A Comprehensive Report on Business Ethics, CSR, and Collaboration

This report delves into the multifaceted aspects of business ethics, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and collaborative working practices. It begins by defining ethics and exploring the factors influencing ethical behavior in the workplace, including human resources, customer service, and government regulations. The report then examines the importance of workplace ethics, providing real-world examples like the Volkswagen emissions scandal to illustrate the consequences of unethical conduct. Furthermore, it discusses two key UK laws, the Equality Act 2010 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, that promote good ethical practices within organizations, using ASDA as a case study. The report transitions to an essay on CSR, highlighting its significance and providing examples of how companies like ASDA fulfill their social responsibilities. Finally, it explores the concept of collaborative working, outlining strategies, values, interpersonal skills, benefits, and methods for promoting equality and diversity, including the integration of British values. The report concludes by addressing the consequences of poor collaborative working and emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct in the workplace.

Values, Ethics and
Working
Collaboratively

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY.............................................................................................................................3
TASK 1......................................................................................................................................3
Ethics and the factors that influence ethics............................................................................3
Workplace ethics and importance in an organisation with example......................................4
Discuss two laws in UK that promote good ethical practice in an organisation that you
work in or know.....................................................................................................................5
TASK 2......................................................................................................................................7
ESSAY.......................................................................................................................................7
CSR........................................................................................................................................7
TASK 3......................................................................................................................................9
A) What is collaborative working?........................................................................................9
B) What strategies would you use?........................................................................................9
C) What values would guide you?.........................................................................................9
D) What interpersonal skills are required?...........................................................................10
E) What are the benefits of collaborative working?.............................................................10
F) How would you promote equality and diversity in the workplace?................................10
G) How are British Values embedded into collaborative working?....................................11
H) What is the consequences poor collaborative working?.................................................11
CONCLUSION........................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES.........................................................................................................................13

INTRODUCTION
Business ethics play an important role as they help in promoting the business
functions and meeting the needs and requirements of the business towards the society
(Barsky, 2019). These are also essential in order to provide appropriate code of conduct to the
business organisation in order to achieve the profitability and productivity level. In context of
the present report, it consists discussion about the ethics and factor impacting the ethics
workplace. Along with this there is also a discussion about the different laws and some
examples related to workplace ethics. Thereafter, there is an essay consist discussion on CSR
and rules of working. In last, there is discussion about collaborative working and its essential
for a particular organisation.
MAIN BODY
TASK 1
“Ethics and the factors that influence ethics”
Ethics: The term Ethics can be defined as
a field which involve systematize
defending and recommending the concept
of right and wrong behaviour. It can be
categorised in three journal subject areas
which involve metaethics, normative
ethics and applied ethics (Lapadat, 2017).
In the current business world, ethics has
important role in conducting the business
activities and building the trust between
different parties (customer, trader and
many other) involved in business activity.
Ethics act as an essential element in
business where it is depended on different
business factors. There are number of
business factor which impact on the
business ethics. Some of these are
discussed below:
Human Resources: Community is one of
the most critical influences shaping job
ethics. The human resources staff, along
with the different measures that they
develop to promote a commitment to
ethical actions, is responsible for
developing and sustaining an ethical
business culture (Martin and Upham,
2016). For example, Employees who are
handled with common dignity are more
likely to be happy at work. Employees that
feel cheated are more likely to engage in
dishonest acts such as fraud, as well as

more discreet crimes like exploiting
business money for personal benefit.
Customer Service: The values that
make up an ethical corporate culture have
an influence on a company's customer
relationships. Customers should be treated
with honesty and fairness, and workers
should be reasonable and truthful with
them, according to an ethical business.
Employees who consider such conduct as a
necessary aspect of delivering exemplary
customer support will value the company's
dedication to ethical behaviour.
Figure 1: Ethics in Life and Business,2019
Government Rules and
Regulations: Government rules on
working practises, product protection,
regulatory alerts, and other concerns are
supported by legislation. These offer
business managers certain guidance for
deciding what principles and procedures
are appropriate or accepted. This also
impact on ethics in business. Since taxes is
dependent on the amount of money
received by all companies, it is one of the
government policies that directly affects
them.
The above-mentioned factor has a
great impact over the ethics within the
workplace. These factors such as human
resources customer services and
government rules and regulations are
major contributor toward the follow-up of
ethics at the workplace.
Workplace ethics and importance in an
organisation with example
For the company's potential growth,
enhancing workplace ethics and
emphasising honesty is crucial. Most
company owners are preoccupied with
prospective employees talents and
competitiveness, but they neglect the value
of competence, fairness, and
forthrightness. In that place firm needed to
follow ethics in effective way (Jones and
Phillips, 2016). This is because Ethics in
the workplace encourages a strong public
profile. As, Workplace ethics assist in the
creation of a good public profile for a
business. This is particularly relevant for
non-profits and high-profile corporations
that rely heavily on private donors and
government grants. Donors should be
mindful of how these companies plan to
spend their funds. Along with this, it also
helps in Workplace integrity which

