THE UNIVERSITY OF GOROKA

P.O. Box 1078, Goroka 441, E.H.P, Papua New Guinea

ASSESSMENT COVER SHEET

Institute : ITVET Division: Tourism and Hospitality Management

Program : DHOM Semester: One (1) Year: 2021

Student Name : Anton TOBIAS Student ID Number: 2020217033_______

Course Code : TTTH 222_____________ Course Title: Business Ethics ____

Lecturer/Tutor : Mr. Wape__________ _ Tutorial Day/Time/Location: Mess & TVET Room 2

Assessment topic: Importance of Ethical in G.K Lodge

Marks: ____/60____ Weight: _25%_____ Pages: _10____ Word count:

Student Declaration: In preparing this assessment task, I have followed the Student Code of Conduct as
provided in the Academic Rules and Regulations Handbook 2007. I have read and understood the
University requirements in respect of student academic misconduct outlined in the Student Code of
Conduct in the Academic Rules and Regulations Handbook 2007.

I declare this assessment item is my own work, except where acknowledged and was not submitted for
any other academic credit previously in whole or in part. This work was typed using Times New Roman,
Font size #12, justified with 1.5 line spacing. I will lose marks for not following instructions as per the
course facilitator’s requirements.

By signing this declaration, I am agreeing to the statements and conditions above.

Student Signature: _____________________ Date of submission: 10th/05/2021

For Division use only:

Course Facilitator/Assessor: _____________________Mark: ______________ Date: _______________

Assessment received:

By: ___________________ Sign: _________________ Date: _______________ Time: ___________

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 Abstract

This report will emphasize on unethical practice in G.K Lodge. G.K Lodge is one of the most
popular lodge located in the heart of Goroka Town. Also it will stress on ethics and importance
of ethics in the lodge. Next, it will highlight the main purpose of this report and how information
is obtained to construct this report. Furthermore, it will delve into the overview of the lodge
including history and department of the organization, as well as products and services offered.
Moreover, it will stress on unethical practice in the lodge, source of the problem, the venue of the
problem, and the parties involved. It will ponder carefully the business ethics skills needed to
provide a solution to the problem. Least, but not the last, it will express the importance of
resolving an ethical issue and importance of ethics, as well as its advantages and benefits in any
organization. On the other hand, there are some negative effects of not resolving an ethical issue,
which will also be discussed. In short, this report will express the pro-active approach of how to
resolve the ethical issue in relation to validity and reliability. Finally, the conclusion and
recommendation. The summary will restate the main points while the recommendation will
provide ways and suggestions on how to resolve and prevent ethical issues to occur in an
organization.

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Content Page
Introduction................................................................................................................................................. 4
The main purpose of the report ................................................................................................................. 4
How information was obtained .................................................................................................................. 4
1. A brief overview of the organization (G.K Lodge)........................................................................... 5
1.1 Which department or industry does the organization operates under? .......................................... 5
1.2 A brief history of G.K Lodge ............................................................................................................... 5
1.3 Products and services offered G.K Lodge .......................................................................................... 5
1. An unethical practice in G.K Lodge .................................................................................................. 5
2.1 What is Business Ethics? ...................................................................................................................... 6
2.2 The nature or source of the problem ................................................................................................... 6
2.3 The venue of the problem and the date it occurred ........................................................................... 6
2.4 The parties involved in the quarrel ..................................................................................................... 6
3. Is it important for G.K Lodge to resolve the ethical issue? ............................................................. 6
3.1 Importance of Ethics in G.K Lodge .................................................................................................... 7
3.2 Advantages and Benefits of Ethics in a Business ............................................................................... 7
3.3 Some negative effects of not resolving an ethical issue in an organization ...................................... 7
3.4 is this an issue that has to be resolved? Why or why not?................................................................. 7
4. The validity and reliability of the issue ............................................................................................. 7
Summary...................................................................................................................................................... 8
Recommendation......................................................................................................................................... 8
Appendices ................................................................................................................................................. 10
Appendix A (Lobby of the Lodge) ........................................................................................................... 10
Appendix B (Entrance of the Lodge)....................................................................................................... 10

