chapter 6.ETHICS

CHAPTER 6

ETHICS

OBJECTIVES:

            1. The students are able to explain the words concerning with ethics

            2. The students are able to tell the tips to be more effective when using telephone.

1. INTRODUCTION TO ETHICS

            Business Ethics deals with the right and wrong actions that arise in any work environment. Sometimes a conflict exists between an ideal decision and one that is practical under certain conditions. It is important that companies and individuals evaluate their ethical responsibilities when making decisions. It is important to remember that ethics are both personally and culturally defined.

DISCUSSION

1. Discuss how ethical or unethical the following situations are. Do you think these situations occur often?

            a. Cheating on an exam

            b. Spreading rumors about someone that aren’t true.

            c. Lying to make yourself look better.

            d. Taking home company supplies

2. Read about the following situations and decide if they are ethical (no problem) or unethical). Give your reasons!

Situation 1

            The owner of a freight company is petitioned by an animal right organization to stop shipment of exotic tropical birds. The activists charge that the tropical bird trade is inhumane and is leading to the extinction of several species. The shipping mogul, while sympathetic to these views, argues that hundreds of destitute peasants who hunt the birds could be adversely affected. Besides, the importation of the birds represents a significant amount of the company’s earning. He decides to continue the shipment but declares that 5 percent of the profits will go toward creating a wildlife sanctuary in the rain forest.

Situation 2

A real estate agent doesn’t tell the buyer that the house she is buying is near a former toxic waste dump site.

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Situation 3

A job applicant finds out the day before her job interview that she is pregnant. She decides not to say anything rather than jeopardize her chances.

Situation 4

An administrative assistant routinely makes up excuses for her boss to upper management and to his wife when he takes long lunches with his secretary.

3. Why do ethics vary from person to person?

4. Do you think people today have the same morals and values people had twenty years  

    ago? Explain!

5. Do you think that the people running your country’s government and business are

    generally honest? Explain!

6. How do you think competition among employees affects ethics in the workplace?

7. Do you think that businesses and society today place too much emphasis on profit

     and success? What effect does this have on ethical behavior?

8. Discuss the following statement: A company that wishes to encourage ethics must

    pursue a strategy that includes non-economic goals.

9. How do you think company should treat dishonest employees?

10. Do you agree with the statement : “An honest person can be influenced to engage in

      unethical behavior if the work environment has no system of checks and balances”?
      Explain!

11. What specific things can a company or a government do to encourage ethical

      behavior?

12. Do you think corporations have a responsibility in preserving our environment?

      Explain!

2. LANGUAGE SKILL

USING THE TELEPHONE

            In today’s business world, being able to communicate effectively on the telephone can mean the difference between success and failure. Not only do sales jobs rely on the use of the telephone, but the phone helps to carry out many functions that people rely on every day, such inquiring, confirming, interviewing, complaining, and

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ordering. The following are some tips to help you be more effective when using the telephone.

1. Be prepared

Write down the important points that you want to talk about before you dial the phone.

2. Be Direct

Know your purpose for calling, and know the desired results.

3. Be friendly

Since you will be judged on your voice alone, it is important to project a warm, friendly, and enthusiastic tone. People will be more responsive to you and more willing to talk to you.

4. Be Courteous

Use the commonly accepted format of greeting and closing. Conversations usually consist of a greeting, a statement of purpose for calling, and a closing. A typical greeting and statement of purpose for calling could be the following : “Hello, Mr. Smith. My name is Bob Jones and I’m with the orange Computer Company. How are you? (Response from the other person.) The reason I’m calling is because……” A typical closing could be (depending on the situation):”I enjoyed talking with you and I hope that you will consider using our product. If I can be of any help to you please don’t hesitate to call me. I’ll send you our company brochure highlighting our new product. Thank you for your time, Mr. Smith. I look forward to talking with you soon.”

5. Be Interest

Listen to the person you’re talking with. Show that you’re interested in that person and what he or she is saying. Listen to his or her concerns and try to resolve them.

6. Be Precise

Be able to explain yourself in a concise manner.

7. Be articulate

Enunciate your words clearly and don’t speak too quickly.

8. Be attentive

Give the person you’re talking to your full attention. Don’t do other things at the same time that may be distracting

9. Leave Message

If the person you want to speak with is not available, leave a message with his or her secretary or on the answering machine. Don’t be afraid to speak into an answering

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machine. Wait for the tone and identify yourself and you company and give your phone number. Know what the message is that you want to leave, and say it as few words as possible.

10. Be Resourceful

Don’t hang up until you’ve gotten the information that you want . You may have difficulty reaching that person again.