encourages coordination and cooperation.
Employees' conduct is aligned as a
company incorporates a corporate ethics
policy. As a consequence, transparency,
teamwork, and confidence flourish.
Furthermore, when workers are aware of
their supervisors' requirements, they do
well at work.
Figure 2Volkswagen , 2021
This can be seen form the example
of The Volkswagen (VW) pollution
controversy, this is also known as
"emissionsgate" or "dieselgate," began in
September 2015, when the US
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
revealed that VW had cheated emissions
checks (Volkswagen: The scandal
explained, 2015). It turned out that the
corporation had been installing so-called
"defeat devices" in its diesel vehicles,
which included equipment that could
detect when the cars were being tested in a
lab and switching on controls to limit
nitrogen emissions. The cars would then
seem to meet the agency's specifications
while travelling on the lane, but they were
actually emitting up to 40 times the
nitrogen dioxide level. This is a biggest
mistake of company and also impacted on
reputation of firm.
Figure 3Here's Why The Market Reaction To
Volkswagen's Emissions Scandal Is Justified, 2015.
This impacted negatively on business firm
as it have to deal with number of issues
such as The United States is now present
in an increasing number of countries
(Chenoweth and mcauliffe, 2017). This
also lads to Inquiries that have been
launched in the United Kingdom, Italy,
France, South Korea, Canada, and, of
course, Germany. Politicians,
policymakers, and advocacy activists all
around the world are calling into question
VW's carbon monitoring. This ultimately
leads to downfall in share of business firm
along with sale of products. These stats
that ethics are import for business firm in
order to perform its function in business
environment.

Discuss two laws in UK that promote
good ethical practice in an organisation
that you work in or know.
There are number of laws which
are formulated by UK government
authorities in order to ensuring effective
flow of goods and services as well as helps
in maintaining suitable working
environment. Some of these laws are
discussed as below:
Equality Act 2010: Cooperate to offer
equal opportunities and equitable care to
all people regardless of ethnicity, colour,
sexuality, national origin, sex (including
pregnancy), sexual identity, age, disability,
veteran status, or any other legally
protected attribute. The Act establishes a
legislative system to protect citizens' rights
and promote equality of opportunities for
all (Schaltegger and Burritt, 2018). It
imposes a discrimination statute in the
United Kingdom that protects people from
unequal treatment and encourages a more
equitable and egalitarian society. There are
number of organization which is following
this act in order to meet needs related to
equality in working. ASDA is one of the
following examples. Asda believes that in
order to gain a strategic advantage, its
employees must come from a diverse
range of cultures and collaborate creatively
as part of an inclusive society. Asda first
contracted Global Diversity Practice for a
series of Unconscious Bias sessions to
‘upskill' its senior executives on Diversity
and Inclusion, focused primarily on gender
balance and the possible impact of
Unconscious Bias on decision-making, in
special attention to recruiting and
succession planning.
Figure 4Professionalism and Ethics, 2020
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: It
can be define as an Act of the Parliament
of the United Kingdom that, as of 2011,
specifies the basic framework and
jurisdiction for the promotion, control, and
implementation of occupational health,
protection, and welfare in the United
Kingdom (Coady and Lehmann, 2016).
ASDA is also leading in following this act
and implementing it on work place. ASDA
has established a Retail Health and Safety
Forum with other supermarket chains to
explore and exchange best practise, which
is a tremendously beneficial move.

