Ethical Issues In Management

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Ethical Issues In Management All managers are role models; however, not all managers are good role models. A leadership role offers the opportunity to communicate expectations to employees, followed up with actions demonstrating those proper behaviors. Similar to parenting, the ‘do what I say, not what I do’ approach will only result in employee rebellion. Instead, the managers supporting the ‘say what you mean, mean what you say’ mantra gain both respect and loyalty. When Paul O’Neill, CEO of Alcoa refused to join a country club that discriminated in membership, he was asked to overlook his feeling and join anyway, so as ‘not to rock the boat.’ His response was, “What excuse am I going to use six or twelve months from now? I’ve just discovered my principles? They were on vacation... when I first came?” He explained that you have to have the courage of your convictions and insist on them all of the time, not just when it’s convenient (Trevlo & Nelson, 2007, p. 12). Managers must communicate with discretion and implement decisions made by senior staff while maintaining productivity and high morale. An effective manager is the livelihood of the company and motivating the employees is advantageous to the company's bottom line. Acting as a role model to the employees, and still maintaining subordination to upper management is an ethical balancing act. Oftentimes, employees are not privy to all information such as plans in motion, plans being discussed, and confidential events that have occurred; which adds further challenge to the manager’s purpose. Decisions made by a manager may be viewed as unfair or unethical, simply due to not knowing the full story. The challenge for the manager is to alter the employees’ perception. The key to this is building trust. Consistently exuding truth, virtue, integrity, being approachable and personable and possessing that

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