Values, Ethics, and Working Collaboratively in Business Context

This report delves into the significance of values and ethics in defining organizational behavior, emphasizing honesty, accountability, and respect. It explores collaborative working as a partnership that enhances flexibility and creativity, using Marks & Spencer as a case study. The report discusses the concept of ethics within organizations, the contribution of businesses to the wider community through corporate social responsibility, and ethical guidelines for a soft drink company marketing in the UK, including marketing laws, food and health regulations, and data protection legislation. Furthermore, it examines the importance of team collaboration, policies guiding collaborative working, and strategies for collaborating outside the organization.

Values, Ethics and Working
Collaboratively

Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Task 1...............................................................................................................................................1
Concept of ethics and what it is meant in organisation..........................................................1
Contribution of business in wider community and explaining corporate social responsibility.
................................................................................................................................................2
Task 2...............................................................................................................................................3
1. What ethical guidelines will soft drink company needs to follow to market drink in UK.3
2. Marketing and advertising laws company will consider....................................................4
3. Food and health regulations consider by company............................................................4
4. Explaining the legislation that company need to comply for the protection of the customer’s
data.........................................................................................................................................5
Task 3...............................................................................................................................................5
1. Why teams collaborate?...................................................................................................5
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................8
References:.......................................................................................................................................8

INTRODUCTION
The values and ethics define to what company perceives regarding the behaviour of
everyone from top-executive to employees working with consumers. The business values and
ethics are moral code through which company operates and defines expectations and procedures
for violations. In the organisation the values and ethics should be defined by-laws, mission and
vision statement & policies. It involves honesty, accountability respect and caring etc. in
organisation the collaborative working is called as partnership working which covers variety of
ways where two or more organisation can work together. The together working helps in saving
time and leads to more flexibility and creativity (Alfter, B., 2019). The report is based on Marks
& Spencer which is British multinational retail company established in 1884 headquarter in
London, UK. The report in task 1 will discuss concept of ethics within organisation and how
business is contributing in wide community. In task 2 it will cover case study of international
soft drink company and task 3 will is based the collaborative working and its importance in
workplace within selected company.
Task 1
Concept of ethics and what it is meant in organisation.
In world of business the ethics is very significant which have study of morally
appropriate behaviour and decisions. The term ethics is about the moral philosophy which
includes systematizing, defending and recommending the conception of right and wrong
behaviour in terms of right, obligations, benefit to society, fairness etc. The ethics in the
organisation involves several guidelines and principles that helps in deciding way individual is
required to behave at workplace. This also refers to code of conduct of individual working within
organisation in context to Marks & Spencer (Connolly, and et.al., 2018). The organisation ethics
is about how company responds to internal and external stimulus. The employees are benefited
in performing their roles. The ethics helps in guiding human conduct or behaviour which is
universal in nature. The follow of ethics in organisation is very important which can benefit
Marks & Spencer in various ways-
 Improves employee retention- The organisation manager are encouraged to show
appreciation for an employee hard work by having strong business ethics. With this the
team members will be more loyal to company and productive in context to Marks &
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Spencer. The employees in workplace are ethically positive, hard-working and driven by
principles of fairness and decency which helps in increasing the overall morale of
employees of Marks & Spencer.
 Strong collaboration- The practising of business ethics provides respect for one another
and team members works together in well manner. This helps in pleasant working
environment and in team collaboration. The ethics in organisation helps team member in
learning skills and gaining relevant insights for collaborating with others from different &
diverse backgrounds (Friedrich, and et.al., 2019).
 More effective leadership- The follow of ethics in organisation by managers helps in
treating employees in well manner of Marks & Spencer as result the teams are more
inclined in following lead. It also minimizes discipline issues leading to effective
leadership. The ethical behaviour of leaders focus on having good communication which
is honest and open for every person in organisation.
 Control business malpractices- The ethics affects the business operations by having
understanding of what is appropriate and not. In context to Marks & Spencer ethics fixes
some principles that is to be obeyed by the company and by not following it can leads to
legal consequences. The implementation of rules and principles helps in ensuring that
company is not involved in unfair practices such as frauds, misleading block marketing
etc.
Contribution of business in wider community and explaining corporate social responsibility.
In order to assists the society, the organisation has several opportunities. The business has
wide choices of options when it comes to help the local community which ranges from
straightforward monetary donation in order to support long-term continuing projects or schemes.
