How the Chips Fall

Ethics is all about the difference between what is right or wrong, good or bad, virtuous or vicious. Ethics has a vital role in the foundation of building a society. People usually associate ethics with morality, because when we adapt societal norms we are considered ethical. If we don’t conform to the behavior of a group, we are regarded as unethical. To lessen or even eradicate the instances of not conforming to the norms, different professional groups have created their Code of Ethics.
The most unethical behavior usually happens in areas like government, law, media, and medicine and in business. Ethics is significant in all areas of business. From sales and marketing, to product development and customer service, and most especially in, finance. Business Ethics is a form of the art of applied ethics that examines ethical principles and moral or ethical problems that can arise in business environment. It deals with issues regarding the moral and ethical rights, duties and corporate governance between a company and its shareholders, employees, customers, media, government, suppliers and dealers (Ezine Articles, 2010).
In line with Business Ethics, there is this company called Mr. Potato Chips which has been well-respected manufacturer for years. Recently the company expanded into new markets to assure a competitive advantage. In keeping with these objectives, a policy has been instigated which reduces the finished products' inventory to a rock-bottom level each June 30th, which is the end of the company's fiscal year. They say, the lower the inventory, the less money is tied up. This is an ethical dilemma for the side of the new production, Jane. With this situation, she predicts the company’s lost sales.
If I were Jane, I would question the wisdom of the policy. I believe that being part of the company, I also have the right to voice out what I think is right and just. As said by Joe Paterno, “Success without honor is an unseasoned dish. It will satisfy your hunger, but won't taste good.” In business world the organization's culture sets standards for determining the difference between good or bad, right or wrong, fair or unfair.
I believe there is always a good way or perfect timing in airing a grief. Not being argumentative and angry may be a good way in raising such concern. Managers like Jane should lead by example. It is the first step in fostering a culture of ethical behavior in business sectors.
A manager should treat his employees, customers, shareholders, government, media and society in an honest and fair way by knowing the difference between right or wrong and choosing what is right, this is the foundation of ethical decision making (Ezine Articles, 2010).
In order to make one company successful, it is important to practice proper communication especially in dealing with ethical dilemmas like this. If I were Jane, I would think of practical solutions to the problem and present it to the head managers in a calm and sympathetic manner. Spoken or direct communication is crucial when crucial when topics are highly needed to be discussed. It allows everyone to bounce off ideas, discuss issues and come up with solutions.
Business Executive R. Holland wrote, "It is perfectly possible to make a decent living without compromising the integrity of the company or the individual. Quite apart from the issues of rightness and wrongness, the fact is that ethical behavior in business serves the individual and the enterprise much better in long run," he added (Ezine Articles, 2010).
Good ethics is good business. Why should companies resort to unethical ways when they can still be successful, or even more successful, in an ethical way of running a business? Ethics should always be a leading consideration in our customs in order to have a unified and morally sound approach in doing business.