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Argumentative Essay

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Unchecked Unethical Behavior within International Organizations

Ethics and integrity are essential pillars for the smooth functioning of any organization,

particularly international ones. However, when unethical behaviour by an individual inside such

organizations is not addressed, it can become a global shame. This essay will argue that ignoring

ethical lapses for too long may have far-reaching effects, including damaging an organization's

image. By examining the repercussions of uncontrolled unethical behaviour, we can understand

the urgency of implementing adequate checks and balances to prevent the snowball effect.

The prevailing focus on a single quantitative ethical variable and the narrow perspective

on unethical behaviour within the psychology of business ethics research limits our

understanding of the deeper issues at play. Some studies try to anticipate and evaluate unethical

behaviours. However, Babalola et al. (2020) note that these attempts ignore the larger context

and do not go into the underlying psychological elements that drive individual and group

behaviour inside organizations. There is a pressing need for investigations into the complex

interconnections of feelings, ideas, and behaviours, with particular attention paid to the contexts

in which these phenomena manifest. The field of psychology may benefit from filling up these

gaps, not simply the subfield of business ethics.

Unethical behaviour within international organizations can severely affect their

reputation and stakeholder trust. In today's digital age, news travels quickly, and the actions of an

individual can become linked to the entire organization. This association can lead to widespread

condemnation and backlash, resulting in reputational damage. To prevent such outcomes,

organizations must promptly and effectively address unethical behaviour, recognizing the

potential snowball effect of unchecked misconduct (Amengual et al., 2023). By implementing

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solid checks and balances, organizations can protect their reputation and maintain the trust of

stakeholders.

Many different groups and individuals, such as member nations, investors, workers, and

the general public, play essential roles in maintaining international organizations' success. Public

sector organizations, for instance, rely substantially on the cooperation and participation of key

players in e-government implementation in developing nations. As information and

communication technology (ICT) evolves globally, organizations face challenges with

technological advancements (Ashaye & Irani, 2019). Unchecked unethical behaviour weakens

stakeholders' trust in the organization's ethics. Trust loss may affect collaboration, financial

support, and public participation.

Unethical behaviour within an international organization may violate local laws or

international regulations. The failure to promptly address misconduct within an organization can

have severe legal consequences, leading to costly and time-consuming legal proceedings.

Consequently, it becomes essential for organizations to implement proactive measures that

effectively address and rectify misconduct, ensuring compliance with universally accepted

principles of corporate social responsibility (CSR) (JD & Alan, 2023). By following guidance

from initiatives such as the United Nations Global Compact, which emphasizes the integration of

CSR into all aspects of organizational strategy, goals can be defined, programs can be

implemented, and assessment processes can be put in place to prevent legal repercussions and

safeguard the organization's mission (Rasche, 2020). Moreover, legal actions can attract media

attention, further exacerbating international embarrassment.

International organizations often function as platforms for diplomacy and cooperation

among nations. International organizations have long served as diplomatic and cooperative
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platforms among nations, facilitating collaboration and negotiation. However, for instance, when

an individual within an IO engages in unethical behaviour that becomes publicly known, it can

introduce strains in diplomatic relations among member countries (Koenig-Archibugi & Bareis,

2022). Such revelations may give rise to disputes concerning the organization's accountability,

prompting tensions to escalate as nations defend their interests and demand remedial action. This

friction exemplifies how IOs interact with their environment and faces challenges to their

legitimacy and effectiveness. Disputes may arise regarding the organization's accountability, and

tensions can escalate as nations defend their interests and demand action (Fehl & Feinstein,

2020). Consequently, the organization may become embroiled in diplomatic controversies,

hindering its ability to carry out its objectives effectively.

The repercussions of unchecked unethical behaviour extend beyond the immediate

organization. The incident can cast doubts on the efficacy of international institutions, fueling

scepticism about their ability to maintain high ethical standards (Norris, 2022, p 23). This

scepticism weakens global governance structures and undermines collaborative efforts to address

pressing global challenges. The consequences of unethical behaviour extend to the employees

within the organization. The exposure of such conduct may cause a loss of morale,

disenchantment, and productivity. A company's capacity to function correctly is hampered when

employees doubt their commitment to the company because it handles unethical behaviour.

Unchecked unethical behaviour signals that the organization tolerates or disregards

misconduct. This erosion of ethical standards can gradually permeate the organizational culture,

leading to a toxic work environment. Employees may become more prone to unethical

behaviour, perpetuating a cycle that undermines the organization's integrity and overall

effectiveness. To prevent the snowball effect of unethical behaviour within international

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organizations, it is crucial to establish and enforce adequate checks and balances (Souvenir et al.

2022, p 1). This includes implementing robust ethical guidelines, conducting regular employee

training, and creating transparent reporting mechanisms. Besides, organizations should establish

an independent ethics committee or ombudsman to investigate misconduct allegations and ensure

appropriate disciplinary actions are taken.

In brief, when discovered, the failure to address unethical behaviour within international

organizations can have far-reaching consequences. The snowball effect of unchecked misconduct

can lead to international embarrassment, damaging the organization's reputation, eroding

stakeholder confidence, and triggering legal and diplomatic tensions. Moreover, it can weaken

global governance structures and negatively impact employees and organizational culture.

Implementing solid checks and balances to prevent these outcomes is imperative, promoting

ethical conduct and swift action against unethical behaviour. By doing so, international

organizations can uphold their integrity and maintain their role as catalysts for positive change

on a global scale.
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Bibliography

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Ethics, 185(1), pp.49-74. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-022-05147-5

Ashaye, O. R., & Irani, Z. (2019). The role of stakeholders in the effective use of e-government

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Babalola, M.T., Bal, M., Cho, C.H., Garcia-Lorenzo, L., Guedhami, O., Liang, H., Shailer, G.

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JD, D. and Alan, S., 2023. Corporate Social Responsibility: Implementation and Integration.

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Rasche, A., 2020. The United Nations Global Compact and the sustainable development goals.

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Souvenir, G., Schyvinck, C., Kihl, L.A., Hardyns, W., Vermeersch, A. and Willem, A., 2022.

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