The firms can allocate small percentage of profit in the selected community group or charity for
offering them financial support. Such kind of help is easy in offering and allows beneficiary in
spending its money in way which is most suitable to their needs (Gölgeci, and et.al., 2019). The
organisation also hols fundraising events or sponsored challenges for fund raising. The Marks &
Spencer has followed the corporate social responsibility in following ways which contributes in
wide community. The CSR is practice and policy which is undertaken by organisation for having
positive influence on world. The company should self-regulate its actions and socially
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accountable for its customers, stakeholders. The M&S do its business in responsible way which
underpins their values, quality, services, innovation & trust.
 Charity & community funding donations- The M&S local stores provide donations to
charitable organisation which have small, limited budget and focus their support towsrda
issues which is important for local community.
 Clothing & equipment- The company donates returned clothing and business surplus to
the charity new life and money is raised from sale & recycle of garments directly funds
400 pieces of equipment for disabled children. The clothing samples donation is sent to
Shelter as they are one of charity partners and support homeless (Gutiérrez, and Gant,
2018).
 Food- The management understands the wastage of foods products which M&S aims in
donating their date-expired food to charitable organisation and to recive donation the first
choice is fare share, which is community food network that redistributes surplus food
from industry to several people in community.
Task 2
1. What ethical guidelines will soft drink company needs to follow to market drink in UK.
The ethical guidelines are used by the group members as a code which helps the company
in performing their duties. In context to soft drink company, it is liable to follow ethical
guidelines for marketing drink in UK.
 Floating islands of the plastic waste- According to survey, in 2017 the island of plastic
was founded. The common plastic is top of bottles and plastic bottles. This is an
obligation for an organisation in context to soft drink which needs to negate the
maximum utilisation of plastic in order to save atmosphere from any kind of harm. The
use of more plastic affects negatively to both atmosphere and people health. The
company is required to have follow-up of ethical guidelines in effective way by not
taking use of plastic instead company can go for paper bottles (Holbeche, L., 2018).
 Sugar- a sticky problem- The sugar is prime concern for everyone as it negatively
affects the people heath which leads to several issues and diseases such as heart &
diabetes. Therefore, it is an obligation for the firm in context to soft drink to focus on
minimising health issues by consumption of soft drink. The organisation is required to
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follow ethical guideline by involving such ingredients in its product which do not harm
people health. Instead of sugar it can take use of fresh fruit juice to give taste of
sweeteners which will help in making its product of good quality.
2. Marketing and advertising laws company will consider.
The marketing and advertising laws are regulations which restricts advertiser what to do
and not to do. The marketing and advertising are accurate description of product & service with
truthfulness, honesty (Hudson, and et.al., 2020). In UK, there are two principal pieces of
legislation that regulates marketing & advertising laws such are consumer protection from unfair
trading regulations 2008 and business protection from misleading marketing regulations 2008. In
context to soft drink company, it is required to follow the marketing and advertising law in
ethical way to market drink in UK by providing truthful advertisement about product and must
be evidence based.
 Advertising to consumers- The overall dealing of rules and regulations affects the
manner of business marketing to consumer. This kind of law secures consumers as this
comes from protecting customer from various unfair trading regulations in year 2008 and
rectified in year 2014. The organisation cannot use adverts for misleading or harass
consumers.
 Advertising to business- The business protection from misleading marketing regulations
covers the law on advertising to business. In organisation all adverts need to be accurate
and honest and company is not required to make any deceptive comparisons with
competitors (Jimenez-Jimenez, and et.al., 2019).
3. Food and health regulations consider by company.
The food and drug administration (FDA) is responsible in ensuring that domestic and
imported food products should be safe, nutritious, wholesome and properly labelled. The FDA
primary statues govern the activities such as Federal food, drug, and cosmetic act and public
health service act. To comply with food safety and hygiene legislation its is required to maintain
the procedures stated in hazard analysis critical control point principles. In context to soft drink
company the maintaining of good food safety and hygiene practices will helps in ensuring that
consumers will be protected (Matthews, and et.al., 2019). The health and food act were enacted
to improve laws relating to health and to position safety in order to establish base criteria for
food items, regulate their warehousing, supply, and ensure that food is available in a manner that
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is safe for people's health. There are number of items which is legally required within a food
business such as good drainage, lighting, sufficient waste disposal facilities, equipment in good
condition, effective cleaning routine, handling, storage and transport practices which meet
temperature control requirements and avoids contamination etc.