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 Importance of Ethics in G.K Lodge

Introduction
To begin with, what is Ethics and what is the Importance of Ethics in an Organization? Ethics is
the study of moral principles that govern the member of an organization about right and wrong or
good and evil conduct (Wape, Business Ethics (TTTM 222), 2021, p. 2). Example of Ethics are
moral, right, responsibility, conscience, choice, honor and value. The practice of ethics is
important in every organization because it establishes a mechanism of interaction between
different people.
Listed below are some importance of ethics in an organization.
 The importance of ethics in an organization is that it is a code of conduct that
guides its decisions making and activities to have effective productivity and
maintain its reputation. Ethical behaviour ensures that staff complete work with
honest, and respect for others to maintain the integrity of the organization by
adhering to rules and policies.
 The importance of ethics in an organization is that it builds a positive corporate
culture and boost consumer confidence and loyalty. Reduce financial liabilities
such as problems resulting in compensation and other payments
 The importance of ethics is that it satisfy basic human needs, being fair honest
and maintain an honest and healthy relationship with your customer as well as
creating credibility

The main purpose of the report

The main purpose or reason for this report is to highlight one of the major unethical behaviour
that was practiced by the security guard of G.K Lodge. According to (Wikipedia online
Dictionary, “Unethical behaviour is an action that falls outside of what is considered morally
right or proper for a person, or an employee of an organization.” Furthermore, this report will
also stress on some organizational ethics on how to resolve the ethical issue that had been
encountered between the hotel guest and the security guard as a manager of the organization.
According to the Global Business Ethics Survey (GBES) (2018), “An organizational ethics are
the policies, procedures and culture of doing the right things in the face of difficult and often
controversial issues that happen between people.”

How information was obtained

However, some information captured in this report or article is retrieved from the internet source.
Those information that were retrieved from the internet and other sources are acknowledged
using the in-text citation format and reference citation inserted at the second last page of the

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report. Also some information is derived from the course book (TTTM 222 Business Ethics) as
well as the primary source (person encountered with the ethical issue in the lodge).

1. A brief overview of the organization (G.K Lodge)

G.K Lodge is one of the most popular lodge located in the heart of Goroka Town. It provides
hospitality for those people (guest) who can afford to pay for it. The organization’s staffs usually
work tirelessly to provide a peaceful and comfortable ambience for the guest, which means
providing home away from home.

1.1 Which department or industry does the organization operates under?

The organization (G.K Lodge) operates under a bigger industry known as Tourism and
Hospitality Industry. According to Brotherton (1999), “Hospitality industry is the collection of
all the businesses that undertake their activities mainly to provide food, drink, entertainment and
accommodation for the travelers, (p. 126). All the hospitality industries like hotels, resorts,
lodges and guesthouses provide home away from home and G.K Lodge is one of them, while
tourism is the act of travelling or exploring places, particularly away from your home. The
Security Department on the other hand, was accountable for the ethical issue and this depart is
one of the major department that operates under the broad organization (G.K Lodge).

1.2 A brief history of G.K Lodge

G.K Lodge is located in the heart of Goroka Town, Papua New Guinea. The Lodge is situated on
the east side of the main airstrip along the Borok Motors road and it is quite comfortable. The
establishment operates since the last five donkey years back till now. The lodge has a good
reputation compared to other hospitality industry in Goroka Town. It provides well-furnished
rooms and fine dining hall with comfortable ambience to the guest. The rooms are offered at
affordable prices.

1.3 Products and services offered G.K Lodge

It is obviously known that the products and services offered by any hospitality industry is not
limited to food, beverages, accommodation (rooms) and most importantly is security. The Lodge
serves a large number of people who travel in and out of Goroka with its hospitality

2. An unethical practice in G.K Lodge

complements.
An unethical practice that happened in G.K Lodge was that the security did not respect the hotel
guest. An unethical practice in a workplace may be considered as workplace or organizational
unethical behaviour. Organizational unethical behaviour is a behaviour which includes any deeds
that violate the law, principals and rules of the organization.

