12.7 Flashcards
What event triggered the RCMP gender-based harassment class action?
Catherine Galliford’s public allegations of sexual harassment.
How long did the RCMP harassment occur?
A 40-year history of harassment affecting up to 20% of female employees.
What is ethics in the context of organizations?
Systematic thinking about the moral consequences of decisions.
Who are stakeholders in ethical decision-making?
People inside or outside the organization affected by decisions.
What percentage of managers report being pressured to compromise ethics?
Between 40% and 90%.
How do managers typically view their own ethics compared to peers?
They see themselves as more ethical.
What is bounded ethicality?
When people engage in unethical behavior that violates their own standards.
What are ethical blind spots?
Failing to see or process information indicating unethical actions.
What types of unethical behavior are most observed?
Abusive behavior, lying to employees, and conflicts of interest.
What are common ethical dilemmas in marketing?
Misleading participants, accepting vendor gifts, planned obsolescence.
What ethical theme includes evaluating subordinates candidly?
Honest communication.
What ethical theme includes paying employees equitably?
Fair treatment.
What ethical theme allows exceptions for special cases?
Special consideration.
What does ‘bottom line mentality’ refer to?
Focus on profits to the exclusion of ethics.
Who are more prone to unethical behavior: MBA students or undergrads?
MBA students.
Are older people generally more ethical?
Yes, marginally.
What personality traits are linked to unethical decisions?
Cynicism, external locus of control, Machiavellianism.
What increases ethical behavior?
Moral attentiveness and low disengagement.
How can gain lead to unethical actions?
Anticipation of reward can override ethical standards.
How can performance pressure lead to unethical behavior?
Extreme goals can deplete ethical focus.
What is a common role conflict in ethics?
Conflict between professional role and bureaucratic role.
How does strong organizational identification affect ethics?
It can cause employees to ignore or cover up unethical acts.
How does competition affect ethics?
Stiff competition or lack of it can lead to unethical behavior.
What influences ethical culture in organizations?
Role models, peer behavior, and leadership enforcement.
What is whistle-blowing?
Reporting unethical practices to those who can take action.
What discourages whistle-blowing?
Fear of retaliation and vague reporting channels.
How does the U.S. SEC support whistle-blowers?
Through financial incentives tied to penalties.
What percent of U.S. employees face retaliation for whistle-blowing?
About 20%.
