Problem 1. According to an ethics expert, "We judge ourselves by our best intentions and most noble acts, but we're judged by our last worst act." Do you agree with this statement? Does it mean that in ethics there is an inherent "double standard"? Can you think of situations where a person responding to an ethical dilemma and interested observers had different evaluations of this person's actions?
Problem 2. Do you have different standards for the honesty of people in your life? For instance, do you expect higher levels of honesty from your friends than your coworkers? Do you expect top managers in your organizations to be more honest than immediate supervisors? Are there some instances when it is acceptable to lie "just to get the job done"?
Problem 3. Research some of your favorite companies, any you purchase items or services from regularly, any you might choose to work for, or perhaps even any current competitors in an industry you'd like to start your own business in.
Identify their codes of ethics, share links or upload files and some of their sections or clauses that you consider noteworthy, and discuss why.
We are looking for a code of ethics and not a code of conduct. One governs how decisions are made and the other people's behavior. Often codes of ethics will contain some of the following sections, this list is non-exhaustive.
- Mission Statement
- Purchasing
- Supply chain management
- Employees
- Customer interaction
- Protocols for future expansion internationally and regionally
- Philanthropy
- Infrastructure (Buildings, transportation, maintenance, etc.)
- Sustainability
- Gifts
Problem 4. Which sections would you say demonstrate the most who the organization is as a whole? Are there any sections or clauses missing? Would you expect a higher or lower standard based on what you have uncovered?