Final answer:
Organizational ethics typically begin at the top levels of management. Ethical behavior is expected from all members of an organization, and many have codes of ethics to guide behavior. Modern corporations have complex structures, making ethical guidelines pertinent at every level.
Step-by-step explanation:
Organizational Ethics and Management
Organizational ethics are a critical part of business ethics and refer to the moral principles that guide the behavior of an organization. Fundamentally, the tone for an ethical organization is set at all levels, but it typically begins at the top levels of management. Leaders at this level are responsible for establishing and promoting the values and standards that dictate ethical behavior throughout the organization. Ethical behavior is expected not only to comply with laws and regulations but also to go beyond compliance, reflecting the company's internal principles and culture.
Organizational ethics encompass everyone within the organization, however, large multinational corporations exhibit diverse and complex structures that require more robust ethical codes and policies to navigate the multifaceted relationships between management, employees, and stakeholders. It should be noted that ethical behavior within an organization should permeate all levels and is not exclusive to any single group such as full-time employees, labor unions and employee groups, or mid-level and supervisory managers. The responsibility of ethical behavior and implementation of ethical policies is comprehensive and inclusive.
Furthermore, the emergence of flat organizational structures has led to a shift towards teamwork, resulting in a greater emphasis on ethical collaboration among all levels of an organization. Managers and employees are expected to maintain collegial relationships, with a greater openness to feedback, inclusive of diverse perspectives.
To ensure ethical conduct, many businesses and professional organizations institute codes of ethics. These codes outline the ethical obligations of professionals within the organization and are binding in nature, requiring adherence for qualifications and ongoing membership. Such codes seek to guide behavior around critical issues, relating back to normative theories of ethics, and foster a workplace environment where corporate responsibility is taken seriously.