Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Lesson 3 Slides PDF
Lesson 3 Slides PDF
Lesson 3a
Ethics and
Corporate Culture
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LIBERTY
(Libertarianism)
COMMUNITY EFFICIENCY
(Communitarianism) vs. (Corporatism)
EQUALITY
(Egalitarianism)
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Warren Buffett
Warren Buffett
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Lesson 3b
Ethics in the
Workplace.
Whistle-blowing.
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Whistle-blowing
1. Definition
Release of information by a member or former member of an
organization that is evidence of illegal and/or immoral conduct in the
organization, and which is not in the public interest.
2. Ingredients of whistle-blowing
By member or former member (i.e. insider) of the organization not
external witness, journalist/reporter, appointed auditor/investigator
Involves non-public information
Involves significant illegality or misconduct in the organization
Is done voluntarily and not required by law
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Whistle-blowing Is it justified?
1. Motive must be to correct some wrong, and not to seek vengeance or personal
advancement
2. The Loyal Agent argument
Employees are agents of their employer
To be loyal and faithful. To act in the interest of the employer.
To protect confidentiality of information.
But not to do illegal or immoral acts, even if instructed.
3. The Freedom-of-Speech argument
Unfettered freedom, or responsible freedom?
4. Trade-offs
Negative Open to abuse. Whistle-blowers penalised and suffer retaliation.
Positive Harm to wider community (organization, society, profession) if not disclosed
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Whistle-blowing Policy
Ingredients of an effective whistle-blowing policy (Boatright):
An effectively communicated statement of responsibility
A clearly defined procedure for reporting
Well-trained (and sufficiently senior) personnel to receive and
investigate reports
A commitment to take appropriate action
Assurance that reporting is not ignored or misused
Reporting staff is informed of outcome of investigation and action taken
A guarantee against retaliation
Credible commitment to the policys success by top management
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Lesson 3c