4. Explaining the legislation that company need to comply for the protection of the customer’s
data.
In order to protect the personal information of customers, the company is required to follow
the Information Protection Act of 1998. This law gives the firm the right to access the
organization's data (Özden, and et.al., 2019). This law is the most important piece of legislation
governing the protection of personal information in the United Kingdom. This information
protection law aids people in keeping their personal information secure and safe. It also protects
sensitive information such as company transactions and financial accounts.
Task 3
1. Why teams collaborate?
It is difficult to provide environmental risk, social inequality, and more analysable and
unpredictable worldwide. The size and complexity of these issues mean that they can not handle
other solutions or other organizations. M&S need scientists, companies, investors, governments,
NGOs, and coordinated joint work with consumers. Compared to many other things in our
industry, it is not a big buyer for many products M&S sold and organisation do not necessarily
have a purchase power to make changes company want to see. Partnership has always been at the
heart of business. This is because company know the need and contribute to external knowledge
and expertise to achieve common goals and mutually beneficial economic, social and
environmental outcomes.
2. What policies guide collaborative working?
This guide aims to help organizations concerned in or considering collaboration by
providing an overview of key characteristic that may affect collaboration. This document
highlights the importance of M&S that innovate and create through cooperative work and
analyze the role of collaboration and merger in the current economic environment (Sandahl, J.,
2019). It also directs the organization to a source of activity. Organisation hope that this guide
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will give practical and timely advice to a wide range of organizations. To make local best
practices accessible to organizations considering collaboration.
3. How do you collaborate outside of the organisation?
Whether organisation working with a seller, partner, or volunteer, it's easy to bring
people, workflows, and communications to work. people external the organization will love how
easy and friendly Workplace is. Also, one central place for communication helps to do more
together. This guide explains how to use groups between organizations and provides best
practices for collaboration between organizations in Workplace.
 Create a multi-company group: - Create a new group and select Multicomponent from
the Group MCGS provides another secure location for members from multiple
companies, share files and collect feedback. Remember that all members can see the
name of the profile name and the title of the position.
 Multi-Company Many Groups can be closed or secrets:
 Closed Group: Group members can only view contributions, but everyone on the same
workplace community finds or see if there is anyone can do (Tavares, and et.al., 2022).
 Secret Group: Only members can find groups. These include members of other
workplace communities they handle
 Invite members: - By adding an e-mail address, the invitation will work together to send
an invitation. The invited person can only access multi-community groups.
 Pin a post: - Create a post outlining goals, important dates, available resources, and other
important information. Please pin this post to the top of the group page for easy access by
people.
4. How well does your organisation collaborate in diverse teams?
In recent years, many have talked about the importance of collaboration and teamwork in
the workplace. When done correctly, collaboration in the workplace can have a positive impact
on teams and organizations. Teamwork and collaboration are more important than ever due to
the outbreak of COVID19 and the challenges it poses to the workplace.
 More perspectives, more innovation: - Gathering teammates and their different position
can have a important impact on the collaboration process. It can stimulate innovative
ideas and create ready to use solutions to complex problems that individuals may not
have idea of. And by adding diversity, organisation are sure to strive for success.
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According to a McKinsey study, teams with members from different backgrounds
gender, age, ethnicity, etc are more creative and perform up to 35% better than more
homogeneous teams.
 Teamwork sparks individual growth: - Team settings are important for members to
look into their own growth. First, when collaboration occurs and work is shared among
colleagues, employees can spend more time developing their skills. But that's not all. In
such an environment where individuals work together and are constantly engaged in each
other's work, it helps them discover new concepts from colleagues with different
experiences, learn from the mistakes of others, and avoid future mistakes. Increase
(Vestergaard, and Nørgaard, 2018). In addition, working in a team helps individuals
better recognize their strengths, address their weaknesses, and ultimately become better
team members and even better people.
5. What strategies could be used to motivate a team?
In most companies, teams do important work. Combining the energy, knowledge and
skills of a group of motivated people
 Pay your people what they are worth: - When setting an employee's salary, M&S make
sure that the salary matches the salary paid by other companies in your industry or region.
