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Although the term “ethics” is defined as the foundation for determining the right course of action to take for a given situation, individual perception of what is right or wrong is truly what influences ethical decision-making outcomes. However, it is through the development of one’s personal ethics that shapes his or her perception and interpretation of what ethics means. The purpose of this paper is to examine Andrew Outlier’s personal ethical system and ground rules.
In addition, the effect that his ethics has on his reference and his understanding of the need for ethics in organizations will be explored. Personal Ethical System and Ground Rules Like most children, the foundation of Andrews ethical system began in his childhood home, as his parents were initially responsible for shaping his values and principles. However, as Andrew began to grow his teachers and peers played a role in his ethical development as well. As the youngest of four children, AndreWs parents developed his character on Christian standards.
Consequently, these standards were used as methods for caching him and his siblings the importance of being respectful, honest, forgiving, and loving individuals. Interactions that Andrew had with his parents as a child were very instrumental in developing his values and morals. For instance, AndreWs parents were firm believers that for every action there IS an equal reaction. Additionally, his parents believed in respecting elders, which essentially was responsible for teaching him how to respect others. Andrew was taught that honesty earns the respect of others and doing what is right stretches far beyond what people can see.
These incepts were reinforced when interacting with his teachers and peers. To Andrew it is important to do what is right at all times, and his perception of right and wrong is based on an empathetic understanding of others (Terrine & Nelson, 2011). The principles that Andrew has learned from his parents as a child play a significant role in his decision-making processes as a man today. Effect of Ethics on Performance Throughout the course of Andrews development, he has learned that his values are responsible for the decisions he makes when accepting a job or when considering the friendship of others.
AndreWs morals have been expansible for his direction in life in terms of trust, responsibility, and being fair. In turn, AndreWs morals have played an intricate part on his performance when in the workplace. AndreWs ethical system is simply to treat others as he expects to be treated. Therefore, when making decisions in the workplace, Andrew always tries to evaluate how his decisions are going to affect others and how he would react if the roles were reversed. Andrews current career is that of a truck driver. When he is on the road, he is not only responsible for his own life but also for the lives of everyone on the road round him.
As a truck driver, Andrew understands that a simple lapse in his judgment could mean the difference between someone making it home or not. The law prohibits Andrew from working more than 16 hours within a 24- hour period. Andrew recalls being faced with a difficult ethical decision when a former supervisor tried to force him to break the law and work beyond the 16-hour threshold. The issue in this scenario was that other drivers would comply with the supervisor’s request. Naturally, this made the situation more difficult when Andrew refused his supervisors demand.
During an uncomfortable exchange between the TV, Andrew reminded his supervisor of the stipulation in the law prohibiting this action. Although the supervisor finally relented, AndreWs work environment became hostel after this exchange. “According to the bad apple theory, people are good or bad and organizations are powerless to change these folks” (Terrine & Nelson, 2011, p. 13). The lesson Andrew learned from this experience is that sometimes the bad apple could possess a position of power. However, the traits instilled in Andrew are what guided his decision in this difficult situation.
Andrew lives that being responsible for his individual actions is critical not only in life but also when in the workplace. What is most important to Andrew is understanding when to hold oneself accountable, which can be difficult to achieve without sound ethical standards. The Need for Ethics in Organizations John Rails Theory of Justice teaches that those more privileged should share their wealth with the less fortunate (Kay, 1997). One who is fortunate may take offense to Rails theory and could view this as a punishment for being successful. However, Rails theory is based on his perception of what is right and wrong.
Because what one believes to be right or wrong is based on his or her individual understanding, it is important that companies develop an Ethics policy centered on its mission, vision, and values to set a foundation for employees to live by when in the workplace. Organizations that set clear expectations in terms of ethics create a foundation for its definition of moral principles and set the standards for the employees to use when carrying out day-to-day obligations (Terrine & Nelson, 2011). Establishing ethical guidelines enables an organization to ensure its employees comply with organizational expectations.
In addition, ethics within an organization allows prospective employees to make informed decisions about obtaining a position within the company, as most people prefer to work for organizations whose ethic policies mimic their own standards, which reduces the complexity of making ethical decisions (Terrine & Nelson, 2011). Conclusion peers played a role in his ethical development. Because Andrews morals play an intricate part on his performance, when making decisions he always tries to evaluate how they will affect others. What one believes to be right or wrong is based on his or her individual understanding.
Therefore, it is important that companies develop an Ethics policy centered on its mission, vision, and values. Andrews experiences have taught him the importance of a company’s ethics policies aligning with his own belief system, which reduces the complexity of making ethical decisions when in the workplace.