Understanding Business Ethics

¶ … Business Ethics A corporate ethics officer is a relatively new position in terms of modern corporate structure. However, in an age of such ethical uncertainty, this position is becoming more necessary than ever thought of. Overall, the ethics officer has three major roles in the corporation: company security, counselor, and compliance officer. First and foremost, ethics officers are a major part of any corporation's security force. Essentially, "an ethics officer is the first line of defense for the firm as it relates to company security" (Stanwick & Stanwick, 2013, p 243).

From this position, ethics officers must have both technical and business experience to be able to understand security issues as they arise and respond with swift and efficient actions. Breaches in security and ethics are thus tied in the modern work environment. Thus, "the ethics officer is responsible for making sure that appropriate actions are taken if unethical activity leads to a breach of company security" (Stanwick & Stanwick, 2013, p 243).

Ignoring possible security risks is an unethical practice in an era where sensitive internal and customer data is at risk of being stolen. Moreover, ethics officers work with resolving ethical issues in the work environment. They help assist employees as they encounter ethical issues in the workplace. Therefore, "in the role of counselor, the corporate ethics officer can be the emotional link between the ethical vision of the firm and the individual ethical dilemmas of the employees" (Stanwick & Stanwick, 2013, p 243).

The ethics officer must give advice to employees that is in tune with the ethical objectives and promises of the organization overall. Finally, the ethics officer must play a role in compliance control. When individuals or groups of employees do violate the corporation's ethical standards, it is the ethics officer that steps in and possibly sets in motion disciplinary actions. Thus, the ethics officer must have a very thorough knowledge of the ethical promises the company has made to its employees and customers.

Question 2 Whistle blowing is when an employee of an organization sheds light on unethical practices of a company. Essentially, one is a whistle blower when one makes unethical practices and behavior within the company known to the outside world. This could be unethical behavior that directly affected the employee unveiling the information, or behavior that the employee witnessed that had nothing directly to do with them, but knew that it went against ethical principles of the company.

Up until the passing of the Sarbanes-Oaxley Act in 2002, companies had free reign to terminate employees that were considered whistle blowers. Thus, before 2002, discrimination in the workplace and the possibility of even being fired were major reasons why an employee would not want to be considered a whistle blower. However, the act redesigned the situation, so that "employees may not be discharged, demoted, suspended, threatened, harassed, or discriminated against because the employee provided information showing evidence of fraudulent activities in an organization" (Stanwick & Stanwick, 2013, p 250).

Still, many employees still find it difficult to go back to their jobs when they are seen as a whistle blower. Therefore, although it is illegal to discriminate in the workforce for whistle blowing, it does still happen often. In order to take some of the pressure off employees who do voice concerns over unethical behavior, ethics hotlines can help allow employees to anonymously voice their concerns. This makes a huge difference because employees do not have to feel pressured in keeping silent about what they witness.

However, there needs to be good screening of calls placed to ensure their validity. Question 3 To all global employees: As we continue on our push to make this company a major global force, there are unique issues we will face. One of those issues is how to continue our strong ethical practices on a global scale. Ethical standards are not always the same from country to country or even region to region. This makes it absolutely crucial that we begin to educate ourselves on.