Articles About Unethical Behavior In Business

Articles About Unethical Behavior in Business: Navigating the Moral Maze of Corporate America

The pursuit of profit. It’s the engine that drives the American economy, the force behind innovation and job creation. But what happens when the pursuit of profit overshadows ethical considerations? What happens when the bottom line becomes the only line that matters? This ebook delves into the murky world of unethical business behavior, exploring the various forms it takes, its devastating consequences, and strategies for navigating this complex landscape. We’ll examine real-world examples, dissect the underlying causes, and provide practical advice for individuals and organizations striving for ethical excellence. This isn't just a theoretical exploration; it's a practical guide to understanding and preventing unethical behavior in the business world, protecting your career, your company, and ultimately, your integrity.

Unethical Behavior: Defining the Spectrum

Unethical behavior in business isn't always a clear-cut case of outright fraud. It exists on a spectrum, ranging from minor infractions to major scandals that shake the foundations of public trust. Understanding this spectrum is crucial to identifying and addressing these issues effectively.

1. Misleading Advertising and Marketing: This encompasses false claims, deceptive pricing strategies, and the manipulation of consumer emotions to drive sales. The line between aggressive marketing and outright deception can be blurry, but the ethical implications are significant. Consumers deserve accurate information to make informed purchasing decisions.

2. Financial Misreporting and Fraud: This is perhaps the most damaging form of unethical behavior, involving the manipulation of financial records to misrepresent a company's performance. This can range from minor accounting irregularities to massive schemes designed to defraud investors and stakeholders. Enron and WorldCom stand as stark reminders of the devastating consequences of such actions.

3. Workplace Discrimination and Harassment: Creating a hostile work environment through discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or other protected characteristics is not only unethical but also illegal. This includes everything from subtle biases in hiring practices to overt acts of harassment and bullying.

4. Bribery and Corruption: Offering or accepting bribes to secure business deals or influence decisions undermines fair competition and erodes public trust. This is a particularly pervasive issue in certain industries and regions, often intertwined with other forms of unethical behavior.

5. Environmental Degradation: Companies that prioritize profit over environmental responsibility often engage in practices that damage ecosystems and contribute to climate change. This includes polluting waterways, depleting natural resources, and failing to adhere to environmental regulations.

6. Data Privacy Violations: In today's digital age, the misuse of consumer data is a significant ethical concern. Collecting, storing, and using personal information without proper consent or security measures violates trust and can have serious legal ramifications.

7. Intellectual Property Theft: Stealing trade secrets, patents, or copyrighted material is a clear breach of ethical and legal standards. This can severely damage the reputation and financial stability of the victimized company.

8. Conflict of Interest: Situations where personal interests conflict with professional duties can lead to unethical decisions. This can involve using company resources for personal gain, accepting gifts or favors that could influence decisions, or engaging in insider trading.

The Roots of Unethical Behavior: A Systemic Perspective

Why do seemingly reputable companies engage in unethical practices? The answer is rarely simple, but often involves a combination of factors:

Pressure to Perform: Intense pressure to meet financial targets can incentivize employees to cut corners and engage in unethical behavior. A culture that prioritizes profit above all else creates fertile ground for misconduct.
Lack of Ethical Leadership: Leaders who set a poor ethical example or fail to establish a strong ethical framework within their organizations contribute significantly to unethical behavior. A culture of ethical integrity must start at the top.
Weak Internal Controls: Companies with inadequate internal controls are more vulnerable to unethical behavior. Insufficient oversight and a lack of accountability create opportunities for misconduct.
Incentive Structures: Reward systems that prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability can encourage unethical behavior. Bonuses tied solely to financial performance can incentivize actions that prioritize profit over ethical considerations.
Organizational Culture: A company’s overall culture significantly impacts its ethical conduct. A culture that tolerates or even implicitly encourages unethical behavior will inevitably see a higher incidence of such actions.

Preventing and Addressing Unethical Behavior: A Proactive Approach

Preventing and addressing unethical behavior requires a multi-pronged approach:

Establish a Strong Ethical Code of Conduct: This should clearly articulate the company’s values and expectations regarding ethical behavior. Regular training and communication are essential to ensure that all employees understand and adhere to the code.
Implement Robust Internal Controls: Strong internal controls, including independent audits and oversight mechanisms, can help prevent and detect unethical behavior.
Foster a Culture of Accountability: Employees should understand that unethical behavior will have consequences. A clear process for reporting and investigating allegations of misconduct is crucial.
Promote Ethical Leadership: Leaders must model ethical behavior and create an environment where ethical considerations are prioritized. This includes fostering open communication, providing ethical guidance, and holding individuals accountable for their actions.
Encourage Whistleblower Protection: Creating a safe and confidential mechanism for employees to report unethical behavior without fear of retaliation is vital. This encourages transparency and helps address issues promptly.
Regular Ethical Audits: Conducting regular ethical audits helps assess the effectiveness of the organization’s ethics program and identify areas for improvement.

Ebook Outline: Unethical Behavior in Business: A Comprehensive Guide

Title: Unethical Behavior in Business: A Comprehensive Guide

Author: Dr. Emily Carter (Fictional Author)

Contents:

Introduction: Defining unethical behavior in business, its various forms, and the impact on stakeholders.
Chapter 1: Types of Unethical Behavior: Detailed exploration of various unethical practices, including examples and case studies.
Chapter 2: The Root Causes: Analysis of systemic factors contributing to unethical behavior within organizations.
Chapter 3: The Consequences: Discussion of the repercussions of unethical behavior on individuals, organizations, and society.
Chapter 4: Prevention and Mitigation Strategies: Practical steps for preventing and addressing unethical behavior.
Chapter 5: Case Studies: In-depth analysis of real-world examples of unethical behavior and their outcomes.
Conclusion: Summary of key takeaways and recommendations for promoting ethical conduct in business.

Detailed Article Explanations (based on the outline above):

(Each of these points would be expanded into a full chapter in the ebook. The following are brief examples to illustrate the depth of content.)

