Corporate Social Responsibility and purpose of ethics
From the thorough reading and consideration of the scenario of a food and beverage shop manager's interactions with a health inspector, various steps can be used to assess and take action. As the manager, the first step involves careful consideration and understanding of moral standards. The value system of the company defines the moral standards which consequently function as the benchmark for any action undertaken. In the eight steps toward integrity that Stratford Sherman outlines, one step urges people to do what they say they will do (Sherman, 2003). Sticking to the value system of the company ensures that Sherman's integrity step is fulfilled. The value system of the company does not tolerate instances of corruption, but philanthropy is highly appreciated.
After careful analysis of moral standards, the next step is analyzing the moral impacts of the decision to be made. One of the impacts is that the only beneficiary is the health inspector and their department. Despite the short-term gain to the company, losses in reputation and customer base can be incurred if the manager condones the offer. On the other hand, the proximity of trash to neighbor's property may be detrimental regarding air pollution and risk of disease infection from organisms in the trash. The law requiring a minimum of six feet between the outbuildings and property lines may have been based on the adverse effects on neighbors. Accepting the health inspector's proposal would spell disrespect and infringement on neighbor's rights to enjoy their property unperturbed. Sherman outlines respect as one step of achieving integrity. Respecting neighbor's boundaries and privacy is a good indicator of the executive manager's integrity and ethics.
In addition to the two considerations, moral standards and impacts, which define the ethical dilemma, the next plausible course of action determining legal and economic implications of the decision on the business. While construction of new outbuildings may prove to be costly, these costs significantly diminish when compared to costs to be incurred if, say the neighbor was to file a civil suit. Apart from risks of extreme future costs and losses of the customer base, the offer from the health inspector exposes the business to possible legal problems of non-compliance. This view of the bigger picture is the step that Sherman refers to as holistic thinking. Holistic thinking guides the manager in acting beyond the short-term gains of avoiding to construct new outbuildings.
From the deliberations on moral standards, moral impacts and economic and legal consideration, it is high time to draw a decision that considers all parties involved. The decision made should be founded on ethical, integrity and corporate social responsibilities (CSR) reasons. From ethical, integrity and CSR standpoint, compliance with the new health laws is paramount for the sake of neighbors while providing food to the holiday party as a philanthropic gesture to the community is the only course of action that should be taken. As Sherman outlines, doing the right thing is a critical step towards achieving integrity in a company (Sherman, 2003). The health inspector does not have to fork out compliance leniency for the business to contribute a good holiday cheer in the community. However, the type of party will heavily impact on the decision of the company to contribute.
In deciding whether or not to contribute to the party, the type of party will be instrumental. If the party conforms to the value system of the community and the company, then the company should happily contribute. However, if the party is disruptive and contravenes the value system of the community, the company should distance itself. In addition to considerations of the type of party, the effect on the ethical environment of the company adds more weight to the decision made. Building new outbuildings and contributing to the ethical holiday party improves the ethical convictions of the employees. The course of action promotes consideration of others as Sherman promotes while ensuring CSR goals of philanthropy, environment, and obedience to the law are achieved. The course of action, therefore, reinforces the ethical and integrity standing of the business and its employees.
Reference
Sherman, S. (2003). Rethinking integrity. Leader to Leader, (28), 39-45.
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