COMM 3177 Midterm

Altruistic CSR

Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives focused on giving back to society without expectation of direct benefit to the business.

Arthur Dobrin’s 8 Questions

A framework for resolving ethical dilemmas, asking questions like 'What are the facts?' and 'What will happen if I choose one thing over another?'

Business Ethics

The application of ethical principles to business situations to ensure responsible behavior by organizations.

Business Ethics Progress in the Last 50 Years

The evolution of ethics in business, driven by scandals, regulations, and a growing emphasis on CSR and transparency.

Cadbury Report

A 1992 report on corporate governance in the UK, promoting accountability through practices like board structure recommendations.

Challenger Explosion

A disaster caused by poor decision-making and communication issues, emphasizing the importance of ethical responsibility in organizations.

Code of Ethics

A formal document outlining the ethical principles and expected behaviors of individuals within an organization.

Code of Ethics Creation Advice

Involves stakeholder input, alignment with company values, and clear language to guide behavior.

Communication Ethics Principles

Honesty, transparency, respect, and integrity in communication to maintain trust and accountability.

Comply or Else

A corporate governance approach where non-compliance with rules results in penalties or sanctions.

Comply or Explain

Governance model where companies can deviate from rules if they provide an explanation for doing so.

Conflict of Interest

A situation where personal interests could improperly influence professional decisions.

Corporate Governance

The system by which companies are directed and controlled, focusing on accountability and transparency.

CSR – Examples, Risks

Examples include environmental initiatives and philanthropy. Risks involve public skepticism and potential for greenwashing.

Cultural Numbness

The gradual acceptance of unethical behavior due to repeated exposure within a culture or organization.

Cyber Monday

The online shopping equivalent of Black Friday, raising ethical questions about consumerism and labor conditions.

Cyber Liability

Legal risks companies face due to data breaches or failures to protect sensitive information.

Employer and Employee View – Tech

Employers focus on monitoring productivity, while employees may prioritize privacy and work-life balance.

Ends-based/Rules-based Dilemma

A conflict between achieving the greatest good (ends-based) and following established rules or principles (rules-based).

Ethical Challenges in Organizations

Includes conflicts of interest, misuse of resources, and pressure to meet unrealistic goals.

Ethical CSR

CSR initiatives that are not only legal but also align with societal values and ethical standards.

Ethical Dilemma

A situation where all possible actions involve some form of ethical conflict or compromise.

Ethical Reasoning

The process of evaluating information and aligning decisions with ethical principles.

Ethical Relativism

The belief that ethics vary based on cultural norms and personal opinions.

Ethical Whistle-Blowing

Reporting unethical behavior within an organization with the intention of exposing wrongdoing.

Ethics

The study of right and wrong behavior, focusing on how people act and interact based on moral principles.

External Whistle-Blower

An individual who reports misconduct to external authorities or the public.

Golden Rule

'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,' a guiding principle in ethics.

Good Communication Ethics

Ensuring honesty, clarity, respect, and fairness in all communication efforts.

Grey Areas

Situations where the ethical course of action is unclear due to conflicting principles.

HIPAA

A U.S. law ensuring the privacy of individual health information.

Hotline

A confidential reporting channel for whistleblowers to report unethical behavior.

HR Department

Manages recruitment, training, and ethics policies within an organization.

Inclusive Leadership

Leaders who prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in decision-making.

Influences on Our Ethics

Family, religion, culture, education, and personal experiences shape individual ethical perspectives.

Instrumental and Intrinsic Value

Instrumental value is pursued as a means to an end, while intrinsic value is valuable in itself.

Instrumental Approach

Focuses on achieving specific outcomes, often used in business strategies.

Internal Whistle-Blower

An employee who reports misconduct within their organization.

Justifying Unethical Behavior

Rationalizations include 'everyone does it' or 'it’s for the greater good.'

Milton

Likely refers to Milton Friedman, an economist who argued the sole responsibility of business is to increase profits.

Omnipotence

The belief in unlimited power, often discussed in leadership ethics.

Organizational Ethics

Ethics applied within the context of business operations and corporate behavior.

Personal Grievance

A complaint by an individual about unfair treatment or unethical behavior.

Power

The ability to influence or control others, raising ethical considerations about its use.

Resolving Ethical Dilemmas/Types of Conflict

Involves identifying options, analyzing consequences, and selecting the most ethical course of action.

Responsible Decision-Making

Ensuring decisions align with ethical standards and stakeholder interests.

Risks and Benefits of Blowing the Whistle

Risks include retaliation; benefits involve stopping misconduct and promoting accountability.

Sarbanes-Oxley Act (2002)

U.S. legislation establishing stricter standards for corporate governance and financial disclosures.

Social Contract Approach

The belief that businesses should act in ways that benefit society.

Stakeholders

Individuals or groups affected by business decisions, including employees, customers, and communities.

Strategic CSR

CSR initiatives aligned with business strategies to achieve both social and financial goals.

Technology/Privacy

Ethical concerns include data privacy, monitoring, and surveillance.

Thin and Thick Consent

Thin consent involves minimal awareness, while thick consent ensures informed agreement.

Unethical Whistle-Blowing

Disclosing information with malicious intent or without proper evidence.

Universal Ethics

Principles that apply universally, regardless of context or situation.

Utilitarianism

An ethical theory focusing on the greatest good for the greatest number.

Value System

A set of consistent ethical values guiding behavior and decisions.

Values

Principles or standards considered important or worthwhile.

Vicarious Liability

Legal responsibility for the actions of others, such as employees.

Virtue Ethics

Focuses on personal character and living according to moral virtues.

Whistleblower

A person who exposes unethical or illegal actions within an organization.

10 Commandments of Computer Ethics

A set of ethical guidelines regarding the appropriate use of computers and technology.

1. Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.

2. Thou shalt not interfere with other people’s computer work.

3. Thou shalt not snoop around in other people's computer files.

4. Thou shalt not use a computer to steal.

5. Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness.

6. Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid.

7. Thou shalt not use other people’s computer resources without authorization or proper compensation.

8. Thou shalt not appropriate other people’s intellectual output.

9. Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or the system you are designing.

10. Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that ensure consideration and respect for your fellow humans.

10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation

Guidelines to improve communication skills and engage effectively in conversations.

1. Don’t multitask.
   – Be fully present in the conversation.

2. Don’t pontificate.
   – Enter every conversation with the intention of learning.

3. Use open-ended questions.
   – Ask questions that require more than a yes/no answer (e.g., “What was that like?”).

4. Go with the flow.
   – Let thoughts come and go without interrupting.

5. If you don’t know, say that you don’t know.
   – Be honest and avoid pretending to know everything.

6. Don’t equate your experience with theirs.
   – Avoid shifting the focus to yourself (e.g., “That reminds me of when I…”).

7. Try not to repeat yourself.
   – Avoid sounding redundant or tiresome.

8. Stay out of the weeds.
   – Don’t get bogged down with unnecessary details.

9. Listen.
   – Focus on what the other person is saying instead of thinking about your response.

10. Be brief.
    – Respect the other person’s time and keep your points concise.