The Declaration of Independence and Ethics

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary consequence of the Deepwater Horizon disaster for BP?

Loss of public trust and reputation damage (correct)

Increased government contracts

Enhanced public trust and approval

A surge in stock value

What does the Van Halen M&M anecdote demonstrate in the context of organizational behavior?

A way to ensure quality control through meticulous detail (correct)

A method of demanding special backstage treatment

The band's preference for specific candies

The inability of the band to manage their finances correctly

What is expected of organizations and leaders in America?

To maximize profits at all costs

To honor the public trust (correct)

To operate exclusively for private gain

To prioritize shareholder interests above all else

What is a likely reason why Van Halen included the "no brown M&Ms" clause in their contract?

To test whether the concert promoters paid attention to detail Signup and view all the answers

What is a key issue relating to corporate social responsibility that can be derived from the content?

The negative consequences of corporate actions on public trust Signup and view all the answers

How long did oil flow unabated into the Gulf Coast after the Deepwater Horizon explosion?

Three months Signup and view all the answers

What does the text imply about the outcome of Van Halen finding brown M&Ms?

There were likely to be other logistical problems Signup and view all the answers

What type of event was the Deepwater Horizon incident?

A disaster caused by a private company Signup and view all the answers

Why is public scrutiny of organizations and their leaders necessary?

Because individuals are not perfect and can abuse power. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea behind the statement: 'Power requires consent'?

The legitimacy of power comes from the agreement of those it governs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the source of 'just powers' in American civilization?

The collective agreement of the people being governed. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between leaders and the public, as implied in the text?

Leaders may be called to account for their actions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of public scrutiny, according to the text?

To control the power and actions of organizations and leaders. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Van Halen include a specific request regarding M&Ms in their contract?

To find out if the promoter was properly reading the contract. Signup and view all the answers

What does the example of the colonel, captains, and sergeants in the text illustrate?

The difficulty of ensuring accurate communication within an organization. Signup and view all the answers

What does the quote 'If men were angels, no government would be necessary' suggest about the nature of governance?

That government is only necessary because humans aren't inherently perfect. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of an airline pilot according to the code of ethics?

To prioritize safety, comfort, and well-being of passengers Signup and view all the answers

What should an airline pilot never permit to influence his judgment?

Personal desires Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding an act of omission for airline pilots?

It can be just as hazardous as a deliberate act of commission. Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT included in the ethical duties of engineers?

Issue misleading public statements Signup and view all the answers

In what manner should engineers act towards their employers or clients?

As faithful agents or trustees Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of public safety do engineers prioritize in their professional duties?

Safety, health, and welfare Signup and view all the answers

What action must an airline pilot take if disaster strikes?

Take action deemed necessary to protect lives Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical requirement for issuing public statements by engineers?

They must be objective and truthful. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Declaration of Independence and Power

Power arises from the consent of the governed; the public holds power.
Leaders have an obligation to the public, and even private companies are subject to scrutiny.
Examples illustrate this: Deepwater Horizon spill (BP), AIG bailout, and ValueJet flight 592 crash.
This demonstrates public expectation of organizations and leaders to uphold the public trust.

BP's actions during the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion led to a major crisis.
This demonstrates corporate accountability, as BP lost public trust following the disaster.

Codes of Ethics

Airline Pilot Code: Safety, comfort, and well-being of passengers are paramount. External pressure and personal desires should not influence judgment. Omission and negligence are as hazardous as deliberate acts. Prioritizing flight safety and passenger comfort. Ensuring timely arrival at destination. Acting decisively in case of disaster.
Engineer Code: Public safety, health, and welfare are paramount. Engineers should only perform services within their competence. Public statements must be objective and truthful. Engineers should act as faithful agents or trustees for their employers or clients. Avoiding deceptive acts is crucial.

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Description

Explore the relationship between power, corporate responsibility, and ethics in leadership through historical examples. This quiz covers critical events such as the Deepwater Horizon spill and the importance of codes of ethics in various sectors, particularly aviation. Evaluate how public trust impacts organizational behavior and accountability.