Introduction: This section would provide a compelling hook, clearly defining unethical behavior in business and its far-reaching consequences. It sets the stage for the detailed exploration to come.

Chapter 1: Types of Unethical Behavior: This chapter would provide a comprehensive overview of various unethical practices, categorized for clarity. Each type would be defined with detailed examples, including relevant case studies (like Enron, Wells Fargo, Volkswagen emissions scandal) to illustrate the real-world impact.

Chapter 2: The Root Causes: This chapter would delve into the underlying reasons why unethical behavior occurs. This would include discussions of corporate culture, pressure to perform, lack of ethical leadership, weak internal controls, and flawed incentive structures. The chapter would also discuss cognitive biases that contribute to unethical decision-making.

Chapter 3: The Consequences: This chapter would explore the wide-ranging consequences of unethical behavior. It would cover the impact on employees, customers, investors, the community, and the organization's reputation and financial health. Legal ramifications, reputational damage, and loss of trust would be discussed.

Chapter 4: Prevention and Mitigation Strategies: This chapter would offer practical and actionable steps for preventing and addressing unethical behavior. This includes developing a robust ethical code of conduct, implementing strong internal controls, fostering a culture of accountability, providing ethics training, and encouraging whistleblowing.

Chapter 5: Case Studies: This chapter would feature in-depth analyses of real-world cases, highlighting the specific unethical actions, the contributing factors, and the outcomes. Learning from past mistakes is crucial for future prevention.

Conclusion: This section summarizes the key learnings from the book, reinforcing the importance of ethical conduct in business. It reiterates the practical steps organizations and individuals can take to foster a more ethical business environment.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between unethical and illegal behavior in business? While many unethical actions are also illegal, some unethical behaviors might not be explicitly prohibited by law but still violate ethical principles.

2. How can I report unethical behavior in my workplace? Familiarize yourself with your company's whistleblower protection policy and follow the established procedures for reporting misconduct.

3. What role does leadership play in preventing unethical behavior? Leaders must set a strong ethical tone from the top, create a culture of accountability, and prioritize ethical considerations in decision-making.

4. What are some common ethical dilemmas faced by businesses? Common dilemmas include conflicts of interest, data privacy concerns, environmental responsibility, and the balance between profit and ethical considerations.

5. How can companies create a strong ethical culture? This requires consistent communication of ethical values, robust training programs, and clear consequences for unethical actions.

6. What are the long-term consequences of unethical behavior? Long-term consequences can include loss of investor confidence, damage to reputation, legal penalties, and significant financial losses.

7. How can I improve my own ethical decision-making skills? Develop a strong ethical framework, seek diverse perspectives, and prioritize long-term consequences over short-term gains.

8. What resources are available to help businesses improve their ethical practices? Many organizations offer resources and training on ethical business conduct, including professional associations, consulting firms, and government agencies.

9. What are the legal implications of unethical business practices? Depending on the nature and severity of the unethical behavior, legal repercussions can range from fines and civil lawsuits to criminal charges.

1. The Ethics of Corporate Social Responsibility: Explores the evolving role of businesses in addressing social and environmental issues.

2. Whistleblowing in the Modern Workplace: Discusses the importance of protecting whistleblowers and the challenges they face.

3. The Impact of Unethical Behavior on Employee Morale: Examines how unethical practices can negatively affect employee well-being and productivity.

4. Building a Culture of Ethics in the Workplace: Provides practical strategies for creating an ethical organizational culture.

5. The Role of Ethics Committees in Corporate Governance: Explains the function and importance of ethics committees in preventing and addressing ethical issues.

6. The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Business: Explores the ethical implications of AI in areas such as bias, privacy, and job displacement.

7. Ethical Marketing: Avoiding Deceptive Practices: Provides guidance on ethical considerations in advertising and marketing.

8. The Ethics of Globalization and Multinational Corporations: Examines the ethical challenges faced by businesses operating in a globalized economy.

9. Understanding and Preventing Corporate Fraud: Delves into the complexities of corporate fraud and explores strategies for preventing it.

