Topic 3: Unethical practices

Question

Your company wants to tender for building a local hospital. Your team was approached informally and was told the only way to get the tender is through bribery. Unethical practices in the industry have created a lack of motivation among employees and a high staff turnover, putting your leadership in question.

Discuss one relevant approach to making ethical judgement regarding this issue, argue for ethical leadership and advice on effective leadership, and how job content and organisational context will influence motivation of the company employees with this reference to this issue.

Answer 1

Addressing unethical practices such as bribery in the context of a tender for building a local hospital requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses ethical judgment, leadership principles, and an understanding of organizational dynamics.

Relevant Approach to Making Ethical Judgments

One relevant approach to making ethical judgments in this issue is the Utilitarianism framework. This ethical theory posits that the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or minimizes harm. In the case of the hospital tender, accepting bribes may initially seem advantageous for the company, leading to a financial windfall or securing contracts. However, this approach would have detrimental effects on many stakeholders involved, including the community that would rely on the hospital’s services, employees facing a toxic work environment, and the reputation of the company itself. A utilitarian analysis would show that the broader societal implications of engaging in bribery—such as perpetuating systemic corruption, contributing to a culture of unethical behavior, and diminishing trust in public institutions—far outweigh any short-term benefits that might accrue to the company. Therefore, by choosing to reject bribery, the company not only upholds its ethical standards but also contributes positively to societal well-being.

Arguing for Ethical Leadership

Ethical leadership is crucial in navigating scenarios involving unethical practices. It involves guiding an organization based on a set of values marked by integrity, accountability, and fairness. Ethical leaders inspire employees to act in alignment with the company’s core values, emphasizing the importance of transparency and ethical behavior over short-term gains. By embodying ethical principles, leaders can foster a culture of trust, reduce employee turnover, and enhance motivation.

To effectively argue for ethical leadership in this context, leaders should emphasize the long-term benefits of ethical practices, including:

1. Building Trust: Ethical leadership fosters trust among employees, stakeholders, and the community, which is essential for sustainable business practices.
2. Reducing Employee Turnover: A committed workforce is less likely to leave if they feel aligned with the company's ethical stance and value system.
3. Enhancing Reputation: Companies known for their ethical standards are more likely to attract clients, customers, and top talent, leading to overall business success.

Advising on Effective Leadership

Effective leadership in this challenging scenario requires several strategies:

1. Communication: Clearly communicate the company’s ethical guidelines and the rationale behind rejecting unethical practices. Transparency about decision-making processes can enhance trust within the organization.

2. Training and Development: Implement ethical training programs to assist employees in recognizing and navigating ethical dilemmas confidently. Empowering staff with the skills needed to address such concerns can reduce the pressures that lead them toward unethical behavior.

3. Feedback Mechanisms: Establish anonymous channels for employees to voice concerns about unethical practices without fear of retaliation, ensuring that they feel supported in adhering to ethical standards.

4. Recognition of Ethical Behavior: Create recognition systems that reward ethical behavior, helping to reinforce the desired cultural norms within the company.

Influence of Job Content and Organizational Context on Employee Motivation

The interplay between job content and the organizational context significantly influences employee motivation.

1. Job Content: If employees find their roles meaningful and aligned with their values, they are more likely to experience high levels of motivation and job satisfaction. Engaging in socially responsible projects, like building a hospital for the community, can instill a sense of pride, Civic Responsibility, and purpose in employees.

2. Organizational Context: A culture that prioritizes ethical behavior and supports employees in making the right choices can reduce stress associated with ethical dilemmas, leading to increased motivation. An organizational context characterized by open communication, collaboration, and a strong ethical compass can motivate employees to contribute positively and remain loyal to the organization.

In conclusion, rejecting unethical practices like bribery not only aligns with a utilitarian ethical framework but also reinforces the position of ethical leadership as a driver of a sustainable and motivated workforce. By focusing on effective leadership strategies and understanding the influences of job content and organizational context, companies can cultivate an environment of integrity that benefits employees and the broader community.