Business Ethics Touchstone 2 - Diego Beteta
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Southern New Hampshire University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
225
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Apr 3, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
4
Uploaded by HighnessProton14584
Business Ethics Touchstone 2 Template
Name: Diego Beteta
Date: 2/8/2024
Step 1. Select ONE code of ethics from the list provided.
●
3M https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/ethics-compliance/code/
●
Berkshire Hathaway https://www.berkshirehathaway.com/govern/ethics.pdf
●
Starbucks https://livingourvalues.starbucks.com/en-us/
●
SHRM https://www.shrm.org/about-shrm/pages/code-of-ethics.aspx
●
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.
Berkshire Hathaway
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
The code emphasizes ethical behavior, transaction integrity, and law compliance. It sets ethical and legal behavior standards and provides mechanisms for reporting violations.
Confidentiality
Covered Parties must maintain the confidentiality of information, except when legally required to disclose. This includes all non-
public information that might benefit competitors or harm the Company.
Competition
The document does not explicitly mention competition policies, suggesting a focus on fair and ethical dealings without specific guidelines on competition.
Giving and receiving gifts
Gifts and entertainment must be customary, not excessive, cannot be seen as bribes, and must comply with laws. No cash gifts are allowed.
Insider trading
Insider trading is prohibited, with covered parties not allowed to use confidential information for securities trading or share it with others.
Social media usage
There is no specific mention of social media usage policies, indicating a potential oversight or a decision to focus on broader ethical principles.
Disparagement
While not explicitly mentioned, the emphasis on ethical conduct and integrity suggests a stance against disparagement, aligning actions with high ethical standards.
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.
Their Code of Ethics sets a higher ethical standard, not just the minimum required by law. It encourages acting ethically and with integrity, going beyond just following laws. For example, it
asks employees to consider how their actions would look on the front page of a newspaper, emphasizing accountability and transparency. It also prohibits insider trading and requires confidentiality, ensuring employees act in the company's best interest. This approach promotes
a culture of honesty and trust, aiming for ethical behavior that exceeds legal requirements.
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 Code suggests a culture that blends elements of a clan and adhocracy. The emphasis on ethical behavior, integrity, and personal responsibility indicates a clan culture where trust and mutual respect are essential. This is seen in how employees are encouraged to act ethically beyond legal requirements. The adhocracy aspect is reflected in the encouragement of innovation and proactive problem-solving, as seen in the encouragement to think about how
actions would be viewed publicly and to always act in the company's best interest. This creates
an environment that values ethical decision-making and supports continuous improvement and
ethical excellence.
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.
The Code aligns closely with virtue ethics, focusing on the character and virtues of individuals. It encourages employees to act with integrity and ethical behavior, indicating a desire for individuals to develop good moral character. For example, the guideline that asks employees to consider how their actions would be viewed on the front page of a newspaper encourages transparency and accountability, traits valued in virtue ethics. This approach suggests the company values not just the outcomes of actions but the moral qualities and intentions behind them, aiming to cultivate a culture of ethical excellence.
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, the policies seem reasonable and focused on creating an ethical, transparent, and responsible workplace for employees. They emphasize integrity, fairness, and respect, which are important for a positive work environment.
Do any of the policies give you concern? No specific policy raises concern; instead, they collectively suggest a high ethical standard and a commitment to doing the right thing, which is reassuring.
Would you want to work here? Why or why not?
Based on the code of ethics alone, working here appears appealing due to the strong emphasis on ethical conduct, integrity, and accountability. It suggests a culture that values employees and encourages responsible and ethical behavior.
What additional information
would you find useful before making a decision to work here or not?
Before deciding to work here, I would like to know more about how these policies are implemented in day-to-day operations, examples of ethical dilemmas faced by the company and how they were resolved, and feedback from current and former
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
employees about the company culture and management's support for ethical practices.
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?