articles about unethical behavior in business: The Power Paradox Dacher Keltner, 2016-05-17 A revolutionary and timely reconsideration of everything we know about power. Celebrated UC Berkeley psychologist Dr. Dacher Keltner argues that compassion and selflessness enable us to have the most influence over others and the result is power as a force for good in the world. Power is ubiquitous—but totally misunderstood. Turning conventional wisdom on its head, Dr. Dacher Keltner presents the very idea of power in a whole new light, demonstrating not just how it is a force for good in the world, but how—via compassion and selflessness—it is attainable for each and every one of us. It is taken for granted that power corrupts. This is reinforced culturally by everything from Machiavelli to contemporary politics. But how do we get power? And how does it change our behavior? So often, in spite of our best intentions, we lose our hard-won power. Enduring power comes from empathy and giving. Above all, power is given to us by other people. This is what we all too often forget, and it is the crux of the power paradox: by misunderstanding the behaviors that helped us to gain power in the first place we set ourselves up to fall from power. We abuse and lose our power, at work, in our family life, with our friends, because we've never understood it correctly—until now. Power isn't the capacity to act in cruel and uncaring ways; it is the ability to do good for others, expressed in daily life, and in and of itself a good thing. Dr. Keltner lays out exactly—in twenty original Power Principles—how to retain power; why power can be a demonstrably good thing; when we are likely to abuse power; and the terrible consequences of letting those around us languish in powerlessness.
articles about unethical behavior in business: Battle Mind. How to Navigate in Chaos and Perform under Pressure Merete Wedell-Wedellsborg, 2015-09-11 Michael Pram Rasmussen, Chairman of the Board in A.P. Møller Mærsk: From the boardroom to the bridge of a tanker, every leader must master the art of dealing with crises and emergencies. With great skill, Merete Wedell-Wedellsborg shows us that there is a method behind the art Nils Wang, Rear Admiral, Commandant at The Royal Danish Defence College: Any leader who expects to come under fire will eventually feel an urgent need to understand Battle Mind. Reach out for this thoughtful and instructive book well in advance of those critical moments. Søren Kyhl, Executive Vice President, Danske Bank: A stimulating tour through the mind on high alert. Full of useful insights on sustainable high-performance and how you can learn to bounce back from major setbacks. Jesper Kløve, Senior Vice President at Novo Nordisk A/S: Wedell-Wedellsborg has spent a lot of time studying and focusing on performance under pressure, and it shows. This is a truly well-researched book. Battle Mind is highly informative and provides a hands-on framework and specific ideas for achieving great results. There are great cases in this book for every leader. Anne-Marie Søderberg, Professor, Copenhagen Business School: With a solid grounding in psychology and leadership studies Merete Wedell-Wedellsborg does an exemplary job when framing the stories told with lucid concepts for dealing constructively with common management derailers. Christian Ørsted, bestselling author of Lethal Leadership: If you are seeking answers to one of the core mental demands of modern leadership, you need this book. It features a fascinating mix of psychology, research and case studies from the military, business and politics. A terrific read. Helena Boas, Founder and President, Bodas: Merete Wedell-Wedellsborg’s fascinating account examines a critical aspect of the minds of leaders, managers, and founders of businesses worldwide. However, the mental reflexes she examines and the tools she suggests/prescribes are are also more broadly applicable and invaluable for everyone across all aspects of their lives. Maria Hjorth, CEO, Mercer Denmark: To succeed in business you have to perform under pressure and it demands more than just talent. You need to perform when it counts. I believe that 'Battle Mind' is a core life skill for everyone and I can highly recommend Merete's book.
articles about unethical behavior in business: The Law of Good People Yuval Feldman, 2018-06-07 This book argues that overcoming people's inability to recognize their own wrongdoing is the most important but regrettably neglected area of the behavioral approach to law.
articles about unethical behavior in business: Behavioral Business Ethics David De Cremer, Ann E. Tenbrunsel, 2012-03-12 This book takes a look at how and why individuals display unethical behavior. It emphasizes the actual behavior of individuals rather than the specific business practices. It draws from work on psychology which is the scientific study of human behavior and thought processes. As Max Bazerman said, efforts to improve ethical decision making are better aimed at understanding our psychological tendencies.
articles about unethical behavior in business: Codes of Conduct David M. Messick, Ann E. Tenbrunsel, 1996-10-24 Despite ongoing efforts to maintain ethical standards, highly publicized episodes of corporate misconduct occur with disturbing frequency. Firms produce defective products, release toxic substances into the environment, or permit dangerous conditions to existin their workplaces. The propensity for irresponsible acts is not confined to rogue companies, but crops up in even the most respectable firms. Codes of Conduct is the first comprehensive attempt to understand these problems by applying the principles of modern behavioral science to the study of organizational behavior. Codes of Conduct probes the psychological and social processes through which companies and their managers respond to a wide array of ethical dilemmas, from risk and safety management to the treatment of employees. The contributors employ a wide range of case studies to illustrate the effects of social influence and group persuasion, organizational authority and communication, fragmented responsibility, and the process of rationalization. John Darley investigates how unethical acts are unintentionally assembled within organizations as a result of cascading pressures and social processes. Essays by Roderick Kramer and David Messick and by George Loewenstein focus on irrational decision making among managers. Willem Wagenaar examines how worker safety is endangered by management decisions that focus too narrowly on cost cutting and short time horizons. Essays by Baruch Fischhoff and by Robyn Dawes review the role of the expert in assessing environmental risk. Robert Bies reviews evidence that employees are more willing to provide personal information and to accept affirmative action programs if they are consulted on the intended procedures and goals. Stephanie Goodwin and Susan Fiske discuss how employees can be educated to base office judgments on personal qualities rather than on generalizations of gender, race, and ethnicity. Codes of Conduct makes an important scientific contribution to the understanding of decisionmaking and social processes in business, and offers clear insights into the design of effective policies to improve ethical conduct.