TASK 2
ESSAY

CSR
This task highlights corporate social responsibility fulfilled by TOMS, UK. CSR (corporate
social responsibility) is a self-regulatory business model that allows a corporation to be
socially responsible—to itself, its owners, and the general public. Companies should be
mindful of their effect on all facets of society, including fiscal, social, and environmental,
by exercising corporate social responsibility, also known as corporate citizenship. It is an
essential function which have to be performed by business firm in order to meet needs
perform task in effective way. Here, ASDA is known for performing in market by using
resources in effective way (Ziegler, 2017). ASDA was founded by a group of Yorkshire
farmers. After TESCO, ASDA is the UK's second largest grocery retailer. ASDA currently
has about 265 stores in the United Kingdom, making it the second largest grocery retailer
in the country. ASDA is at the centre of the city, with generations of families employed in
related shops. ASDA also contributes to a strict corporate social responsibility culture. This
can be seen in terms of community career and job programmes, wellness campaigns, and
charitable giving, as well as helping consumers with lower costs. ASDA is known around
the country for its friendly service and low prices. Company worked hard to minimise and
improve it, and since 2007, it cut the weight of package by 27%. But it's not only about
using less packaging; it's also about using packaging that leaves goods fresher for longer,
in both shops and customer homes. As part of Walmart's 2025 environmental ambitions,
Asda has promised to make all of its packaging recyclable by 2025.
In context of present business environment is it is identified that there are number of issues
faced by the business organisations in order to meeting the daily working requirement for
stock these issues are directly related to the employees performance and the journal rules
and regulations which are neglected by the employees while working. Along with this, it is
also identified that as an employee there are a number of workplace rules for a business
individual which has to be followed in order to perform the task appropriately for staff
rules for the work may be legally required but various optional workplace rule should be
considered as well. These are essential in order to perform the task in appropriate code of
conduct and manager roles. In order to ensure effectiveness in working and achieving
appropriate goals related to establishment of code of conduct, there are some rules which
can be followed by an individual. The first basic rule which will be followed is related to
strict dress code. Surprisingly, strict dress code rules are still in effect, but they aren't as

widespread as they once were. Currently one-quarter of businesses expect workers to dress
professionally for work. Just 4% of employers mandate workers to wear a suit and tie, and
only 21% require them to wear slacks or skirts or button-down shirts. Other rule is related
to inflexible working hours. Under this it can be stated that, technology has had a huge
effect on how humans function. Individual become more versatile, scalable, and adaptive
as a result of it. Along with this, rule number three is related to try to being an employee
who is available anytime within the organisation (Roos and Hahn, 2017). This will help me
in developing flexibility of working hours as well as performing an effective way. The
fourth rule which is followed by an individual is related to restricting itself from use of
office property for personal use. This is a most important rule which will be followed by an
individual to share ethical working. The last rule is related to taking limited breaks. It
issues the commitment towards the work as well as improves focus on the job.
GDPR is an important aspect at the work which provides different rights to the
individuals working at a particular organisation. In context to this the major right which is
provided to the individual is related to right to be informed. Under this right individual has
a right to get information. The next right is related to access. And other right to access
individual will be able to provide processing confirmation and access to individual data
free of charge and provide it commonly used format. The third right is related to
rectification, under this, individual and title to have their personal data rectified inaccurate
or incomplete and they must respond to rectification request within the one month if not
deemed complex. Some of the other rights are related to right to insurance right to restrict
processing right to date up portability right to object and write related to automated
decision making and profiling. These are some rights which are provided to an individual
in context of data protection. Along with this dignity at work place is also important aspect
which must be covered while working. Human integrity asserts that all individuals,
regardless of class or circumstance, should be respected inherently. It can help to
affect individual outlook to be optimistic from the start if they can see other people with
this global sense of value. The first step toward gaining respect for others is to
acknowledge dignity. Empathy is the desire to consider another person by imagining
themself in their shoes. It encourages individual to express their joy or sadness and
genuinely rejoice or provide assistance and support.

