Questions for Thought
1. Do you think codes of ethics really make a difference in an organization? Explain.
2. Find the Code of Ethics for United Health on the Internet. Comment on the topics addressed in United Health’s Code of Ethics. Do you feel the code adequately achieves its purpose?
3. Many companies ignore or overlook differences in translating codes of ethics into other languages. Why is it important to have codes of ethics translated into the native languages of the countries in which the company may operate?
Questions for the Real-Life Ethical Dilemma Exercise
1. Which stakeholders’ interests were included in the decision about whether to launch the Challenger or not? Which critical stakeholder’s voice was missing from the discussion?
2. How could the engineers separate their decision from the very real possibility that the decision would kill seven people?
3. If you were at the meeting the night before the launch, what would you do? How would you try to convince others in the room to accept or agree with your decision?
Chapter Objectives
After reading and studying Chapter 13, students should be able to
1. Describe the components of organizational fraud.
2. List some of the specific goals of ethics training programs.
3. Describe how firms can increase the ethical awareness of employees.
4. Explain the key elements in a global ethics training program.
5. Explain how companies can enforce their ethics policies.
6. Describe the concept of ethical auditing.
7. List items that whistle-blowers should consider.
8. Describe the steps for establishing an ethics hotline.
Questions for Thought
1. Should bribery be considered an unethical act or just another cost of doing business? Explain your position.
2. How do you change a culture that is built on bribery to make sales?
3. Due to the employee amnesty, 110 employees came forward with reports of wrongdoing. Does an amnesty program really work? Explain your position.
4. In 2009, two former CEOs reached settlements concerning their roles in the Siemens corruption scandal. However, one of the CEOs says that he did nothing wrong. Do you agree or disagree with this position? Does perception play any part in this settlement?
Questions for Thought
1. If TOMS’ model is so successful, why don’t other companies try to be socially active in a similar way?
2. Is this concept just a self-serving model so Blake Mycoskie can say he is helping people when it is really the customers who are providing the mechanism for him to take credit for doing good?
3. Compare the philanthropic activities of Soles 4 Souls and TOMS Shoes. Describe the differences and similarities of the two organizations. Which group appears to help more people, from a philanthropic view?Explain your reasoning.
4. Is giving really the driving force behind TOMS shoes, in your opinion? Explain.
5. How do you think TOMS’ model may change now that Bain Capital is its partner?
Questions for Thought
1. Walt Disney’s vision and values established the underlying CSR philosophy at Disney. How is Disney able to continue to embrace these values long after his death?
2. Disney claims that having a strong CSR reputation allows it to recruit and retain top-level employees. Do you agree? What characteristics do you look for in a company you want to work for?
3. Disney claims an emotional bond between the consumer and the company, which enhances its interaction with society. Identify an emotional bond you have with Disney.
