Ethical Dilemmas in Strategic Management: A Critical Analysis

This essay delves into the ethical dimensions of strategic management, critically evaluating whether strategic management practices are always beneficial. It explores how neoliberalism, with its emphasis on profit and financialization, can create ethical constraints within organizations. The essay examines various ethical dilemmas, including corruption, information manipulation, anti-competitive behavior, exploitation of suppliers, and substandard working conditions. It highlights the conflicts between organizational goals, individual manager interests, and stakeholder rights. Furthermore, the essay discusses the importance of integrating ethics into business decision-making, focusing on ethical considerations in strategic planning and the elements needed for ethical alignment, such as codes of ethics, ethical training, situational advice, and confidential reporting systems. The essay ultimately argues that while strategic management can be beneficial, it is crucial to consider its ethical implications to ensure fair practices and protect stakeholder rights.