TASK 3
A) What is collaborative working?
Collaboration refers to collaborating on a mission or job with one or more participants, as
well as developing ideas or processes. Collaboration happens in the workplace as two or
more individuals collaborate together to achieve a shared purpose that benefits the team or
organisation (Le Pennec and Raufflet, 2018).
B) What strategies would you use?
Collaboration among members of a team is vital to the success of every company. Here, the
best strategies which will be used by ASDA is based on Increased loyalty, a more motivated
community, and better efficiency are all benefits of collaborative workplaces. The first step in
getting people together behind a shared vision and working together to achieve it is to define
company's purpose.
Secondly, set the goal for teamwork as a basic requirement from the outset (Parker and
Kingori, 2016). It should also be part of the on boarding phase and show new hires that
appreciate teamwork. For shared working cultures, a sense of community is essential. A deep
sense of culture prompted large amount of workers to stay with ASDA longer than was
anticipated.
C) What values would guide you?
In order to boost values firm will use Collaboration, in this ASDA believe in the value of
teamwork. Company will go beyond and beyond to meet and surpass consumer needs.
ASDA communicate with each other and those we serve in a respectful and ethical way. It
will also focuses on strive for and encourage leadership and growth. Along with this,
ASDA is continuously looking for new ways to develop our job and our society through
creativity.
D) What interpersonal skills are required?
Being open to and tolerant of new ideas is one of the most critical facets of productive
teamwork. When a group of people assemble in a conference room to plan a proposal, each
one brings a specific experience and area of knowledge to the table. Another requirement for
effective teamwork is clear and thoughtful coordination (Thew and Sutcliffe, 2018). Giving
space for all forms of contact and communicators is one way to foster a shared atmosphere.
People must be able to delegate tasks, balance their duties, and keep themselves coordinated

in order for teamwork to be effective. Being willing to think long-term and imagine the end-
result of the joint efforts is another vital aspect of teamwork. Collaboration entails
collaborating for a collective goal or mutual interest and understanding how the efforts
contribute to that goal. These are some factors which will be used in ASDA in order to ensure
effective collaboration.
E) What are the benefits of collaborative working?
There are different benefits of collaborative working which can be used by ASDA. A project
has its share of surprises and improvements. In the event of a rapid transition, coordination
and cooperation make for greater reactivity and flexibility. As a result, collaborators see these
improvements as obstacles to solve in ASDA. Colleagues can naturally get to know each
other better when living together. It encourages them to interact, strengthen their bonds, and
enjoy each other's work within company. Collaborative collaboration brings individuals from
various cultures and perspectives together to collaborate together and assist one another. To
the community, everyone should add their experience, abilities, and skills in employee within
ASDA.
F) How would you promote equality and diversity in the workplace?
In order to ensure equality and diversity at work place ASDA will use operating all
employees and students equally (Lutfiyya, Brandt and Cerra, 2016). This will also focuses on
fostering an open community for workers. Ensuring that all participants have fair access to
resources so that they can completely engage in the learning process. Along with this ASDA
will also focuses on allowing both employees and students to reach their maximum
potential. Providing employees with the tools they need to confront inequity and injustice in
their workplaces and classrooms. In last, ensuring that all instructional content should not
discriminate against anybody or any group and ensuring that practises, protocols, and systems
are not biased.
G) How are British Values embedded into collaborative working?
Development of British values an important aspect within the ASDA which has to be
considered in effective manner. Under this ASDA following appropriate approach manager
try to create appropriate British values in their employees for establishing a collaborative
working environment in context to did this management try to establish some of the employer
rules that help in developing British values. Demonstrating the commitment to the British
values in workplace is a primary role where in support to this organisation use to respect the

other people in regard to protected characteristics at out in the equality act stated by British
parliament. Thirdly, ASDA also try to encourage the employees to show mutual respect and
tolerance for those with different believes. On the other side there are some other factors
which are considered. This includes providing and promoting the British value through the
training process. Encouraging the apprentice to respect other with particular regard to
protected characteristics stated in equality act. Along with, providing training that will define
and explore the British values and opportunities.
H) What is the consequences poor collaborative working?
Poor teamwork may have a variety of negative consequences for ASDA. This does not seem
to be a serious concern, but it is. Employees are costly. Any minute spent wasting time on
sub-optimal teamwork tools eats into profit margins. To execute tasks, teams also use
teamwork methods. The more effective the instrument, the more efficiently the project
management process can run. Projects and team work contribute to the overall corporate plan.
Manager in ASDA won’t be able to implement plans if they don't have the right resources. At
the end of the cycle, the negative consequences of this partnership risk would be seen in the
data.
CONCLUSION
It can be concluded from the above mentioned report that workplace ethics important
role in establishing an appropriate environment. This also seen that there are some adverse
effects if organisation will not follow to workplace ethics and code of conduct. Along with
this it can also concluded that corporate social responsibility act as an essential part of
business where number of organisations is involved within it. Data protection is also an
essential element within the business which ensures safety and security. In last, it can also
concluded the collaborative working act as an essential element which help in meeting the
needs and performing together to achieve objectives.