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 2.1 What is Business Ethics?
Ethics are a set of moral standards that are relied upon to reach conclusions and make sound
decisions in a business (Applying Business Ethics (ABE), 2013, p. 4). In every business
environment, ethics are a key factor in responsible decision making. Maintaining a high ethical
standpoint when operating your business can provide benefits to both the internal and external
stakeholders of your business.
The twelve (12) Principles of Business Ethics in an Organization (Applying Business Ethics
(ABE), 2013, p. 5). Find below are the twelve business ethics principles for business executives
and employees.
 Concern for others
 Integrity
 Promise keeping
 Build honest relationship with others
 Value other people
 Respect for others
 Encourage fairness
 Commitment to excellence
 Law abiding
 Loyalty
 Accountability
 Leadership

2.2 The nature or source of the problem

One afternoon a female guest went into G.K Lodge and made a booking. After checked in and
occupied the hotel room, she left her luggage and went out of the lodge. She went to a shop near
the lodge and bought some cold water and other basic necessities she will need while staying in
the room. On her way back, she bought a betel-nut and chewed it. Furthermore, before entering
the gate she got up and spit into the flower bed near the entrance. All of a sudden, a security
guard came and insisted her to pay a spot fine as a punishment of spitting betel-nut into the
flower bed. However, the guest resisted and they (security guard and the lodge’s guest) started
having quarrel over the betel-nut spit. In short, the security guard called the cops and the lady
was arrested and brought to police station. (The entrance of the Lodge is on Appendix B)

2.3 The venue of the problem and the date it occurred

The problem or incident occurred at G.K Lodge while a female guest spit betel-nut stain into the
flower bed near the main entrance of the lodge. The quarrel happened on the 20th of August,
2020, around 6pm in the afternoon.

2.4 The parties involved in the quarrel

The parties involved in the problem were the guest, the security personnel of the lodge and the
police officers. The police officers act as a peace mediator to resolve the ethical issue.

3. Is it important for G.K Lodge to resolve the ethical issue?

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According to my observation, it is paramount for the lodge management team to resolve this
ethical problem but the management did not make any attempt to reconcile or say sorry to the
guest.

3.1 Importance of Ethics in G.K Lodge

According to the Global Business Ethics Survey (GBES) (2018), “ethical practice is imperative
in any business, and listed below are some importance of business ethics.”
 Ethics is important in business because it promote integrity among their employee
and gain trust from key stakeholders such as investors and consumers.
 Business ethics is important and essential skills in nowadays business because
technology and digital communication have made it easier to identify and
publicize ethical missteps. To avoid the negative implications, the organization
must hire right person for right position with high integrity and honest.

3.2 Advantages and Benefits of Ethics in a Business

Furthermore, there are a lot of advantages and benefits of ethics in a business and find below are
some of them.
a. Maintain the integrity of the organization
b. Encourage repeat business
c. Loyal customers
d. Positive word of mouth

3.3 Some negative effects of not resolving an ethical issue in an organization

 Loss of potential customers
 Loss of organizational loyalty
 Bad reputation for the organization

3.4 is this an issue that has to be resolved? Why or why not?

According to my point of view this issue needs to be resolved. Because the organization will loss
a potential guest and on the other hand, the reputation and integrity of the organization will be
spoiled. Nowadays we are in a technology world, which means any unethical issue in an
organization will always be posted on the social media. Therefore, in order to avoid the bad
publicity the organization have to take extra precautions when dealing with any customer, guest
or stakeholder of the organization.

4. The validity and reliability of the issue

The organization did not show any reliable attitude towards the guest. Reliability means the
quality of being reliable, dependable or trustworthy to whom you are dealing with. They are also
not valid to the guest. Validity is the state of being valid, authentic or genuine to other people.