articles about unethical behavior in business: Blind Spots Max H. Bazerman, Ann E. Tenbrunsel, 2012-12-23 When confronted with an ethical dilemma, most of us like to think we would stand up for our principles. But we are not as ethical as we think we are. In Blind Spots, leading business ethicists Max Bazerman and Ann Tenbrunsel examine the ways we overestimate our ability to do what is right and how we act unethically without meaning to. From the collapse of Enron and corruption in the tobacco industry, to sales of the defective Ford Pinto, the downfall of Bernard Madoff, and the Challenger space shuttle disaster, the authors investigate the nature of ethical failures in the business world and beyond, and illustrate how we can become more ethical, bridging the gap between who we are and who we want to be. Explaining why traditional approaches to ethics don't work, the book considers how blind spots like ethical fading--the removal of ethics from the decision--making process--have led to tragedies and scandals such as the Challenger space shuttle disaster, steroid use in Major League Baseball, the crash in the financial markets, and the energy crisis. The authors demonstrate how ethical standards shift, how we neglect to notice and act on the unethical behavior of others, and how compliance initiatives can actually promote unethical behavior. They argue that scandals will continue to emerge unless such approaches take into account the psychology of individuals faced with ethical dilemmas. Distinguishing our should self (the person who knows what is correct) from our want self (the person who ends up making decisions), the authors point out ethical sinkholes that create questionable actions. Suggesting innovative individual and group tactics for improving human judgment, Blind Spots shows us how to secure a place for ethics in our workplaces, institutions, and daily lives.
articles about unethical behavior in business: Heineken in Africa Olivier van Beemen, 2019-08-01 For Heineken, rising Africa is already a reality: the profits it extracts there are almost 50 per cent above the global average, and beer costs more in some African countries than it does in Europe. Heineken claims its presence boosts economic development on the continent. But is this true? Investigative journalist Olivier van Beemen has spent years seeking the answer, and his conclusion is damning: Heineken has hardly benefited Africa at all. On the contrary, there are some shocking skeletons in its African closet: tax avoidance, sexual abuse, links to genocide and other human rights violations, high-level corruption, crushing competition from indigenous brewers, and collaboration with dictators and pitiless anti-government rebels. Heineken in Africa caused a political and media furor on publication in The Netherlands, and was debated in their Parliament. It is an unmissable exposé of the havoc wreaked by a global giant seeking profit in the developing world.
articles about unethical behavior in business: International Business Ethics and Growth Opportunities Wolf, Ruth, 2014-12-31 In the modern business environment, companies strive to create a sense of moral obligation within their employees in an effort to foster a concern for social welfare and justice among global organizations. Despite the efforts of managers and directors, many companies continue to find it difficult to overcome the moral dilemmas of the corporate sector. International Business Ethics and Growth Opportunities presents the necessary methods and resources for managers and directors to be successful in leading their corporations in a responsible and morally conscious manner. Examining the dangers of unethical behavior, this book provides the strategies and tools for proper management to encourage company strength and success. This publication is an essential resource for academicians, researchers, officials, post-graduate students, and professionals in the fields of business and business education interested in ethical decision making on the individual and company level.
articles about unethical behavior in business: Introduction to Business Lawrence J. Gitman, Carl McDaniel, Amit Shah, Monique Reece, Linda Koffel, Bethann Talsma, James C. Hyatt, 2024-09-16 Introduction to Business covers the scope and sequence of most introductory business courses. The book provides detailed explanations in the context of core themes such as customer satisfaction, ethics, entrepreneurship, global business, and managing change. Introduction to Business includes hundreds of current business examples from a range of industries and geographic locations, which feature a variety of individuals. The outcome is a balanced approach to the theory and application of business concepts, with attention to the knowledge and skills necessary for student success in this course and beyond. This is an adaptation of Introduction to Business by OpenStax. You can access the textbook as pdf for free at openstax.org. Minor editorial changes were made to ensure a better ebook reading experience. Textbook content produced by OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
articles about unethical behavior in business: Model Rules of Professional Conduct American Bar Association. House of Delegates, Center for Professional Responsibility (American Bar Association), 2007 The Model Rules of Professional Conduct provides an up-to-date resource for information on legal ethics. Federal, state and local courts in all jurisdictions look to the Rules for guidance in solving lawyer malpractice cases, disciplinary actions, disqualification issues, sanctions questions and much more. In this volume, black-letter Rules of Professional Conduct are followed by numbered Comments that explain each Rule's purpose and provide suggestions for its practical application. The Rules will help you identify proper conduct in a variety of given situations, review those instances where discretionary action is possible, and define the nature of the relationship between you and your clients, colleagues and the courts.
articles about unethical behavior in business: Ethical Consumerism and Comparative Studies Across Different Cultures: Emerging Research and Opportunities Al-A'ali, Ebtihaj Ahmed, Masmoudi, Meryem, 2019-08-30 One of the integral parts of determining business success directly correlates to how well a company interacts with their customers. This increased demand for direct communication has evolved how companies cooperate with their patrons and examines how essential ethics is related to these communications. Ethical Consumerism and Comparative Studies Across Different Cultures: Emerging Research and Opportunities provides emerging research exploring the theoretical and practical aspects of the fundamental issues related to ethical consumerism and applications within business, science, engineering, and technology and examines the impact Arab and global cultures have on consumerism. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as business ethics, data management, and global business, this book is ideally designed for managers, executives, advertisers, marketers, sales directors, practitioners, researchers, academicians, and students.
articles about unethical behavior in business: Handbook of Unethical Work Behavior: Robert A Giacalone, Mark D Promislo, 2014-12-18 This handbook covers the widest possible range of organizational misbehaviors (age, race, and gender discrimination, abuse, bullying, aggression, violence, fraud and corruption), all with an eye toward the effects on individual and organizational health and well-being. It is the first-ever single-source resource on this important topic.
articles about unethical behavior in business: Managing Business Ethics Linda K. Trevino, Katherine A. Nelson, 2016-09-13 Revised edition of the authors' Managing business ethics, [2014]
articles about unethical behavior in business: Challenges and Opportunities to Develop Organizations Through Creativity, Technology and Ethics Silvia L. Fotea, Ioan Ş. Fotea, Sebastian A. Văduva, 2020-06-11 This proceedings volume provides a multifaceted perspective on current challenges and opportunities that organizations face in their efforts to develop and grow in an ever more complex environment. Featuring selected contributions from the 2019 Griffiths School of Management Annual Conference (GSMAC) on Business, Entrepreneurship and Ethics, this book focuses on the role of creativity, technology and ethics in facilitating the transformation organizations need in order to be ready for the future and succeed. Growth and development have always been imperative for people, organizations, and societies and a relevant topic in the management sciences. Globalization, along with dramatic changes in social, cultural, and technological progress, are the main factors that determine the current conditions for development, putting forth a new set of challenges and opportunities that are putting pressure on organisations to adapt. Although technology and creativity seem to be the mantra for success in this new context, issues around the ethics of these two factors also seem to be crucial to the sustainability of growth in organizations. Featuring contributions on topics such as academic marketing, technology in healthcare organizations, ethical issues in hospitality, artificial intelligence and data mining, this book provides research and tools for students, professors, practitioners and policy makers in the fields of business, management, public administration and sociology.
