Ethics, Professionalism and Governance Case Study: Ilnaz's Dilemma

This case study examines an ethical dilemma faced by Ilnaz, a young woman from Iran, working at CompuSoft in Australia. The assignment explores the conflict arising from Ilnaz's religious and cultural beliefs against sharing an office with a male colleague, as per company policy. The paper delves into the ethical issues of integrity and cultural sensitivity, and applies Chris MacDonald's methodology to analyze the dilemma. The analysis considers legal aspects, company policies, and the perspectives of Ilnaz and her husband. The solution proposes alternative arrangements, such as separate workspaces, while upholding ethical values. Recommendations include education on cultural understanding and open communication. The case study emphasizes the importance of ethical leadership, professional conduct, and effective communication in resolving workplace conflicts, offering valuable insights for leadership management and organizational ethics.

Running head: ETHICS, PROFESSIONAL AND LEGAL ISSUES 1
Ethics, Professional and Legal Issues
Solving Problems in Working Environment Using Mac Donald’s Method
A Case Study Analysis
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ETHICS, PROFESSIONAL AND LEGAL ISSUES 2
Introduction
Ethics are regarded as accepted code of standards in a working
environment .professionals in working environment need to have good relation and association
for them to meet a common goal for organizational growth and development (Akay, Demıray,
and Kurt, 2008, p.2919). A few of ethical issues are autonomy, beneficence, integrity, justice,
harmony, effectiveness, dignity and honor. However people need to live together in an office
outlay. In a case like that of Ilvaz they need to be considered for the following: Anti-
discrimination, anti-harassment, policy for interaction, and safety policy in the organization and
at the society. Majoring on the above three codes of ethics the Professional is what one is
trained for and as capability of doing in that field (Eby, et al. 2010, p. 89). However the ACS
outlines 3 values for: honour effectiveness and dignity. Legal issues are code of rules that are
governing professionals in working environment therefore we need to consider the regulations
of a country and organization to fit in.
Background
The ACS company aimed at three major objectives: To advance a professional
excellence in information technology, to promote development of Australian information
technology and communication information technology. This was achieved through three codes
of ethics namely; dignity, honor and effectiveness however, she faced these three ethical
dilemma in work place (Schulman, 2011, p.43).The ethical dilemma of integrity is seen when
she occupies an office with a male co-worker that is not approved by religious and culture of
their society .By mere fact Ilvaz worked in the same office with a male colleague, seating in the
same office culture was to be and religion was to be banned to show her dignity (Schulman,
2011,47) .Culture and religion plays an important role but, working harmoniously without
harassment is the best. Referring to the ACS, Ilvaz husband needed to do some consultation to
seek whether his wife was interfered with in the office. In Australia professionals are governed
by law. The workers need to have a unity of direction as prescribed by the job
environment .Legal issues governing Australia have elaborately made clear that the working
environment of employees are made in such a manner, there is no separation of offices unless
the need for privacy allows(Francis, 2007, p.145) . To resolve the conflict above Ilvaz needed to
uphold dignity and integrity at the work.
Alternatives
 The office could be divided into section and being covered under the same roof.
 Honesty could be the best option to the computer soft organization (aimed at marketing
DVDS) and to the husband (Marcinkus Kram, 2010, p. 651).
 Ilvaz to uphold integrity as required as ethical value in the ACS and psychologically.
Proposed Solution
The proposed solution was the workers to be separated in the work environment by
assessing their gender. To be given each cubicle in the marketing industry to promote
effectiveness in operation. Dignity and integrity need to be maintained in the working place, and
forget culture and religious beliefs that stop development (Francis, 2007, p.138). Workers also
need to honor to the company rules for easier performance in the job which requires respect to
Ilvaz husband and Compusoft Company.
Recommendations

ETHICS, PROFESSIONAL AND LEGAL ISSUES 3
 Ilvaz to receive education to change their perception on culture and religion and to the
husband too.
 To resolve conflicts if they arise since that is a common thing in people in one roof.
 Allow the communication of husband and wife through giving offs to the employers
(Zacher, and Frese, 2009).
Conclusion
From the analysis, proper communication should be applied in the company and the
management to be guided by honesty and work ethics.

ETHICS, PROFESSIONAL AND LEGAL ISSUES 4
References
Akay, D., Demıray, A. and Kurt, M., 2008. Collaborative tool for solving human factors problems
in the manufacturing environment: the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving Technique (TRIZ)
method. International Journal of Production Research, 46(11), pp.2913-2925.
Eby, L.T., Butts, M.M., Durley, J. and Ragins, B.R., 2010. Are bad experiences stronger than
good ones in mentoring relationships? Evidence from the protégé and mentor
perspective. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 77(1), pp.81-92.
Francis, A., 2007. Legal Ethics, Moral Agency and Professional Autonomy: The Unbearable
Ethics of Being (a Legal Executive)?. Legal Ethics, 10(2), pp.131-153.
Marcinkus Murphy, W. and Kram, K.E., 2010. Understanding non-work relationships in
developmental networks. Career Development International, 15(7), pp.637-663.
Schulman, P., 2011. Problems in the Organization of Organization Theory: An Essay in Honour
of Todd LaPorte. Journal of Contingencies and Crisis Management, 19(1), pp.43-50.
Zacher, H. and Frese, M., 2009. Remaining time and opportunities at work: relationships
between age, work characteristics, and occupational future time perspective. Psychology and
aging, 24(2), p.487.