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 Summary
To conclude, Ethics is the study of moral principles that govern the actions of people in an
organization or society where they live. Ethics is all about right and wrong or good and evil. The
practice of ethics is important in every organization because it establishes a mechanism of
interaction between different people. On the contrary, unethical behaviour is an action that falls
outside of what is considered morally right or proper for a person, or an employee of an
organization. Furthermore, an organizational ethics are the policies, procedures and culture of
doing the right things in the face of difficult and often controversial issues that happen between
people. However, G.K Lodge is situated in the heart of Goroka Town and it operates under a
bigger industry known as Tourism and Hospitality Industry. Hospitality is the act of providing
food, water, entertainment and accommodation (room) to guest while tourism is the act of
leaving your original home and explore/travel to other places. In addition, an unethical practice
that happened in G.K Lodge was that the security guard did not respect the hotel guest. Finally,
ethics is important in business because it promote integrity among their employee and gain trust
from key stakeholders such as investors and consumers.

Recommendation
I suggest or recommend that before every working day begins the manager needs to assemble all
the subordinates and outline the organizational objectives. The objectives of the organization
governs the staffs to conduct themselves in a proper way that is accepted in the organization.
Therefore, the manager has to advise the subordinates on the features of business ethics, ethical
responsibilities, and standard principals and moral values that is accepted in the organization. A
feature of business ethics is code of conduct, it encourage the subordinates on what to do and
what not to do. Also ethical responsibilities should be outlined to them (subordinates) because it
focuses on general responsibilities to do what is right and avoid harm. In addition, if a staff is
empowered, motivated, and guided, he/she will perform better in the working field. In short, in
relation to the concern mentioned above it is the duty and responsibility of the manager to plan,
organize, direct, control and coordinate the activities of the subordinates to achieve
organizational objectives.

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 References

Bernard, A. (2019). G.K Lodge Images. Retrieved from https://www.gklodge.com

Cooper, A. Brotherton. (1999). Hospitality Industry, Macmillan Education, Australia.

Fox, M. (2018). Global Business Ethics Survey (PDF). Retrieved from https://www.google.com

Wape, D. (2021). Business Ethics, ITVET, BTHM, University of Goroka. Unpublished.

Wilkison, L. (2013). Applying Business Ethics (PDF). Retrieved from https://www.google.com

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Appendices

Appendix A (Lobby of the Lodge)

Figure 1. The two images below expose the lobby or car park of the lodge’s guest. (Picture
Courtesy, Bernard, A).

Appendix B (Entrance of the Lodge)

Figure 2. The picture below shows the entrance of G.K Lodge. (The guest spit the betel-nut into
the flower bed near the entrance and the security guard told her to pay a fee and they were
having quarrel near the entrance). (Picture Courtesy, Bernard, A).

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Area to be assessed Marks
Comments
Tittle page: Give your research a tittle Should have given the title of the 2/2
issues, not the name of the company
Abstract Good 3/3
 Should contain the main ideas in the report. No more than 100 words
Separate page.
Table of content Show in detail with information given 2/2
 Heading listed exactly as in the report relates to page numbers
 Page numbers shown
Introduction ( Strong & focused) Good 5/5
 A brief of the report, state the reason or purpose of writing the report. State
how the information contained in report was obtained.
The extent to which main stream of information are arranged Should focus on PNG Ethical Issues

the content of the paper demonstrates sound knowledge of concept, is substantive

with current information and statistics, thesis is thoroughly developed and relevant, 21/25
acknowledges other sources with correct in-text citations

Appropriate headings and sub headings and correct information under correct sub
headings.
Conclusion
Conclude by summarizing what has been discussed in the content. No new topic is 5/5
introduced.

Organisation of the paper fluently expresses ideas/concepts, is clearly stated and

supported well, is succinct and well organised, and is developed logically and expression of own idea 6/10
cohesively.
Mechanics of academic writing are demonstrated through effective and economical
use of vocabulary range at appropriate level, less grammatical error and correct in-text Need improvement 3/5
citation and reference listing.
References
 APA style of referencing on separate new page Study how to do a better referencing 3/3
 References listed in alphabetical order even from the words spoken

Total 12 days late 50-24

26 /60

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