Ethics Awareness

Andrew L. Urich, J.D.Puterbaugh Professor of Ethics & Legal

StudiesSpears School of BusinessOklahoma State University

aurich@okstate.eduwww.andrewurich.com

Ethics Awareness

I am NOT here to moralize.

“Awareness” changes human behavior.

Who Am I to Discuss Ethics? I am a hypocrite. I play favorites. I interpret rules to my benefit. I have been known to ignore rules that get in my way. I hate to admit I’m wrong even in those rare situations

when it looks like I might be. I am much more likely to believe things that benefit

me. I like my ideas better just because they’re mine. When things go wrong, I look for someone to share the

blame.

Who Am I to Discuss Ethics? Sometimes I think it’s fun to say “no” just

because I have the power to do so.

Here is how I make decisions: I decide what I want the answer to be – and then make up the logical reasons to support my decision.

I tend to judge myself by my intentions rather than my actions.

I tend to judge others by their actions rather than their intentions.

Key Points to Remember Human nature is not naturally ethical.

Ethics is gray – not black and white. (In other words, you can’t just say you’re an ethical person – and

that’s all there is to it)

It is difficult to be ethical all of the time.

Ethical Lapses in the News

Enron inflated earnings by $586 million — investors lost $60 billion

Adelphia founder used corporate assets as collateral for $3.1 billion in personal loans — company bankrupt

WorldCom overstated profits by $7.1 billion — 17,000 workers laid off

Barings Bank’s Nick Leeson caused his employer's collapse in 1995 after losing US$1.3 billion in unauthorized derivatives trading.

The Tyco PartyTyco CEO looted company of $600 million

Because your reputation is

worth it!

Please rememberEnron’s real problem!

Why are we here today?

Case problem

The Thrifty V.P.

Case problem 1

The Thrifty V.P.Just following ordersEthics and young peopleEntrapment

Does everyone have their price?

Ethics Today Times are changing in society!

Do ethics change with the times???

Discussion Question What do you use as an ethical

guideline? In other words, how do you decide what’s ethical?

Should ethical decisions be based on “gut instinct” or “conscience?”

Examining Unethical BehaviorOverview of Topics

1. It’s easier not to be ethical.

2. Beliefs about the ethics of others

3. Attitudes toward the company

4. Self-delusion (Rationalization)

It’s Easier Not To Be Ethical Easier to do what’s convenient Easier to conform to norms Easier to do what’s profitable Easier to win if you cheat

It is very difficult to overcome the challenges of human nature

It’s Easier Not To Be EthicalBut It’s Worth the Trouble

Ethics is the key to leadership and client confidence.

“A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.”

Mark Twain

Case Problem

The Sniff Test

2. Beliefs About the Ethics of Others

Everyone thinks like me.

People follow the leader.

Different ethics for different situations?

Do you use the same standard of ethics in all aspects of your life? For example, is your standard the same with your family, at church, at work, with personal business, etc.?

3. Attitudes Toward the CompanyThe Need for Ethical Leadership

Trust and respect

Do managers practice what they preach?(You are the messenger)

Employees want to “even things out.”

Authority is Out—Influence is In

Trust other peopleDavid Halper, British Sociologist

34% Americans 29% British 31% Mexicans up from 19% in

1983 60% Dutch 68% Scandinavians

Harris Poll on Trust 22% trust media 8% political parties 27% government 12% large corporations

Convicts vs. MBAs

Big Idea Do you trust your boss?

Productivity and ethical behavior Mercer Management Consulting– 60% of

US workers do not trust their manager to communicate honestly

Management impacts trust

Showing Respect & Building Trust

You will never prove them wrong Admit to your mistakes

“My child choked on a chicken bone”

Winston Churchill’s thoughts on the subject

Showing Respect

Showing Respect

Case Problem

Mass IP & SSC

Trust is CompetenceWarren Buffett, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.”

I’m the manager, I can coast while others do the work.

Do you have 15 years experience or one year of experience 15 times?

What do you think of people who cover their bottoms?

What if we train people and they leave?

4. Self-Delusion Rationalization: polite term for self-

delusion

“The greatest of all faults, I should say, is to be conscious of none.” --Thomas Carlyle (1795 – 1881) Scottish writer

Case problem

Just Trying to Help

Case Problem Bedlam Football

Guideline for Ethical Decision Making

1. Is there an applicable law or organizational policy?

2. Should I ask about this before acting?

3. Have I taken time to think carefully before acting?

4. Would I disclose my decision to my supervisor, CEO, mother, etc.?(What if everyone found out?)

Guideline for Ethical Decision Making

5. Am I avoiding the appearance of impropriety?

6. Am I defining the problem correctly?

7. Am I rationalizing?

8. Finally, when in doubt, do I know who to contact?

The Secret to Happiness

Self-delusion

Hypocrisy

Ignorance

The Secret to Happiness

Ignorance is Bliss“People who do things badly are supremely

confident in their abilities — more confident, in fact, than people who do things

well. Not only do they reach erroneous

conclusions and make unfortunate choices, but their incompetence robs

them of the ability to realize it.”

Dunning, David Journal of Personality and Social Psychology December 1999.

Thank You!

Facebook.com/ProfessorUrich

aurich@okstate.edu

www.andrewurich.com

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Schuster, 1989. Covey, Stephen C.R. The Speed of Trust, New York: Simon & Schuster, 2006. Fisher, Roger and William Ury. Getting to Yes. New York: Viking Penguin, Inc., 1981. Koch, Charles G., The Science of Success, Wiley & Sons, 2007. Lakoff, George. Moral Politics: How Liberals and Conservatives Think. The University of

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2003. Nelsen, Jane, et. al. Positive Discipline, Three Rivers Press, 1998. Paul, Richard. Critical Thinking. Santa Rosa, CA: Foundation for Critical Thinking, 1993.