By Aaron S. RobertsonWith supplemental notes and a small group activity to enhance discussion

Copyright 2011 Aaron S. Robertson

Why have ethics in management?

What are the benefits of ethical management?

What are the consequences of not managing in an ethical way?

“Because managers decide how to use many of a society’s most valuable resources…they directly impact the well-being of a society and the people in it.” (Jones & George, 2011, p. 7)

This holds true no matter the industry or business!

“…the relentless pursuit of self-interest can lead to a collective disaster when one or more people start to profit from being unethical because this encourages other people to act in the same way.” (Jones & George, 2011, p. 121)

Increased dependence on one another, at home and abroad, for our economic success

Image: solarsystem.nasa.gov

All Muslims are terrorists? – The case of “Taliban Toyota” (Dugan, 2011)

Enron in 2001

The “Great Recession” of 2008

Experience at a fast food restaurant

Image: dominoesrules.org

Lack of ethics impacts both effectiveness and efficiency of an individual company’s performance. (Jones & George, 2011, p. 136)

Which creates a domino effect that

“Reduces national standard of living, well-being, and prosperity.” (Jones & George, 2011, p. 122)

Break into pairs or small groups and take a few moments to discuss your own experiences and observations in business as they relate to ethics.

Have you ever witnessed an unethical act by your superiors? Ever been pressured to act in an unethical way?

Come back as a larger group and briefly share whatever you’re comfortable sharing.

All managers play a significant role in the prosperity, or lack thereof, of the larger society

At stake are jobs, reputations, wealth creation, efficiency … whole livelihoods!

That said, it’s important to manage in an ethical way

Everyone wins and prospers when ethics are abided by!

Dugan, K. (2011, November 2). Owner of cardealership labeled "Taliban Toyota" wins

millions. Posted to http://www.yahoo.com

Jones, Gareth R., & George, Jennifer M. (2011).Contemporary management (7th ed.). New

York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.Images

dominoesrules.org solarsystem.nasa.gov