Role of Morality and Ethics in Personal and Organisational Decision Making

Running Head: BUSINESS ETHICS
BUSINESS ETHICS
Name of the Student:
Name of University:
Author Note:

1BUSINESS ETHICS
Ethics or moral considerations are not only an important part of individual life but has
left a key impression on the organisations. As a matter of fact, it can be argued that an individual
who is working in a company can be influenced by both his own perception regarding the ethical
considerations and at the same time can also be convinced by others and take decisions
accordingly. Based on this understanding, the purpose of this essay is to identify the role of
morality and ethics in personal as well as organisational decision making. To make a better
understanding I seek help of some diagnostic tools and personal reflection in this context.
In case of the Gold and Diamond Watch story there are some ethical dilemmas that are
found. The first dilemma is identified in the Anderson Office Supplies where the salesman Ryan
was found in a dilemma whether to send a gift to his Middle East counterparts or to go against
Charles, his boss. On the other hand, the second dilemma is related to decision of the
organisation whether terminated Ryan or not. There is an associated ethical theory such as the
deontological theory that can guide in this context (Goncalves & Santos, 2017). As far as the
deontological theory is concerned, there are two aspects in terms of obligation and duties that are
played an important role in case of decision making (Koçyiğit & Karadağ, 2016). According to
Chakrabarty and Bass (2015) the purpose of the deontological ethical consideration is to uphold
duty on the basis of personal obligation on the other hand Paquette, Sommerfeldt and Kent
(2015) argued that the deontological theory leads to produce very consistent decision making as
those ideas are based on moral and ethical considerations. As a result of that it can be seen that
the deontology resembles some positive attributes.
In this context, the deontological theory puts emphasis on the Gold and Diamond Watch
story as well. As per the theory Ryan did the right thing as per his ethical perception as a
salesperson does. He was entitled to increase profit for the organisation by expanding its

2BUSINESS ETHICS
business in overseas market. Doing business by giving gifts and kinds are significant practices in
the Asian countries and as a result of that Ryan played his duty after getting a refusal from his
superior. He had some sales target and an aspiration to make progress in profession gradually.
This overseas sales approach would helped him to generate more weightage in his professional
profile. In this regard, my diagnostic tools are also helped to get a clear understanding regarding
my moral standpoint. As far as my relational transparency and self-awareness are concerned I
have to take decisions not only for the benefit of my personal gaining. Moreover, the Moral
Competency inventory (MCI) also scored 72 that proves that I have proper knowledge regarding
the moral and ethical factors. Based on this understanding, I can say that Ryan did the right thing
and justified with his role as a salesperson. There were cultural differences between business
orientation in Australia and Middle East. It is important for the organisations to let me inform
about those differences. As a matter of fact, despite if I was told not to do any business deals
based on bribery I can say that the practice was not bribery it was just a gift that is prevalent in
the Asian market and traditions. Therefore, there should be no problem in doing business with
the Middle East counterpart. As a matter of fact, many multi-national companies are doing
business in this sort of manner so I will do the same thing as Ryan did, because the entire
business deal will be depended on me and I am the only spokesperson of my company
(Thornberg & Oğuz, 2016).
The next dilemma is related to the termination of Ryan as he intended to continue the
deal despite of confronted by the superior. In this context, the dilemma can be identified as
whether Ryan was solely responsible for this practice or the company’s operational structure
pushed him to do so. In addition to this, the leadership quality is incorporated to understand the
ethical consideration. Charles was the boss of the Anderson Office Supplies where Ryan worked.

3BUSINESS ETHICS
At the time when Ryan told him the scenario and the offer that the Middle East officer asked
Ryan, Charles refuted the proposal and told that they would not entertained any practice of
bribery. As per my diagnostic tools of morality it can be stated my leadership quality scores 67
that is very high in respect to self-awareness, internalised moral perspectives, balanced
processing and relational transparency. Moreover, the Schwartz’s test it can be argued that
power value is the least concerned element in my moral decision making because I rely on more
flexible leadership quality rather than putting more emphasis on the implementing power. As per
my test, it can be ascribed that taking adequate measures is important for the organisations in
order to prevent any kind of breaching the moral codes and conducts. In case of the Gold and
Diamond Watch story Charles took a harsh decision by terminating Ryan. It could be mitigated
differently. Charles must understand that it is the duty of a salesperson to sale his or her product
by any means. However, at the same time it is also important for that salesperson to follow the
moral and ethical considerations prescribed by the company (Jonsson & Voorneveld, 2018).
Termination of Ryan cannot be a solution for this rather fined him or giving suspension could be
a warning for doing such work. As a matter of fact, it is also important to understand making
harsh punishment could not have strong impression on the employees rather making a moral and
ethical example is more effective and positive to ensure morality in the organisational operation
(May et al., 2014). Moreover, the gift and gratitude practice is very popular in doing business in
Asian continent. Therefore, having proper knowledge regarding the Asian culture is imperative.
My test on Gratitude Questionnaire proves that most of the Asian people acknowledged the
practice of gratitude and it is not considered to be an unethical practice to them. Therefore, in my
opinion Ryan should not be terminated and Charles might have shown more responsibility and
ethical observation in this context.