For Ann

Global Business Issues

Scotty Strahan

October 23, 2018

Colorado Technical University

Introduction

Business ethics is a field that calls for ethical conduct when managers, supervisors, and workers are meeting the daily duties. This in compliance with applicable laws and organization’s code of conduct at all times regardless of the circumstances of a specific situation (Ferrell & Fraedrich, 2014). Ethical conduct is helpful to an organization as it helps it avoid backlashes that might surface as a result of an unethical conduct. In light of this, low and high-ranking employees should have a self-drive in upholding ethical conduct in all situations. The following section looks into the ethical make-up of giving or taking a bribe for business purposes while utilizing the Project Management Institute (PMI) steps for arriving for to an ethical decision.

Discussion

The first step entails making an assessment. This is the process where one gathers facts about the ethical dilemma mainly regarding implications on the law and policies. In this case, bribing in the country for business purposes is not perceived illegal but does not abide with the organization’s code of ethics and also does not align with ethical values fostered by the organization. Bribing is normally perceived unethical as individuals are likely to overlook best practices when meeting business goals (Kenny, 2013). They are not held accountable after bribing their way through hence likely to put consumers at risk of harm that may result. In this step, it is worth noting that an individual can as well examine their personal values before committing to the action that need to be undertaken.

The second step entails examining the available alternatives. In this case, it can be seen that the competitors are willing to bribe their way through which is amounts to a threat. There are a number of alternatives that can be undertaken to counter the threat as follows. First, the government official can be involved in a session that will make him learn about advantages that will result if the business operates in the country. For instance, through corporate social responsibility the locals will benefit from a number of offers. Also, employment will be created. The official will be shown the big picture other than pocketing a bribe. Two, another alternative entails making the official learn about the ethical values of the organization that should not be violated in any case. One needs to show him utmost commitment to the values and make him understand the weight of the compromise that needs to be done. More so, he can be shown the impact that might be suffered by the organization in the event that the action is known to the public.

The third step entails making an analysis. In the event that the action backfires, there will be a negative impact suffered by the organization such as facing litigation as well as tarnishing the organization’s public image. In case one bribes the official, that will result to losing of consciousness to values hence likely to bribe in the future. In light of this, the organization will be fostering bribery which is highly unethical even in a society that freely accepts bribes. There is so much that is being put at risk when such an action is undertaken. For instance, in the event that the action backlashes, the company will taint its image even in home country. Essentially, the action will put so much at stake which is dangerous to an organization.

The fourth step entails application. Declining to bribe the official will result to the greatest good. The organization will continue to foster its culture of ethical conduct regardless of benefits at the table in case the culture is violated. Managers and high ranking employees will learn about the culture of the organization hence cannot be involved in negative behavior in the future. More so, the organization will desist being one of the actors in the country’s unethical behavior of freely accepting bribes. On the other hand, businesses need to compete in a healthy and ethical manner hence bribing so as to compete with rivals is highly unethical (Mosser, 2013). The company should always foster and advocate for ethical and healthy competition meaning that it could not wish that a competitor bribes in bid to compete with it.

The fifth and final step entails taking an action. One should be willing to take responsibility for actions undertaken in this case losing a business opportunity for failing to bribe a government official. In most cases, such a decision will be seen effective and in line with a company’s ethical conduct hence it will not lead to negative outcomes. However, one must be strong and determined to stand with and defend the decision.

Conclusion

Ethical dilemmas are common to businesses and leaders need to take action that lead to the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Bribery is highly unethical and an avenue through which poor business practices may be undertaken. Every organization should promote ethical performance and leaders should not bribe any officials as that may have huge implications in the event that such an action is known to the public. In light of this, bribing puts so much at stake and should not be entertained by a business leader.

References

Ferrell, O. C., & Fraedrich, J. (2014). Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making & Cases (10th ed.). Boston, MA: South-Western College.

Kenny, A. (2013). The Essence of Morality. European Review 21(1), 121-137.

Mosser, K. (2013). Ethics & Social Responsibility. Stanford, CA: Bridgepoint Education.