Business Ethics Response
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case_study_response_2_s.s.docxRunning head: DB THREAD 1
DB THREAD 2
Below is a classmate response; reply with 300 or more words.
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Samontra Spencer
DB1 Thread: Business Ethics
BUSI 561-B08
5/22/16
DB1 Thread: Business Ethics
Hello Everyone,
Ramona I feel that you have been placed in an awkward position and your final decision should be based on several considerations. First off, I respect the fact that you have earned an MBA through Liberty University graduating at the top of your class; however, a college education at a “Christian” university does not automatically mean you are a follower of Jesus Christ. Next Step Herbal Health should not have made that assumption. In the meantime, I sense that you felt entirely uncomfortable while waiting at the airport. Tell me why you decided to research company reviews just before your recruitment opportunity as opposed to upon invitation? Indeed, you must make a decision quickly and your choice will reveal your personal beliefs concerning spirituality, honesty and good ethics. Momentarily, I'll explain my suggestions in detail.
When addressing the job offer from a spiritual perspective I discern that you are having second thoughts about Next Step Herbal Health. I'm uncertain if it was God speaking to you or if intuition played a role in your inquiry. Nevertheless, allegations concerning Next Step were revealed prior to your arrival at the recruitment event which may have ultimately save you from making a regretful decision. Indeed, every company has its pros and cons or good reviews and bad reviews; but, something led you to confront the recruiter regarding bad publicity. Personally, I felt a little uneasy about Next Step Herbal Health simply because their practices seemed unethical. According to Askew, Beisler and Keel (2015) “Individuals who demonstrate behavior or actions that reflect negative characteristics are considered to be more prone to behavior that is unethical” (pp. 108). The recruiter avoided serious explanations to all of your serious questions. Not to mention, the speeches from Next Step’s CEO spoken at the pep rally and the “corporate sermon” revealed an arrogant, inconsiderate person. Furthermore, Askew et al (2015) argued that “Unethical behavior can impact the organization financially” (pp. 108). Indeed, none of these events show signs of a morally responsible organization. Ramona you should further research Next Step Herbal Health before considering employment.
When confronting the job offer from a moral perspective it would be highly unethical for you to accept this position. For starts, I can vouch that you are unsure of what you are getting into and you are uncertain of your presumed responsibilities. Undoubtedly, Next Step assumed that you were a Christian, what exactly are their intentions for your religions status? If you do not believe in the statutes of God, how can you support the mission of their company? Will they in turn terminate your offer for employment if you are not Christian? On the contrary, if you are believer in Christ how would this affect your morality with God? I can perceive some major cover-ups within this company. In this situation, I would recommend against closing a deal with Next Step Herbal Health based on moral expectations.
Despite some negative publicity, Next Step seems to be an upcoming organization full of young innovative employees looking to make big bucks. I agree that successful companies must concern themselves with making profits. Nonetheless, that should not be their sole source of operations. Hypothetically speaking, what if a pharmaceutical company successfully advertised, sold and profited financially by falsely advertising a revolutionary breakthrough for a disease that remained incurable? Indeed, it would be morally wrong and socially irresponsible for such a company to think in terms of financial position rather than customer satisfaction. Can you imagine the lawsuits and bad publicity that would come of that situation? The fact remains that this rule still stands for New Step. I believe that New Step's first, second and third priority is financial profits based on the recruiter's statement concerning "big bucks". In summary, the corporate culture of this organization will influence the honesty, integrity, statistics and ethics of all corporate decisions. Let's further analyze these subjects individually.
At first impression, Next Step seems to be capturing headlines. Upon further investigation the true character of the organization is revealed. Immediately it becomes clear to me that corporate accountability and moral responsibility are not trending traits practiced at Next Step Herbal Health. The fact that recruiters are trained to sell an idea to prospective employees’ (Ramona) reveals immorality within the company. Furthermore, a cycle of dishonesty continues to plague Next Step because of its lack of accountability with regards to incomplete new business, its support of Planned Parenthood, and forced tie-in agreements. This alone compromises the integrity of the organization. Ramona, if you righteously agree that these characteristics are not a part of your personal practices or beliefs I suggest that you refrain from signing the contract.
CEOs have the ability to inspire change within their designated organization. They also represent the purpose, direction and intentions of the company as a whole. In the opinion of Brown and Mitchell (2010) “What leaders incentivize communicates what they value and motivates employees to act in ways to achieve such rewards” (pp. 583-616). Ramona are you truly comfortable being represented by Next Step Herbal Health's CEO? Does his use of language speak to the way that you communicate with clients'? I'm absolutely certain that you should decline this offer. Ramona, this job will challenge your integrity and question your moral sanity upon hire; yet, if you remember this encouraging verse from 1 Corinthians you can remain strong in your battle. “My beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (15:58). Furthermore, your confrontation of the company's moral revealed your virtue and ability to challenge corporate representatives when needed; I recommend that you continue practicing that trait. Nevertheless, how many times will you have to confront employees who behave like the company's CEO? If you are not emotionally ready or mature enough to handle such a judged environment please reject this offer.
In the end, if earning $80,000+ per year is your primary goal in life then you are free to accept this position; faults and all. However, if you possess integrity, humility and character then it would be better for you to decline this offer. Research conducted by Pascual-Ezama, Dunfield, Liaño and Prelec (2015) has shown that “Work pressure given by rewards (social or economic) and others' honest/dishonest behavior can significantly modify individual behavior”. Religiously speaking, if you are a Christian it would be immoral for you to embrace what Next Step Herbal Health stands for. Christ does not desire for you to gain through dishonesty so you should not promote dishonest gain under any circumstances.
References
Askew, O. A., Beisler, J. M., & Keel, J. (2015). Current trends of unethical behavior within organizations. International Journal of Management & Information Systems (Online), 19(3), 107. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.liberty.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/1778075806?accountid=12085
Pascual-Ezama, D., Dunfield, D., Liaño, B. G., & Prelec, D. (2015). Peer effects in unethical behavior: Standing or reputation? PLoS One, 10(4) doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0122305
Brown, M., & Mitchell, M. (2010). Ethical and Unethical Leadership: Exploring New Avenues for Future Research. Business Ethics Quarterly, 20(4), 583-616. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/25763039
New King James Version. Ed. Nelson. Thomas Nelson, Inc: Nashville, TN, (1975). Print.
