Ethical Behavior in the Workplace
There seems to be an epidemic of ethical scandals in America today. Pick up any newspaper around the country and one will easily locate some type of questionable behavior that occurs in the business world. In today’s business epicenter, one can visit any sordid organization whose leaders performed whatever necessary task even if it involves moral or ethical misconduct. Many people have a strong belief that to become profitable they are to be unethical and/or immoral.
There are scientific links between ethical behavior and financial gain. Have you heard the expression, “We are known for the company that we keep?” This applies to our work lives and our social lives. No one wants to be associated with an organization that has a questionable history because it reflects negatively on us as people. It is hard enough to locate and find excellent employees; however patrons are drawn to businesses that supply products and services that are not publicly produced in sweatshops, or by child labor. (Greenberg, Baron 55-59)
Let us take into account the story that is aired on 60 Minutes on CBS network. The story involves seven of the Chicago Police Department’s elite officers nicknamed the SOS or Special Ops Section. 60 minutes discovers a terrible picture of the chain of events while under the command of Jerry Finnigan. One officer willing to discuss these events, Keith Herrera is told to “get the guns and get the drugs off the street. No matter what the cost.” All of these officers are accused of home invasion without warrants, making illegal arrests, and holding hostages until they gave up guns and drugs. Herrera’s orders are clear, “the ends j ...