articles about unethical behavior in business: Encyclopedia of Death and the Human Experience Clifton D. Bryant, Dennis L. Peck, 2009-07-15 Death and dying and death-related behavior involve the causes of death and the nature of the actions and emotions surrounding death among the living. Interest in the varied dimensions of death and dying has led to the development of death studies that move beyond medical research to include behavioral science disciplines and practitioner-oriented fields. As a result of this interdisciplinary interest, the literature in the field has proliferated. This two-volume resource addresses the traditional death and dying–related topics but also presents a unique focus on the human experience to create a new dimension to the study of death and dying. With more than 300 entries, the Encyclopedia of Death and the Human Experience includes the complex cultural beliefs and traditions and the institutionalized social rituals that surround dying and death, as well as the array of emotional responses relating to bereavement, grieving, and mourning. The Encyclopedia is enriched through important multidisciplinary contributions and perspectives as it arranges, organizes, defines, and clarifies a comprehensive list of death-related perspectives, concepts, and theories. Key Features Imparts significant insight into the process of dying and the phenomenon of death Includes contributors from Asia,; Africa; Australia; Canada; China; eastern, southern, and western Europe; Iceland; Scandinavia; South America; and the United States who offer important interdisciplinary and cross-cultural perspectives Provides a special focus on the cultural artifacts and social institutions and practices that constitute the human experience Addresses death-related terms and concepts such as angel makers, equivocal death, end-of-life decision making, near-death experiences, cemeteries, ghost photography, halo nurses, caregiver stress, cyberfunerals, global religious beliefs and traditions, and death denial Presents a selective use of figures, tables, and images Key Themes Arts, Media, and Popular Culture Perspectives Causes of Death Conceptualization of Death, Dying, and the Human Experience Coping With Loss and Grief: The Human Experience Cross-Cultural Perspectives Cultural-Determined, Social-Oriented, and Violent Forms of Death Developmental and Demographic Perspectives Funerals and Death-Related Activities Legal Matters Process of Dying, Symbolic Rituals, Ceremonies, and Celebrations of Life Theories and Concepts Unworldly Entities and Events With an array of topics that include traditional subjects and important emerging ideas, the Encyclopedia of Death and the Human Experience is the ultimate resource for students, researchers, academics, and others interested in this intriguing area of study.
articles about unethical behavior in business: There's No Such Thing as "Business" Ethics John C. Maxwell, 2007-10-15 There's no such thing as business ethics. How can that be? Because a single standard applies to both your business and personal life-and it's one we all know and trust: the Golden Rule. Now bestselling author John C. Maxwell shows you how this revered ideal works everywhere, and how, especially in business, it brings amazing dividends. There's No Such Thing As Business Ethics offers: * Stories from history, business, government, and sports that illustrate how talented leaders invoked this timeless principle * Examples of difficult business decisions-layoffs, evaluations, billing clients, expansion-and how the Golden Rule applies to each * The five most common reasons people compromise their ethics-and how you can prevail over such moral obstacles * How applying the Golden Rule to business builds morale, increases productivity, encourages teamwork, lowers employee turnover, and keeps clients coming back. John C. Maxwell not only reveals the many ways the Golden Rule creates the perfect environment for business success, but does it with great wisdom, warmth, and humor. Backed by flawless research and the ideas of history's best thinkers, this engaging book brilliantly demonstrates how doing the right thing fosters a winning situation for all, with positive results for employees, clients, investors, and even your own state of mind. Business runs much more smoothly, profits increase, and you know that you've set the groundwork for years of future prosperity. . . and it's all thanks to the tried-and-true Golden Rule.
articles about unethical behavior in business: Ask a Manager Alison Green, 2018-05-01 From the creator of the popular website Ask a Manager and New York’s work-advice columnist comes a witty, practical guide to 200 difficult professional conversations—featuring all-new advice! There’s a reason Alison Green has been called “the Dear Abby of the work world.” Ten years as a workplace-advice columnist have taught her that people avoid awkward conversations in the office because they simply don’t know what to say. Thankfully, Green does—and in this incredibly helpful book, she tackles the tough discussions you may need to have during your career. You’ll learn what to say when • coworkers push their work on you—then take credit for it • you accidentally trash-talk someone in an email then hit “reply all” • you’re being micromanaged—or not being managed at all • you catch a colleague in a lie • your boss seems unhappy with your work • your cubemate’s loud speakerphone is making you homicidal • you got drunk at the holiday party Praise for Ask a Manager “A must-read for anyone who works . . . [Alison Green’s] advice boils down to the idea that you should be professional (even when others are not) and that communicating in a straightforward manner with candor and kindness will get you far, no matter where you work.”—Booklist (starred review) “The author’s friendly, warm, no-nonsense writing is a pleasure to read, and her advice can be widely applied to relationships in all areas of readers’ lives. Ideal for anyone new to the job market or new to management, or anyone hoping to improve their work experience.”—Library Journal (starred review) “I am a huge fan of Alison Green’s Ask a Manager column. This book is even better. It teaches us how to deal with many of the most vexing big and little problems in our workplaces—and to do so with grace, confidence, and a sense of humor.”—Robert Sutton, Stanford professor and author of The No Asshole Rule and The Asshole Survival Guide “Ask a Manager is the ultimate playbook for navigating the traditional workforce in a diplomatic but firm way.”—Erin Lowry, author of Broke Millennial: Stop Scraping By and Get Your Financial Life Together