Keep in mind that 26% of employees are saying they will quit their current job with a
salary increase of only 5%.
 Provide them with a pleasant place to work: - Everyone wants to work in a clean and
exciting office environment, and it makes them better instead of a bad feeling. M&S do
not have to use many money to make offices comfortable
 Set clear goals: - 63% of employees waste time at work because they don't know which
tasks are prioritized and which are not. As a leader, job is to work with team members to
set clear goals. And once leader done that, make sure everyone knows exactly what those
goals are, what their relative priorities are, and what the team's role in achieving them is.
6. What are the consequences of poor collaborative working?
Cooperation can sometimes seem like a light subject. . If that used to be the case, it is no
longer the case. Collaboration is at the heart of many critical business processes, especially as
companies become increasingly virtual and geographically dispersed. Strategy execution is
largely based on effective cooperation.
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 Wasting time: - Expensive staff every minute wasted with suboptimal collaboration tools
trim the bottom line of revenue. For example, a few minutes wasted searching for the
most recent draft of a document, across all teams in the company, hundreds of times a
year.
 Poor project management: - Teams often use collaboration tools to manage projects.
The better the tool, the smoother the project management process. If assignment tasks,
tracking, sharing documents, scheduling, etc. As a challenge, team members can drop
stuff and work on email and chat. This is suboptimal and may unfavourably affect project
performance. Microsoft Teams offers extensive project management and tracking
capabilities (Wihlborg, and et.al., 2018).
 Poor execution of strategy: - In general, collaborative projects and work adjust with the
overall business strategy. Without the right tools, organisational team cannot execute
their strategies. The negative effects of this organization risk will appear in the results at
the end of the period.
CONCLUSION
From the above report it is been concluded that in organisation ethics, values and
collaborative working is very important which should be followed in ethical manner. The ethics
are totally based on the well-established standards of right and wrong which shows what a
people can do for considering ethically in respect to obligation, particular virtues, genuine,
obligations and advantages to the community. The company's ethics are independent for its
organisational culture. Furthermore, business ethics play an important role in corporate life.
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References:
Books and Journals
Alfter, B., 2019. Cross-border collaborative journalism: A step-by-step guide. Routledge.
Connolly, and et.al., 2018. Clinical leadership, structural empowerment and psychological
empowerment of registered nurses working in an emergency department. Journal of
Nursing Management, 26(7), pp.881-887.
Friedrich, and et.al., 2019. Escaping the professional silo: an escape room implemented in an
interprofessional education curriculum. Journal of interprofessional care, 33(5),
pp.573-575.
Gölgeci, and et.al., 2019. A relational view of environmental performance: What role do
environmental collaboration and cross-functional alignment play?. Journal of Business
Research, 96, pp.35-46.
Gutiérrez, and Gant, 2018. Community practice in social work: Reflections on its first century
and directions for the future. Social Service Review, 92(4), pp.617-646.
Holbeche, L., 2018. The agile organization: How to build an engaged, innovative and resilient
business. Kogan Page Publishers.
Hudson, and et.al., 2020. Rights, interests and expectations: Indigenous perspectives on
unrestricted access to genomic data. Nature Reviews Genetics, 21(6), pp.377-384.
Jimenez-Jimenez, and et.al., 2019. The mediating role of supply chain collaboration on the
relationship between information technology and innovation. Journal of Knowledge
Management.
Matthews, and et.al., 2019. It is a complicated thing: leaders’ conceptions of students as partners
in the neoliberal university. Studies in Higher Education, 44(12), pp.2196-2207.
Özden, and et.al., 2019. The effect of nurses’ ethical leadership and ethical climate perceptions
on job satisfaction. Nursing ethics, 26(4), pp.1211-1225.
Sandahl, J., 2019. The museum definition as the backbone of ICOM. Museum
International, 71(1-2), pp.vi-9.
Tavares, and et.al., 2022. Inbreeding and research collaborations in Portuguese higher
education. Higher Education Quarterly, 76(1), pp.102-115.
Vestergaard, and Nørgaard, 2018. Interprofessional collaboration: An exploration of possible
prerequisites for successful implementation. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 32(2),
pp.185-195.
Wihlborg, and et.al., 2018. Facilitating learning through an international virtual collaborative
practice: A case study. Nurse education today, 61, pp.3-8.
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