Business Law and Ethics - Assignment Example

Identify relevant conflicts of interests and pressures a detailed identification of majority of conflicts and pressures Conflict within a business is not something that can easily do you define and conveniently ameliorated. Instead, it is something that exists within every layer of the organization and has a far-reaching impact with regards to the level of productivity, efficiency, and ease of workflow that is able to be accomplished. However, even though conflict itself is difficult to encapsulate in a succinct way, it is possible to denote the fact that the majority of all conflict and pressure that is evidenced within the workplace is a result of competing interests. Oftentimes, these interests can be selfishness, and motivation for an increased level of profitability, claim, or any of a number of different causes. Yet, conflict itself is only one part of a much larger equation. Conflict, regardless of the organization or entity in question, is very much a real and measurable part of the way in which interaction between individuals takes place. However, at the moment in which an ethical conflict is determined to exist, the level and extent to which an individual is required to become not only part of the issue but work towards a solution is immediately denoted. As such, the conflict of interests and key pressures that exist within the business world oftentimes coincide to create a situation in which a possible “solution” to the conflict involves an unethical approach. Ultimately, even though these situations seem to be somewhat clear and readily understood, the level and extent to which an ethical issue or conflict exists is not only as black and white as it may appear. Oftentimes, both sides of a particular conflict are willing and able to utilize an unethical approach as a means of solving the issue. Rather than coming to an understanding of the fact that unethical practice exists universally and must be accepted, the following series of questions will help to point to the ways in which an individual stakeholder is able to work in order to lessen the overall extent to which ethical conflicts and decisions are made within any given group or organization. 2) Understand what kinds of questions to ask oneself when confronting an ethical dilemma although a great litany of different questions should spring to mind when an individual faces an ethical dilemma, some of the first and most effective questions are contingent not upon who to blame; rather, the researcher/participant should instead focus upon seeking to understand what stakeholders are involved, understand what issues have prompted the disagreement, and seeks to promote a level of cooperation in achieving a mutually beneficial and ethically sound resolution. Moreover, when approaching a question that is links to an ethical dilemma, the individual should also seeks to divorce themselves from the level of bias. This includes, but is not limited to, attempting to understand the situation not from the standpoint of the stakeholders entirely but also from an ethical delineation of what is morally appropriate and how the different stakeholders involved in the situation would be affected within any particular course of action that is chosen to be taken. 3) Demonstrate the ability to identify and take into account others' interests Although the previous section has been concentric upon understanding the various roles that different interests/stakeholders have with regards to key issues of ethical nature, and ability to intensify, empathize, and take into account the interests of these individuals, beyond merely the ethical ramifications of the actions, is another component necessity that an individual seeking to provide a positive benefit within an ethical dilemma must engage. Ultimately, as was denoted within the first section of this analysis, the conflict that develops between groups of people, or individuals for that matter, is invariably part of everyday life. Ultimately, the interests that constrain these conflicts are the causal factors that promote individuals to engage with a specific ethic and a unique response to the issues at hand. As such, seeking to identify with the interests of the stakeholders, rather than merely the broad-minded ethical approaches of a Universalist response is something that can uniquely benefit all stakeholders and coming to a mutual understanding of what is most appropriate for everyone involved. Ultimately, rather than breaking the situation down into what is morally wrong and morally right, a focus upon the interests of the key stakeholders can help to provide a nuanced approach that can interpret both sides as having unique problem-solving potential; thereby leading to a faster resolution and a more ethical and appropriate response to any particular issue at hand. 4) Understanding the synergies possible from decisions that advance the social good as well as one's person or business interests All too often within the realm of business and ethics, it is broadly understood that a conflict is something that is inherently destructive and can lead to a stoppage in the overall level of work or productivity that is performed. Although it is true that conflict is invariably an aspect of the business process that impedes upon an organization’s overall cohesiveness and strength, the exhibition of conflict in and of itself does not need to be definitively comparable with loss of productivity. Rather, the stakeholder can and should point to the fact that conflict between stakeholders is oftentimes what promotes a firm to greater levels of innovation and productivity as the pros and cons of unique approaches are weighed and determined based upon their overall merits. By the same token, conflict and ethical decision-making is necessary in order for a type of synergy to be effected between the social good of society, the individual owner/CEO, and business interests/personal employment interest of the respective stakeholders involved. As such, 5) Assess whether rules, norms, or laws are consistent with ethics? Sadly, rules, norms, and laws are oftentimes inefficient in helping to provide consistent ethics. This is partly due to the fact that ethical representations within law are not always equal. Moreover, there are many aspects of ethics that are not covered under law. For instance, a litany of different unethical behavior might be morally reprehensible; however, the legal constraints that impact upon whether or not an individual might be punished for such a practice tonight exist. In short, even though rules, norms, and laws are helpful in seeking to constrain and determine the way in which an individual, and indeed an organization, might behave, they are ultimately not as important as developing a culture of ethical appreciation; a culture that can help to impact upon the approach and norms of morality that exist within and between a certain group of key stakeholders. 6) Appreciate that ethical norms sometimes vary across social boundaries ( e.g. countries, cultures, race and gender. One of the primary mistakes that is oftentimes made is with regards to the fact that an individual stakeholder might oftentimes be of the assumption that ethics should be universal and must necessarily integrate with individuals from different countries, cultures, races, and genders a solitary manner. Whereas right and wrong necessarily engender a degree of universalism, it cannot and should not be expected that an ethical approach should be one that is undifferentiated and does not take into account the various backgrounds and needs of respective stakeholders. In such a way, as part and parcel of developing an ethical strategy that seeks to incorporate the best practice and good for all stakeholders involved, it is fundamentally important to engage a thorough understanding of social boundaries, gender, race, and ethnicity as a function of performing such a task. One need look no further than the way in which a particular ethical response might be perfectly suited to a Western affiliate that engages with predominantly Western employees and stakeholders as compared to another affiliate that incorporates the needs and service of a diverse group of stakeholders that hail from different regions around the globe. As such, in the increasingly globalized world, a need for further focus with regards to the ethical disparities and unique changes in differences in culture that exist between the stakeholders, firms have sought to employ such an interpretation to a greater extent. 7) Generate solutions to ethical dilemmas generate solutions to ethical dilemmas is a complex art form. Effectively, any solution must not only consider the fact that an ethical approach is one that engages with the needs of all stakeholders and the ultimate right and wrong of a situation, it must also factor in an appreciation of the different viewpoints, norms, and mores of a given individual or group of individuals. As such, even though a great number of scholars have sought to simplify this process and merely engage the stakeholder based upon their moral compunction and what is right within a given situation, a broader understanding of the stakeholder and the participants is necessary to engage in an ethical approach that champions the needs of all individuals involved. Moreover, as the previous issue at alluded to, the needs of these individuals are oftentimes differentiated and cannot or should not be understood along the same lines. Read More