articles about unethical behavior in business: To Be Honest Ron A. Carucci, 2021-05-03 WINNER: NYC Big Book Award 2021 - Business General WINNER: Goody Business Book Awards - Business General FINALIST: Good Business Book Awards - Leadership: General and Think Differently Selected as one of Bloomberg's Best Books of 2021: Nominated by the founder and executive director of the Aspen Institute Business and Society Program DISTINGUISHED FAVORITE: Independent Press Award 2022 - Business General Under what conditions will people tell the truth, behave fairly and act with purpose at work? And when will they lie, cheat and be selfish? Based on 15 years of research, To Be Honest explains how four factors (Clear Identity, Accountability, Governance and Cross-Functional Relationships) affect honesty, justice and purpose within a company. When these factors are absent or ineffective, the organizational conditions compel employees to choose dishonesty and self-interest. But when done well, the organization is 16 times more likely to have people tell the truth, behave fairly and serve a greater good. To Be Honest shares the stories of leaders who have acted with purpose, honesty and justice even when it was difficult to do so. In-depth interviews with CEOs and senior executives from exemplar companies such as Patagonia, Cabot Creamery, Microsoft and others reveal what it takes to build purpose-driven companies of honesty and justice. Interviews with thought leaders like Jonathan Haidt, Amy Edmondson, Dan Ariely and James Detert offer rich insights on how leaders can become more honest and purposeful. You'll learn how Hubert Joly took Best Buy from a company on the brink of bankruptcy to one that is profitable, thriving and purposeful. Filled with real-life examples, To Be Honest offers actionable steps, practical tools and approaches that any leader or manager can use to create a culture of purpose, honesty and justice.
articles about unethical behavior in business: Corruption in International Business Ms Sharon Eicher, 2012-08-28 It is common practice to assume that business practices are universally similar. Business and social attitudes to corruption, however, vary according to the wide variety of cultural norms across the countries of the world. International business involves complex, ethically challenging, and sometimes threatening, dilemmas that can involve political and personal agendas. Corruption in International Business presents a broad range of perspectives on how corruption can be defined; the responsibilities of those working for publicly traded companies to their shareholders; and the positive influences that corporations can have upon combating international corruption. The authors differentiate between public and private sector corruption and explore the implications of both, as well as methods for qualifying and quantifying corruption and the challenges facing policy makers, legal systems, corporations, and NGOs, as they seek to mitigate the effects of corruption and enable cultural and social change.
articles about unethical behavior in business: Business Ethics: A Kantian Perspective Norman E. Bowie, 2017-02-16 This book applies the latest studies on Kantian ethics to show how a business can maintain economic success and moral integrity.
articles about unethical behavior in business: Taking Ethics Seriously John Hooker, 2018-04-09 This book develops an intellectual framework for analyzing ethical dilemmas that is both grounded in theory and versatile enough to deal rigorously with real-world issues. It sees ethics as a necessary foundation for the social infrastructure that makes modern life possible, much as engineering is a foundation for physical infrastructure. It is not wedded to any particular ethical philosophy but draws from several traditions to construct a unified and principled approach to ethical reasoning. Rather than follow the common academic practice of seeking a reflective equilibrium of moral intuitions and principles, it builds on a few bedrock principles of rational thought that serve as criteria for valid argumentation. It develops the ideas from the ground up, without presupposing any background in ethics or philosophy. Epistemologically, the book views ethics as parallel to mathematics, in that it relies on generally accepted proof techniques to establish results. Whereas mathematics rests on such proof paradigms as mathematical induction and proof by contradiction, ethics can be seen as relying on proof by applying consistency tests, such as generalizability and respect for autonomy. Utilitarianism also plays a key role, but it is reconceived as a deontological criterion. This approach obviously requires that these criteria be formulated more rigorously than is normally the case. To accomplish this, the book begins with the classical idea that an action is distinguishable from mere behavior by virtue of its having a coherent rationale, where coherence requires passing certain consistency tests such as generalizability. An action is therefore inseparable from its rationale, and generalizability is defined in terms of consistency with the rationale. A utilitarian criterion receives a similar treatment with respect to a means-end rationale. Respect for autonomy is grounded in a carefully developed action theory that takes into account such concepts as joint autonomy, implied consent, and the permissibility of interference with unethical behavior. It provides an account of responsibility that is both practical and theoretically satisfying, and it yields a novel solution of the much-discussed trolley car dilemmas. The book is written for a general audience and strives to be as readable and engaging as possible, while maintaining rigor. It begins by dispelling a raft of misconceptions that trivialize ethics and block its development as an essential tool of modern life, such as the notion that ethics is just a matter of opinion without rational foundation. After presenting the ethical principles just described, along with many examples, it provides several chapters that analyze real-life dilemmas, many obtained from the author’s students and professional workshop participants. One cannot understand physics or chemistry without seeing how their principles are applied to real problems, and the same is true of ethics. These chapters demonstrate that a unified normative theory can deal with a wide range of real cases while achieving a reasonable level of objectivity and rigor.
articles about unethical behavior in business: Ethical Business Cultures in Emerging Markets Alexandre Ardichvili, 2017-10-26 This study examines the intersection of human resource development and human resource management with ethical business cultures in developing economies, and addresses issues faced daily by practitioners in these countries. It is ideal for scholars, researchers and students in business ethics, management, human resource management and development, and organization studies.
articles about unethical behavior in business: Moral Mazes Robert Jackall, 2010 This updated edition of a classic study of ethics in business presents an eye-opening account of how corporate managers think the world works, and how big organizations shape moral consciousness. Robert Jackall takes the reader inside a topsy-turvy world where hard work does not necessarily lead to success, but sharp talk, self-promotion, powerful patrons, and sheer luck might. This edition includes a new foreword linking the themes of Moral Mazes to the financial tsunami that engulfed the world economy in 2008.
articles about unethical behavior in business: Organizational Routines Jennifer Howard-Grenville, Claus Rerup, Ann Langley, Haridimos Tsoukas, 2016-03-24 Over the past 15 years, organizational routines have been increasingly investigated from a process perspective to challenge the idea that routines are stable entities that are mindlessly enacted. A process perspective explores how routines are performed by specific people in specific settings. It shows how action, improvisation, and novelty are part of routine performances. It also departs from a view of routines as black boxes that transform inputs into organizational outputs and places attention on the actual actions and patterns that comprise routines. Routines are both effortful accomplishments, in that it takes effort to perform, sustain, or change them, and emergent accomplishments, because sometimes the effort to perform routines leads to unforeseen change. While a process perspective has enabled scholars to open up the 'black box' of routines and explore their actions and patterns in fine-grained, dynamic ways, there is much more work to be done. Chapters in this volume make considerable progress, through the three main themes expressed across these chapters. These are: Zooming out to understand routines in larger contexts; Zooming in to reveal actor dispositions and skill; and Innovation, creativity and routines in ambiguous contexts.
