Business Ethics Touchstone 2 Template
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Apr 3, 2024
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Business Ethics Touchstone 2 Template
Name: Julia Berger
Date: Step 1. Select ONE code of ethics from the list provided.
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3M https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/ethics-compliance/code/
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Berkshire Hathaway https://www.berkshirehathaway.com/govern/ethics.pdf
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Starbucks https://livingourvalues.starbucks.com/en-us/
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SHRM https://www.shrm.org/about-shrm/pages/code-of-ethics.aspx
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ASAE https://www.asaecenter.org/about-us/policies/code-of-conduct
Step 2. Answer the following questions, applying the vocabulary and concepts from the tutorials
.
1. Give the name of the company or organization you have chosen from the list above.
I have chosen 3M.
2. Find each of the following topics in the code of ethics you have chosen. Write 1-2 sentences paraphrasing or summarizing the company policy on each topic. If you cannot find a policy on the topic, indicate why you think they company did not provide a policy and what potential problems might occur because they do not have a policy.
Basic conduct
3M’s code of ethics centers around the importance of honesty and integrity within business relationships. All employees are responsible for treating everyone with respect and upholding the companies core values and principles. Any employee that goes against this code will be subject to disciplinary action up to termination.
Confidentiality
3M’s confidentiality is very clear and states that employees are personally responsible for safeguarding and not disclosing any proprietary or confidential information, partners, customers, as well as intellectual property, personal data and business strategies.
Competition
3M is committed to leveling the playing field so it is both fair and ethical. They do not engage in any anti-competitive activities and all employees are expected to adhere to all competition regulations. This includes not engaging in anything that could be considered market dominance.
Giving and receiving gifts
3M’s code of ethics states that employees should not engage in any activities that could give the impression that business decisions are influenced or appear to be influenced by gifts.
Insider trading
Any and all types of insider trading are strictly prohibited by 3M’s policy. Employees with confidential information not open to the public are prohibited from buying or selling 3M stock or disclosing
information to third parties.
Social media usage
3M provides guidelines for social media use. Employees are allowed to use social media in a professional and respectful way. Employes must not share sensitive, proprietary information or classified information via social media.
Disparagement
3M’s code of ethics did not include a policy on Disparagement but
they do have policies on maintaining a positive and respectful workplace which could be translated into a Disparagement. Without this policy it could lead to inconsistencies, and ambiguities.
3. Based on the evidence seen in part 2, write a 5-7 sentence paragraph describing whether the company’s ethical code describes an ethical minimum (legal compliance) or
a higher ethical standard. Support your answers with specific examples from the code of ethics.
3M’s code of ethics goes above and beyond moral and ethical minimums. Their code of ethics guides employees to go beyond following the law. They push integrity and honesty in all dealings. Encouraging employees to report unethical behavior or anything that would go against 3M’s beliefs creates a culture of transparency and accountability. 3M also commits to sustainability in a very clear way. They comply with environmental laws but
also take proactive steps to reduce their carbon footprint. 4. Based on the evidence seen in part 2, write a 5-7 sentence paragraph describing what
kind of culture the company seems to have based on the competing values framework (adhocracy, clan, market, hierarchy). Write 5-7 sentences supporting your answer with specific examples from the code of ethics. The 3m company is more closely aligned with the “clan and “market’ cultures within competing values framework. Clan culture is characterized by a people- oriented atmosphere and cooperation and trust are valued. Respect for employes and the individual are part of the
mutually beneficial relationships concept. 3ms emphasis on customer satisfaction and delivering superior results closely follow the market culture. These are results driven and focused on success. The market culture is also supported with the emphasis on “compliance with laws and regulations”.
5. Based on the evidence seen in part 2, write a 5-7 sentence paragraph describing what
ethical theory they seem to follow (virtue ethics, utilitarianism, or deontology). Support your answer with specific examples from the code of ethics.
3m’s code of ethics are a combination of two ethical theories. The first theory is deontological. This theory can be seen on their focus on obligations and rules, like the requirement of all employees to always act with integrity and honesty. The second theory is virtue. Virtue ethics are more focused on character and virtue. The code of ethics urges employees to foster an environment of integrity by upholding social and cultural standards. This means that not only are the actions of the employees valued but their character as well.
6. Based on this organization’s code of ethics, write 2-3 sentences in response to each question.
Do you feel they are reasonable and employee-
centered? Yes. 3M’s code of ethics is reasonable and employee centered. They emphasize the importance of integrity, respect, and fairness
on all of its actions: all of which are principles that benefit employees. They also promote open communication and opportunities to let their employees speak without fear of retaliation.
Do any of the policies give you concern? No. 3M’s code covers a majority of ethical practices and seems to leave no stone unturned. From conflicts of interest, the prevention of bribery, and the prevention of discrimination the code of ethics seems to cover all the bases but the enforcement of the policies will determine if they’re effective or not.
Would you want to work here? Why or why not?
Yes. Based on the code of ethics alone the employee centered and open communication are extremely comforting to know that I would be valued. What additional information
would you find useful I would like to know what career growth opportunities are available, what the work environment is like and the process they
take to deal with ethical issues. Getting first hand accounts from
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before making a decision to work here or not?
employees as well would be helpful.
Step 3. Refer to the checklist below throughout the writing process. Do not submit your Touchstone until it meets these guidelines.
❒ Did you select a code of ethics from the ones listed above
and read it carefully in its entirety?
❒ Did you locate each topic in the code of ethics and describe it in your own words?
❒ If any policy is missing, did you explain in your own words why they may not have
included a policy and what problems may occur because of this?
❒ Did you answer all of the subsequent questions using both language from the code of ethics and the concepts and terms covered in the tutorials?
❒ Did you meet the length requirements for each question?
❒ Did you review the rubric and compare your assignment with the rubric to ensure
all elements have been addressed?
❒ Did you read through your assignment to ensure no grammar errors exist? Did you use spell check?