Ethics In The Workplace - Essay Example

Assignment ref: Ethics in Workplace Ethics in the Workplace My answers to the discussion questions are as follows: Part A: Cheating of the old man by Bob is worse than the stealing act done by Karl.The two acts by the two brothers were both morally wrong. However, Karl’s act impacted an impersonal entity, namely the stores, while Bob’s act is an interaction with another human being. According to Immanuel Kant, humanity must not be used to advance ones own interest and further that each person has a worth or a dignity that must be respected and not abused.

This position stems from the Rights based approach to moral questions. Part B: By exploiting the good nature of the old man and his belief that a given word (to return the loan) has a commitment of honor behind it, Bob willfully cheated him. The worst thing about Bob’s act in cheating the old man is lowering the belief in the basic nature of a fellow human being. Part C: Yes, it is very important to keep a word of promise, irrespective of whether the promisee is known or not or whether we see that person again or not.

Failure to keep a promise is an act of cheating that is violating the other person’s right not to be abused. For the person indulging in cheating, it also involves living with that guilt feeling forever and consequently suffering a loss of self-esteem.2. I would continue to pursue the policy laid down by my predecessor for Google’s business in China.While deciding on the policy with its ethical implications, I would be guided by not sentimental or political considerations but by the consequential results of my action.

The larger question would then be: Will doing business in China, albeit with censored version of services, Ethics in Workplace 2lead to opening a window of opportunity, however small an opening it may be, for the people of China? Most certainly it does. According to Google’s policy, politically unacceptable information would be blocked out and the viewer informed of the same. This act by itself and the frequency with which such blockades take place are most likely to be a source of embarrassment to the authorities who can be expected to slacken the controls – in other words, open the window a little more.

Thus, Google’s policy, while being Utilitarian morally, also has the desirable objective of contributing to the common good of the customers in the longer run. 3. Conclusion:i). The most important lesson that I have learnt in this class is to applying moral standards in decisions or actions.ii). In my professional and personal lives, I would ensure that my actions or decisions are consistent with moral or ethical rights of fellow human beings.iii). ‘Ends do not always justify means’ is my new perception, after the lessons.

In personal life or professional life, even when difficult decisions are to be taken, I would act in as transparent a manner as possible to make my objective clear and ethically justifiable.ReferencesUnknown, Framework for Thinking Ethically. Retrieved November 2, 2006 from http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/decision/framework.html