articles about unethical behavior in business: Moral Emotion, Moral Cognition, and (Im)Moral Behavior in the Workplace Peixu He, Hongdan Zhao, Cuiling Jiang, Chuangang Shen, 2023-09-27 Moral behavior is subject to socially accepted moral norms and also has a pervasive influence on organizational performance. With the emergence of ethical issues found in organizations, practitioners and scholars pay increasing attention to ethics management. Therefore, workplace moral behavior (e.g., pro-social behavior and organizational citizenship behavior - OCB) and immoral behavior (e.g., interpersonal abusive behavior, deviant/counterproductive behavior, and unethical pro-organizational behavior) have also received substantial research interests over the past decades. To date, the most common framework used to study moral behavior has been the cognitive approach, with abundant evidence demonstrating that emotion and cognition are the two core elements in generating and influencing workplace (im)moral behavior. However, limited studies have been conducted to explore the emotional/cognitive processes or integrative moral emotion-cognition system relevant to workplace moral behavior. Despite our knowledge of the antecedents and consequences of workplace (im)moral behaviors, more research on the generating mechanism, influencing mechanism, transformation mechanism, and governance strategies is needed. For example, it is unclear how exhibiting (im)moral behavior in the workplace would impact the actor’s and the third-party observer’s emotions, thoughts, feelings, and subsequent behavior. Besides, the question of whether ethical/unethical leader behavior would trigger a “trickle-down effect” is underdeveloped, which refers to the fact that how the behavior or perception of the top leaders affects employees from top to bottom along the formal vertical power chain. In addition, we have little knowledge on when, how, and why the ethical employees (the so-called “good soldiers”) would engage in workplace immoral behavior, and vice-versa.
articles about unethical behavior in business: Sidetracked Francesca Gino, 2013-02-26 A psychologist and business professor takes an in-depth look at decision-making, explaining the pitfalls people can avoid to stay on track with their decisions and reach their goals. 25,000 first printing.
articles about unethical behavior in business: Competition, Trust, and Cooperation Yuichi Shionoya, Kiichiro Yagi, 2012-12-06 It was at the fifth SEEP-Conference on Economic Ethics and philosophy in autumn 1997 that the organizational work of the seventh conference in 1999 was entrusted to the editors of this volume. Prof. Peter Koslowski, series editor of The Studies in Economic Ethics and Philosophy, SEEP, expressed the hope that the SEEP-Conference be held in the Far-East for the fist time would bring a new comparative aspect to economic ethics and philosophy. Further, the agenda of economic ethics seemed to increase its significance also in Japan and other Asian countries especially due to the spread of corruption in the government and business under the financial crisis that attacked these nations in the late 1990s. Though we chose Com petition, Trust, and Cooperation as the general theme of the conference, this should include the collusion, distrust, and corruption as the opposite side of the medal. The conference was held on March 10-12, 1999 at the Kansai Seminar House of the Nippon Christian Academy, Kyoto, Japan. Fourteen papers were submitted to the conference. In addition to twelve papers that are printed in this volume, Prof. Ruisheng Wang (Capital Normal University, Beijing) read his paper on ethical problems in the context of Asian financial crisis and Prof. Agnar Sandmo (Norwegian School of Economics and Busi ness Administration) did the same by his paper on societal aspect of the competition promotion policy.
articles about unethical behavior in business: Giving Voice to Values Mary C. Gentile, 2010-08-24 How can you effectively stand up for your values when pressured by your boss, customers, or shareholders to do the opposite? Drawing on actual business experiences as well as on social science research, Babson College business educator and consultant Mary Gentile challenges the assumptions about business ethics at companies and business schools. She gives business leaders, managers, and students the tools not just to recognize what is right, but also to ensure that the right things happen. The book is inspired by a program Gentile launched at the Aspen Institute with Yale School of Management, and now housed at Babson College, with pilot programs in over one hundred schools and organizations, including INSEAD and MIT Sloan School of Management. She explains why past attempts at preparing business leaders to act ethically too often failed, arguing that the issue isn’t distinguishing what is right or wrong, but knowing how to act on your values despite opposing pressure. Through research-based advice, practical exercises, and scripts for handling a wide range of ethical dilemmas, Gentile empowers business leaders with the skills to voice and act on their values, and align their professional path with their principles. Giving Voice to Values is an engaging, innovative, and useful guide that is essential reading for anyone in business.
articles about unethical behavior in business: Organizational Wrongdoing Donald Palmer, Royston Greenwood, Kristin Smith-Crowe, 2016-07-18 A comprehensive overview of the causes, processes and consequences of wrongdoing and misconduct across all levels of an organization.
articles about unethical behavior in business: Business Law I Essentials MIRANDE. DE ASSIS VALBRUNE (RENEE. CARDELL, SUZANNE.), Renee de Assis, Suzanne Cardell, 2019-09-27 A less-expensive grayscale paperback version is available. Search for ISBN 9781680923018. Business Law I Essentials is a brief introductory textbook designed to meet the scope and sequence requirements of courses on Business Law or the Legal Environment of Business. The concepts are presented in a streamlined manner, and cover the key concepts necessary to establish a strong foundation in the subject. The textbook follows a traditional approach to the study of business law. Each chapter contains learning objectives, explanatory narrative and concepts, references for further reading, and end-of-chapter questions. Business Law I Essentials may need to be supplemented with additional content, cases, or related materials, and is offered as a foundational resource that focuses on the baseline concepts, issues, and approaches.
articles about unethical behavior in business: The Balanced Company Muel Kaptein, Johan Ferdinand Dietrich Bernardus Wempe, 2002 This book contains a cohesive overview of the most important theories and insights in the field of business ethics. At the same time, it further tailors these theories to the situation in which organizations function, presenting criteria that can be used to measure, assess, improve and report on corporate integrity.
articles about unethical behavior in business: Business Ethics For Dummies Norman E. Bowie, Meg Schnieder, 2011-02-09 The tools you need to deal with ethical dilemmas in business In today's world, it's increasingly important for all businesses and government agencies to implement ethical conduct in the workplace. Therefore, business ethics has become required coursework for most students in undergraduate and postgraduate business programs. Mapping to a business ethics course, Business Ethics For Dummies examines ethical theory and discusses the moral issues facing corporate America. It covers topics such as conflicts of interest, trade secrets and insider trading, product safety and product liability, hiring, drug testing, sexual harassment, diversity, and much more. The basics of ethics and making ethical decisions How-tos on incorporating business ethics in the workplace A discussion of moral issues facing corporate America Packed with easy-to-understand explanations and examples, Business Ethics For Dummies is a helpful resource for students, professors, business owners, managers, and CEOs who seek a clear understanding of the importance of ethics.
