Running head: ETHICS REFLECTION PAPER

Ethics Reflection Individual Assignment Richard Christiansen University of Phoenix STR/581 August 10, 2011 Mark Kolesinsky

ETHICS REFLECTION PAPER Ethics Reflection Paper

Within the last 10 years, ethics and social responsibility have proven not to be only frontpage news, but also important concepts for businesses to consider when developing a strategic plan. Businesses are expected to act in a manner that is both ethical and socially responsible, and they are also expected to make a profit. There have been times that businesses have found that these strategies have come into conflict with one another instead of complimentary. Strategic planning must include stakeholders who can benefit or also can be affected in a negative way. Strategic managers need to recognize internal as well as external stakeholders. Internal stakeholders would include stockholders and employees, whereas external would include suppliers, governments, and the public (Pearce & Robinson, 2011). The emphasis of any forprofit company would be to make a profit and to take care of their customers. Individual companies and governments each have their own roles in creating acceptable levels of ethical behavior in business. According to Pride, Hughes, and Kapoor (2002), the government can encourage ethical behavior by legislating more stringent regulations. Most recently, the United States government passed the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 that sets tough new provisions to deter and punish corporate and accounting fraud and corruption, ensure justice for wrongdoers, and protect the interest of workers and shareholder (Pride, Hughes, & Kapoor, 2002, p. 41). From the businesses point of view, a code of ethics needs to be established so there is a culture within the company promoting ethical behavior. Communication, training, and a working model to facilitate compliance for ethical behaviors are essential for continual growth. Businesses need to understand that there is a direct correlation between incorporating social responsibilities into their mission statements and the success they have with consumers.

ETHICS REFLECTION PAPER I believe that the ethical perspective you personally have has been influenced by life

lessons you have learned throughout your life. As I have gone through the Masters of Business Administration program at University of Phoenix, both online and attending local campuses, I have seen and experienced ethical decisions opportunities for myself, other students, and instructors. When these opportunities have presented themselves, and because of the experiences I have had throughout my life, my decisions were quick and I believe ethical. I have seen other students who primarily focus on activities that will assist them achieving results with the least amount of work or effort on their part. After the conclusion and successful completion of this last course, I will be able to hold my head high with respect and honor to my instructors and to my fellow students who have followed the higher ground. I have also learned that ethical activities also include helping others understand the concept. We should not turn our heads away and blind ourselves to the activities of others. In the jobs I have held throughout my career; ethics, honesty, and being in a position to help others has always been a major part of what I enjoy doing most. Working with learning teams throughout my program has been very hard at times, but also very rewarding. Ethics and social responsibility is not only a learned, but also is important when practiced. It will be our responsibility as new members of the University of Phoenix MBA alumni to share our knowledge and perspective to others in the workplace and in life to help the world be a better place for everyone.

ETHICS REFLECTION PAPER References Pearce, J. A., II, & Robinson, R. B. (2011). Strategic management: Formulation, implementation, and control (12th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Pride, W.R., Hughes, R.J., & Kapoor, J.R. (2002). Business (10th ed.). Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning.