically exhibit higher sensitivity to ethical scenarios compared to men.
Increased education and work experience generally correlate with improved ethical decision-making capabilities.

Ethical Issue Intensity

Refers to the perceived significance of an ethical issue, which triggers decision-making processes.
Influenced by individual and organizational factors.

Influence of Peers and Organizational Culture

Peers, managers, and coworkers significantly impact ethical decision-making.
Organizational values and culture shape individual ethical considerations.

Ethical Opportunities

Conditions that provide rewards for unethical behavior can prompt questionable decision-making.
Formal codes and policies enforced by management are crucial for mitigating unethical conduct.

Ethical Decision-Making Framework

Offers knowledge about typical ethical decision processes without solely relying on personal morals.
Organizational culture and governance mechanisms are pivotal in influencing business ethics.

Leadership and Ethical Climate

Leadership styles (coercive, authoritative, democratic, etc.) are essential in cultivating an ethical climate.
Strong ethical leaders are characterized by personal integrity, commitment to ethical practices, and stakeholder focus.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the concepts of locus of control, organizational factors, and ethical decision-making within a corporate context. Understand how internal and external influences shape individual behaviors and decisions in the workplace, as well as the impact of organizational culture on ethics.