articles about unethical behavior in business: Creating Marketing Magic and Innovative Future Marketing Trends Maximilian Stieler, 2017-01-06 This volume includes the full proceedings from the 2016 Academy of Marketing Science (AMS) Annual Conference held in Orlando, Florida, entitled Creating Marketing Magic and Innovative Future Marketing Trends. The marketing environment continues to be dynamic. As a result, researchers need to adapt to the ever-changing scene. Several macro-level factors continue to play influential roles in changing consumer lifestyles and business practices. Key factors among these include the increasing use of technology and automation, while juxtaposed by nostalgia and “back to the roots” marketing trends. At the same time, though, as marketing scholars, we are able to access emerging technology with greater ease, to undertake more rigorous research practices. The papers presented in this volume aim to address these issues by providing the most current research from various areas of marketing research, such as consumer behavior, marketing strategy, marketing theory, services marketing, advertising, branding, and many more. Founded in 1971, the Academy of Marketing Science is an international organization dedicated to promoting timely explorations of phenomena related to the science of marketing in theory, research, and practice. Among its services to members and the community at large, the Academy offers conferences, congresses, and symposia that attract delegates from around the world. Presentations from these events are published in this Proceedings series, which offers a comprehensive archive of volumes reflecting the evolution of the field. Volumes deliver cutting-edge research and insights, complementing the Academy’s flagship journals, the Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science (JAMS) and AMS Review. Volumes are edited by leading scholars and practitioners across a wide range of subject areas in marketing science.
articles about unethical behavior in business: Trickle Down Deviancy William N. Spencer, 2012-12-28 The right to partake of capitalism is exactly what our United States Consti tuti on is referring to as being the pursuit of happiness. If you or any person so chooses to apply yourself, study and learn, and acquire useable and salable knowledge, skills, and abiliti esand then apply these towards the economic good of a company/business/corporationyou just might become greedy and rich. Does relying upon our own self-motivation and self-determination means that we are greedy? Does working many hours of mandatory overtime at our chosen career mean that we are overly self-seeking? The answer to these questions and many more are all within
articles about unethical behavior in business: Boost! Michael Bar-Eli, 2018 To perform better in any situation - in your career, hobbies, relationships, or in any facet of your life - it is critical to develop psychological skills, which, just like physical abilities, can be taught, learned, and practiced. Both as individuals and as groups, we can tone these psychological skills and use them to heighten awareness, foster talents and technical abilities, and reach peak performance. Mental preparedness and psychological awareness are the keys to thriving in any environment. Few understand the importance of psychological skills better than the internationally recognized professor Michael Bar-Eli. As both a sports and organizational psychologist for more than 35 years, Bar-Eli has not only researched the science of performance but has also worked directly with elite athletes, coaches, and teams to help them improve their success on the court or field. Boost! takes the lessons he's learned from sports psychology and translates them for leaders and managers at any stage in their career. With prescriptive advice, Bar-Eli illustrates how anyone can apply these lessons to better support and inspire co-workers and employees and create a sustainable, successful working environment and business. Boost! breaks down the complex behavioral science of getting ahead. Through original scientific research, unique case studies, and anecdotes from the world of sports and beyond, Bar-Eli explains the psychological underpinnings of human behavior and how we can harness this knowledge to perform at our highest levels, succeeding in our careers and personal lives.
articles about unethical behavior in business: Ethics in Practice Kenneth Richmond Andrews, Donald K. David, 1989 Ethics in Practice includes 21 Harvard Business Review articles by corporate leaders of companies like Cadbury-Schweppes, Standard Oil of Ohio, Phillips, and Morgan Stanley, and from well-known observers like Robert Coles and Albert Z. Carr. The dilemmas they investigate represent painful choices for managers: whether to divest operations in South Africa, how to handle the rogue division whose practices compromise the whole company, how to curb a slide into price-fixing in an overcrowded market, and other issues. Includes extensive commentary by Kenneth Andrews. A Harvard Business Review Book.
articles about unethical behavior in business: Regulations and Applications of Ethics in Business Practice Jing Bian, Kıymet Tunca Çalıyurt, 2018-06-29 This book presents a variety of discussions from different countries about regulations and applications of ethics in business practice. It demonstrates how Ethics, both in the world of business and in academic life, is consistently a central and unavoidable issue that institutions must devise new regulations on a regular basis to address. Given that applying such regulations becomes complicated in a global business landscape and that International companies have lost large amounts of revenues due to fraudulent activities, the book provides insights for professionals in business world to teach, learn, apply, measure and report on companies' daily business. Business and Professional Ethics: Theories, Standards, and Analysis is essential reading for researchers and students in business schools around the world.
articles about unethical behavior in business: Ethical Issues in Information Systems Roy Dejoie, George C. Fowler, David B. Paradice, 1991 This book explores the impact of technology on ethical issues. A series of real-world scenarios are drawn from both business- and technology-oriented contexts.
articles about unethical behavior in business: Managing Corporate Ethics Francis Joseph Aguilar, 1994 In Managing Corporate Ethics, Aguilar shows managers how to create ethical programs within their organizations that not only discourage large-scale wrongdoing, but can contribute substantially to the achievement of corporate excellence.
articles about unethical behavior in business: A New Psychology of Men Ronald F. Levant, William S. Pollack, 2003 Inspired by feminist scholars who revolutionized our understanding of women's gender roles, the contributors to this pioneering book describe how men's proscribed roles are neither biological nor social givens, but rather psychological and social constructions. Questioning the traditional norms of the male role (such as the emphasis on aggression, competition, status, and emotional stoicism), they show how some male problems (such as violence, homophobia, devaluation of women, detached fathering, and neglect of health needs) are unfortunate by-products of the current process by which males are socialized. By synthesizing the latest research, clinical experience, and major theoretical perspectives on men and by figuring in cultural, class, and sexual orientation differences, the authors brilliantly illuminate the many variations of male behavior. This book will be a valuable resource not just for students of gender psychology in any discipline but also for clinicians and researchers who need to account for the relationship between men's behavior and the contradictory and inconsistent gender roles imposed on men. This new understanding of men's psychology is sure to enhance the work of clinical professionals-including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, counselors, and psychiatric nurses-in helping men reconstruct a sense of masculinity along healthier and more socially just lines.

Articles About Unethical Behavior In Business