Exam 10: Organizational Culture and Ethical Values

Give an example of an ethical dilemma that would perplex you as a manager if it were to occur in an organization where you work. What makes the situation you describe meet the definition of "ethical dilemma?"

The ____ arises from a set of codified principles and regulations that describe how people are required to act, are generally accepted in society, and are enforceable in the courts.

Explain why ethical behavior of companies is as much an issue of organization culture as it is an issue of personal ethics.

Organizational culture:

____ are principles that guide the decisions and behaviors of managers with regard to whether they are right or wrong in a moral sense.

If the rule of law and ethical standards were drawn as a venn diagram, the two circles would overlap completely.

____ refers to the quality of interactions among people and whether they share a common perspective.

When interpreting culture, one of the important observable aspects of the culture would be rites and ceremonies such as the rite of passage.

A symbol is something that represents another thing.

Explain the differences between the various types of rites--passage and integration.

Internal integration, as related to corporate culture, means that members develop a collective identity and know how to work together effectively.

Take a position on the following statement: A bureaucratic culture is less employee-oriented than a clan culture. Defend your position.

A code of ethics is a formal statement of the company's values concerning ethics and social responsibility; it clarifies to employees what the company stands for and its expectations for employee conduct.

In a mission culture, managers shape behavior by envisioning and communicating a desired future state for the organization.

Symbols are narratives based on true events that are frequently shared among organizational employees and told to new employees to inform them about an organization.

Top leaders are responsible for creating and sustaining a culture that emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior for every employee.

Which of the following is (are) manifestation(s) of corporate culture?

Why should whistle-blowers be protected in an organization? In your opinion, where does protection of the whistle-blower fall in the relationship between legal requirements (or rule of law) and ethical standards?

The single best way to make sure an organization stays on solid ethical ground is to have a strong code of ethics and make sure all employees are familiar with its guidelines.

____ means that members develop a collective identity and know how to work together effectively.