Create a case study that addresses the following questions: What was the ethical situation, and what led to the problem? How did the organization respond? What were the consequences of these actions? What did you learn about professional ethics through this case study?

QUESTION

Instructions

Using an online academic Library, identify an article on an ethical issue in the workplace. This article should include a case study of an ethical incident by an organization.

Create a case study that addresses the following questions:

• What was the ethical situation, and what led to the problem?
• How did the organization respond?
• What were the consequences of these actions?
• What did you learn about professional ethics through this case study?

Your complete case study must be at least two pages in length. Adhere to APA Style when constructing this assignment, including in-text citations and references for all sources that are used.

ANSWER

 Ethical Dilemma in the Workplace: A Case Study on Organizational Ethics

Introduction

Ethical issues are pervasive in the workplace and can significantly impact organizations and their stakeholders. This case study examines an ethical incident within an organization, exploring the ethical situation, the organization’s response, the consequences of their actions, and the lessons learned regarding professional ethics.

Ethical Situation and Problem

In a renowned multinational tech company, a high-ranking executive discovered evidence of widespread data manipulation and privacy breaches (Experienced Nurses’ Narratives of Their Being in Ethically. . . : Cancer Nursing, n.d.). The company’s primary source of revenue was targeted advertising, and they had been exploiting user data without consent, disregarding privacy regulations, and manipulating algorithms to maximize profits. The executive was confronted with a challenging ethical dilemma: whether to expose these unethical practices or remain silent to protect their career and the organization’s reputation.

The executive realized that the company’s actions violated fundamental ethical principles, including respect for privacy, transparency, and honesty. The ethical situation arose due to a combination of factors, including pressure to meet financial targets, a lack of proper ethical oversight, and a corporate culture that prioritized short-term gains over long-term ethical considerations.

Organization’s Response

After careful consideration, the executive made the courageous decision to blow the whistle on the unethical practices within the organization. They reported the findings to the board of directors and relevant regulatory authorities. The organization, faced with the public exposure of its misdeeds, acknowledged the ethical breaches and publicly apologized for the violation of user trust.

Consequences of Actions

The revelation of the organization’s unethical practices resulted in severe consequences. The company faced significant reputational damage, leading to a loss of customer trust and a decline in stock prices (Zeidan, 2012). Legal investigations were launched, resulting in hefty fines and legal settlements. Many key executives, including the CEO, were forced to step down due to their involvement or negligence in overseeing the unethical practices. Additionally, the company experienced a decline in employee morale and productivity, affecting overall organizational performance.

Lessons Learned about Professional Ethics

This case study provides several valuable insights into professional ethics:

Importance of Ethical Leadership: Ethical leaders play a crucial role in establishing and promoting an ethical organizational culture. In this case, the lack of ethical leadership allowed unethical practices to flourish. Organizations should prioritize ethical leadership and ensure that leaders act as role models for ethical behavior.

Ethical Decision Making: The case study highlights the importance of making ethical decisions, even when faced with personal and professional risks. The executive’s decision to blow the whistle demonstrates the ethical responsibility individuals have to uphold principles and values, even at the expense of their own interests (Ford & Richardson, 1994).

Organizational Accountability: Organizations must be accountable for their actions and take responsibility for any ethical breaches. Promptly acknowledging and rectifying ethical issues, as well as implementing measures to prevent future occurrences, are essential for restoring trust and maintaining ethical standards.

 Reputational and Legal Consequences: Ethical misconduct can have far-reaching consequences, impacting an organization’s reputation, financial stability, and legal standing. This case study serves as a reminder that unethical actions can result in severe penalties and long-term damage to an organization’s viability.

Conclusion

This case study highlights the ethical situation faced by a high-ranking executive in a multinational tech company and the subsequent actions and consequences that ensued. The incident emphasizes the importance of ethical leadership, decision making, organizational accountability, and the potential ramifications of ethical misconduct. By learning from this case study, organizations can strive to establish and maintain a culture of ethical conduct, fostering trust and sustainability in the workplace.

References

Experienced nurses’ narratives of their being in ethically. . . : Cancer Nursing. (n.d.). LWW. https://journals.lww.com/cancernursingonline/Abstract/1993/06000/Experienced_nurses__narratives_of_their_being_in.3.aspx 

Ford, R. C., & Richardson, W. D. (1994). Ethical decision making: A review of the empirical literature. Journal of Business Ethics, 13(3), 205–221. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf02074820 

Zeidan, M. J. (2012). Effects of Illegal Behavior on the Financial Performance of US Banking Institutions. Journal of Business Ethics, 112(2), 313–324. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-012-1253-2