Business Research Method: Civility Code Proposal for Workplace Ethics

This report presents a business research proposal focusing on the implementation of a civility code within a company. The proposal addresses the need for a more courteous and professional work environment, aiming to reduce workplace harassment and improve employee behavior. The report examines the mixed employee responses to the proposed code, highlighting the ethical considerations and potential impact on freedom of speech. It discusses assumptions, pros and cons, and proposes clear communication as a solution to address employee concerns and ensure the successful implementation of the civility code. The analysis emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct, effective communication, and the role of leadership in managing the transition and fostering a positive work culture. The proposal also references the need for a formal and decent workplace culture to minimize verbal abuse and promote employee well-being.

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Running head: BUSINESS RESEARCH METHOD
Business Research Method Research Proposal
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author notes

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The problem faced by the firm is quite common in the business sectors and is related to
the business ethics context. The proposal of civility code has received mixed response from the
employees of the company. Some of them has supported the use of courteous behavior in the
workplace. On the other hand, some of the employees think it is the violation of free speech. This
dispute in the attitude of the employees has created the need of considering the process to come
out of the situation.
The idea of proposed civility code is to introduce a work culture that is free from the
workplace harassment and misbehavior by the employees. The executive team was told to
consider the idea so that the company would be able to implement it in a proper way. There
could be a number of assumptions. If the code of conduct is introduced to the company the
positive side will be there. The employees will have to be more conscious about their behavior
and words used within the company premises (Porath, 2018). This way, the work environment
of the organization would be benefitted. There would less scope of verbal abusiveness in the
premises. The other thing is that the ethical consideration of the people at work will be improved.
On the other hand, some might think that this could curve their freedom of speech. This is
because they will not be able to say or behave in a manner they want every time. The company’s
ethics code will not allow them to express their feelings.
The validity of the second assumption is not quite genuine here. Workplace culture need
to be formal and must have some decency. The employees’ stance in this situation is to
understand the pros and cons of the situation and then react accordingly. For the managers and

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leaders of the company, this can be a situation where they have to show their effective
communication skills to channelize the objective of the civility code.
There might be some ethical issues here as some of the employees may react in a
negative way as they think it is bad for their freedom of speech. Their demand of the harassment
claim to the EEOC is fraud here as there are no such provisions in its context. The EEOC
actually favours the idea of civility code.
The pros of the civility code are that it is planned for reducing the harassment in the
workplace. This will be helpful in maintaining positive work culture in the organization. The
employees will be more ethical in their behavior in the organization.
The only con is that this might be misunderstood by some as the violation of their
freedom of speech.
The only solution in this situation is clear and effective communication. The course of
action would be to call the employees of the organization for a meeting and communicate the
actual need and objective of the idea of civility code. This will definitely eliminate the confusion
and ultimately solve the problem.

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References
Porath, C., 2018. Make Civility the Norm on Your Team. Harvard Business Review.