Identify and analyze specific ethical problem in your current or past organization. Pick a problem of manageable size. The nature of the ethical problem is up to you but make sure there is an ethical component to the problem since you will be analyzing it. Remember, this is an application exercise not a history lesson or presentation of abstract course material.

QUESTION

Identify and analyze specific ethical problem in your current or past organization. Pick a problem of manageable size. The nature of the ethical problem is up to you but make sure there is an ethical component to the problem since you will be analyzing it. Remember, this is an application exercise not a history lesson or presentation of abstract course material.

This is a mini-paper, which means it should be only 3-5 pages long (12 point Times New Roman, double-spaced). Brief does not mean superficial. You will have think carefully to best use the concepts from the course to help you answer the questions. Make sure you consult the grading rubric as you prepare your mini-paper and prior to submission. The grading rubric will be used to grade your mini-paper.

In narrative form, address the following areas:

What is the nature of the ethical breakdown)?
What about do you question ethically?
What about the situation do you find acceptable?
How common is this problem?
What guidance does the organization provide?
What action would you recommend?
APA guidelines are required. It is strongly suggested that you use these questions as sub-headings in your mini-paper to ensure you address each area and that the instructor can locate specific material expected to address each of the questions.

Please make sure you include some of the topics listed below:

Chapter One
Morals
Business ethics
Values
Ethics
Corporate social responsibility
Sarbanes-Oxley Act
Ethics contributes to:
Employee commitment
Investor loyalty
Customer satisfaction
Profits

Chapter Two
Stakeholders
Primary
Secondary
Steps of social responsibility
Views of corporate governance
Executive compensation
Implementing a stakeholder perspective

Chapter Four
Managing ethical risks
Elements of an ethical culture
Laws protecting consumers
Laws promoting equity and safety
Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform & Consumer Protection Act
Federal Sentencing Guidelines for Organizations
Strategic philanthropy
Institutionalization of business ethics

Chapter Five
Framework for Ethical Decision Making (also see chat)
Ethical issue intensity
Individual factors
Organizational factors
Opportunity
Normative versus Descriptive approaches
Implementing principles
Core values

Chapter Six
Moral philosophies
Teleology
Egoism
Utilitarianism
Deontology
Virtue ethics
Justice

Chapter Seven
Corporate culture
Four classes of organizational cultures
Compliance versus value-based ethical cultures
Differential association
Whistle-blowing
Sources of power
Group norms

Please use an organization in a field that is related to the semi-conductor industry. I currently work for Applied Materials so that would be great if you can find an organization similar to this company.

ANSWER

Ethical Breakdown in the Semiconductor Industry: A Case Study on Applied Materials

Introduction

Ethical issues in organizations are a critical concern that can impact employee commitment, investor loyalty, customer satisfaction, and overall profitability. This mini-paper aims to identify and analyze a specific ethical problem within the semiconductor industry, focusing on Applied Materials as a representative organization. By examining the nature of the ethical breakdown, questioning the ethical implications, assessing the acceptability of the situation, and exploring the commonality of the problem, we can provide insights into the guidance provided by the organization and recommend appropriate actions.

Nature of the Ethical Breakdown

One of the prominent ethical breakdowns within the semiconductor industry, exemplified by Applied Materials, is the unauthorized use and misappropriation of intellectual property (IP). Intellectual property theft occurs when a company or its employees infringe upon patents, copyrights, or trade secrets of other organizations without proper authorization (Bin, 2016). This ethical problem raises concerns about fair competition, innovation, and trust among industry stakeholders.

Ethical Questions Raised

Engaging in unauthorized use of intellectual property raises ethical questions regarding honesty, integrity, and respect for the rights of others. This behavior violates the principles of business ethics, which encompass moral values such as fairness, honesty, and transparency. By infringing on the IP of others, Applied Materials would be compromising its own values and contributing to a culture of unethical behavior within the organization.

Acceptability of the Situation

From an ethical standpoint, unauthorized use of intellectual property is unacceptable. It undermines fair competition, discourages innovation, and harms the reputation and credibility of the organization involved. Applied Materials, as a company that values its corporate social responsibility, should not tolerate or condone such unethical practices within its ranks.

Commonality of the Problem

Intellectual property theft is a pervasive issue within the semiconductor industry. The highly competitive nature of the industry, coupled with the rapid pace of technological advancements, creates intense pressure to gain a competitive edge (Barrows, 2022). As a result, some individuals and organizations may resort to unethical means, including the misappropriation of intellectual property, to gain an advantage. While it is challenging to quantify the exact prevalence of this problem, it is reasonable to assert that unauthorized use of IP occurs across various organizations within the industry.

Guidance Provided by the Organization

Applied Materials, like many other ethical organizations, is committed to upholding ethical standards and abiding by legal requirements. The company likely has established policies and guidelines regarding the protection of intellectual property rights, as well as expectations for employee conduct. These guidelines likely emphasize the importance of respecting the intellectual property of others and prohibit any form of unauthorized use or infringement.

Recommended Action

To address the ethical breakdown related to intellectual property theft, Applied Materials should take several proactive steps:

Strengthen Ethical Culture: The organization should foster an ethical culture that emphasizes the importance of integrity, honesty, and respect for intellectual property rights. This can be achieved through regular ethics training, reinforcement of corporate values, and the establishment of a reporting mechanism for potential ethical violations.

Enhanced Monitoring: Applied Materials should implement robust monitoring and auditing systems to detect and prevent unauthorized use of intellectual property. This can involve the use of technological tools, regular internal audits, and strict enforcement of intellectual property policies.

Collaboration with Industry Partners: Applied Materials should actively collaborate with industry partners, trade associations, and regulatory bodies to establish industry-wide standards and best practices for intellectual property protection (Q&as on Business and Collective Bargaining, 2012). By collectively addressing the issue, the industry can create a stronger deterrent against IP theft and promote a fair and ethical business environment.

Encouraging Whistleblowing: The organization should establish a confidential and anonymous reporting mechanism for employees to report suspected cases of intellectual property theft. Whistleblower protection policies should be in place to safeguard employees who come forward with information.

Conclusion

The unauthorized use and misappropriation of intellectual property pose significant ethical challenges within the semiconductor industry, including Applied Materials. By questioning the ethical implications, assessing the acceptability of the situation, and exploring the commonality of the problem, organizations like Applied Materials can work towards developing a strong ethical culture that prioritizes integrity and respect for intellectual property rights. By implementing the recommended actions, Applied Materials can take a proactive stance in addressing the ethical breakdown and contribute to a fair and sustainable business environment in the semiconductor industry.

References

Barrows, K. (2022). Intellectual Property Theft: A Threat to Working People and the Economy — Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO. Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO. https://www.dpeaflcio.org/factsheets/intellectual-property-theft-a-threat-to-working-people-and-the-economy 

Bin, T. (2016). FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATION. www.academia.edu. https://www.academia.edu/30360722/FINDINGS_AND_RECOMMENDATION 

Q&As on business and collective bargaining. (2012, February 1). https://www.ilo.org/empent/areas/business-helpdesk/faqs/WCMS_DOC_ENT_HLP_CB_FAQ_EN/lang–en/index.htm