Answer to Question #175327 in Management for Jean Claude

Question

BNT201

Question 3

a) Using practical examples from the field of computer compare (into some detail) the terms ‘Ethical’ and ‘Legal’ and relate them to the issue of ethical behavior in organizations.

b) The impact of an employee’s disloyalty is always detrimental to the company’s day-to-day operations. Briefly discuss at least two good reasons why there could be an internal whistle blowing in a company.

c) Although Ethics means different things to different people, its meaning always has some ethical implications. Briefly explain at least three implications of the meaning of Ethics.

Answer 1

a. Using practical examples from the field of computer compare the terms ‘Ethical’ and ‘Legal’:-

There are four big areas of computer ethics,

They are:

1. computer crime.

2. responsibility for computer failure.

3. protection of computer property, records, and software.

4. privacy of the company, workers, and customers.

There are the following Legal aspects in field of computer:

1. contracting

2. payment systems

3. digital signatures

4. privacy concerns

5. intellectual property

6. business torts

7. criminal liability including hacking, computer trespass and also fraud.

Ethical behavior in an organization is following:

• The term “ethical behavior” refers to how an organization ensures that all its decisions, actions, and stakeholder interactions based on the field of computer usage
• And technology conforms to the organization's moral and professional principles.
• Any legal act is applicable to all people in a State that implements a particular set of laws.
• On the other hand, ethics is society specific
• Two different societies located in a similar geo-political region definitely have one rule of law, but they may have two different ethics.
• For example, in India, there is one law applicable to every citizen, but possibly there are several ethics applicable to concerned society only.

However, both the terms – legal and ethical – are spatio-temporal and change with time and space. For example, there was a time when slavery was legally justified.

b. The working principles that can be very helpful.

when going through the process of making appropriate ethical decisions.

1. Eliminate misunderstandings.

Many disputes with patients and families—perhaps even the majority—do not have any ethical content but are simply misunderstandings about what the other side is saying. Thus, medical ethicists often say, "Good facts make good ethics."

2. Listen, even when you strongly disagree.

For example, if patients tell you, "I don't believe in blood transfusions," go ahead and hear them out. Not only will listening help create a bond with patients, but it will also help you understand their objections, which will be essential in developing a care plan that works.

3. Be aware of your own biases.

Consider your own assumptions and share them with others, so that you can make sure they're not the source of the problem. If you can't get past your own prejudices, you might need to refer patients to someone who is more likely to share the patient's values.

4. Be somewhat flexible.

You may want to allow patients to have their own way. In any case, you may not be able to change their minds. For example, rather than voicing objections when patients talk about their use of alternative medicine, discuss with them the pills they are taking and determine whether any of them could be harmful.

5. Be transparent.

Disclose such issues as relationships with medical equipment companies or surgery centers. It's best to be open about it, but don't expect much response from most patients. Some patients may not like this activity, but most probably won't care.

6. Provide a recommendation.

When patients come to you for help, they expect a clinical recommendation from you. Give them your opinion. If you give them choices, explain the advantages and disadvantages of each choice, and allow them to challenge or disagree with you.

7. Don't use value-laden language.

When you tell patients that one approach is "reasonable" whereas the other is "invasive" or "painful," you are making up their minds for them, and they may feel manipulated. It is better to describe each approach with straight facts rather than value-laden words.

c. The implications of the meaning of Ethics are:

1. Ethical Implications of Leadership

2. Ethical Implications of Law

3. Ethical Implications of Goodness

4. Ethical Implications of Honest

Ethical Implications of Leadership:-

• One example of ethical leadership implications is the President of the United States,
• who is expected to act in a way that will benefit the entire nation.
• On the state level, the governor is expected to act in a manner that benefits the state and so on down the lines of lesser leadership roles.
• The implication is that leaders are chosen because they are ethical people and are expected to act ethically in both their leadership and personal roles.

Ethical Implications of Law:-

• The concept of ethics implies that all individuals are equal in the eyes of the law.
• Ethical law enforcement authorities are expected to ignore personal bias in their job performance.
• Citizen jury members are also expected to ethically perform their obligation.
• Confusion develops when an ethical decision is inconsistent with the law.
• For instance, if someone resorts to violence to stop a burglary or assault, he is violating the law.

Ethical Implications of Goodness:-

• An ethical implication is those good people will do good deeds.
• A Boy Scout will help an elderly lady cross the street even if he had no intention of crossing.
• The result may not be entirely satisfactory if the lady does not want to cross the street, but the intention is good and ethical.
• Good people give up their seats on the bus or subway, shovel snow from their neighbor’s driveway, hold doors open and help those in need.
• The ethical implication of goodness is that you will encounter that rare good person who acts, as you do, in the interest of others.

Ethical Implications of Honesty:-

• If truthfulness is ethical and good whereas deception is unethical and bad,
• The ethical implication is that a good person is always honest.
• However, honesty is not always such a clear-cut value.
• There are many situations when honesty may hurt another individual.