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MyManagementLab CHAPTER 3 • Integrative Managerial Issues 103

Go to mymanagementlab.com for the following Assisted-graded writing questions:
3-11 Why is it important for an organization to have a clear of ethics combined with ethics training OR strong
definition of diversity? ethical leadership? Support your position.
3-12 Which do you think would be a manager’s best choice 3-13 MyManagementLab Only – comprehensive writing
for shaping long-term ethical behavior: a written code assignment for this chapter.

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Management Skill Builder buIlDING HIGH eTHICAl

sTANDArDs

Ethics encompasses the rules and principles we use to define right and wrong conduct. Many organizations
have formally written ethical codes to guide managers and employees in their decisions and actions. But
individuals need to establish their own personal ethical standards. If managers are to successfully lead others,
they need to be seen as trustworthy and ethical.

PERSONAl INVENTORy ASSESSMENT P I A PERSONAL
INVENTORY
ASSESSMENT
ethical leadership Assessment

Organizations need ethical leadership from all employees, but especially from managers.
In this PIA, you’ll see how much thought and effort goes into your being ethical in your
workplace behavior.

Skill Basics • Seek opinions from others. Ask advice from others you
respect. Use their experience and listen to their perspectives.
To be more ethical in your leadership, focus on what you can
do and what your organization can do. Here are some sugges- What Your Organization Can Do:
tions on how to do this:
• Create a formal ethics code. Organizations should set down
What You Can Do:
their ethical standards and policies in a formal ethical code.
• Know your values. What’s important to you? Where do you The code should be widely distributed to all employees.
draw the line?
• Set an ethical culture. Visibly reward employees who set a
• Think before you act. Will your actions injure someone? high ethical standard and visibly punish those who engage
What are your ulterior motives? Will your actions jeopar- in unethical practices.
dize your reputation?
• Ensure managers are role models. Employees look to their
• Consider all consequences. If you make the wrong immediate superior and upper management for cues as to
decision, what will happen? Every decision comes with what is or is not acceptable behavior. Managers need to be
consequences and you should be sure you’ve considered positive ethical role models.
their implications.
• Offer ethics workshops. Employees should participate in reg-
• Apply the “publicity test.” What would your family and ular ethics training to reinforce the importance of high ethical
friends think if your actions were described in detail on the standards, to interpret the organization’s ethical code, and to
front page of your local newspaper or on the local TV news? allow employees to clarify what they may see as “gray areas.”