Blow the whistle or dance to a tune! An ethical dilemma

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Asad Ali Qazi ◽  
Abdul Rehman Shaikh ◽  
Andrea Appolloni
Keyword(s):  
Ethical Dilemma ◽  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Ethical Dilemmas ◽  
Learning Outcome ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Whistle Blowing ◽  
Organizational Policies ◽  
Personal Ethics ◽  
Total Sales

Study level/applicability BBA. Case overview Mr Qazi was sitting in his office in the Multan branch, reviewing his past month’s key performance indicators when he got a call from his Town Operations Supervisor, Mr Ahmed, based in Bahawalpur. Ahmed was recently promoted and transferred to Bahawalpur, from Multan branch. He informed Qazi about the huge inventory variances, which were not earlier reported by the previous Town Operations Supervisor, Mr Sagheer. Qazi was informed that differences were around 2.37% of total sales vs the allowable company limit of Zero inventory variance. Qazi was worried about whether to report these differences to higher management or not. He was very well aware that reporting might even cost him his job, and that of Sagheer too. He could not see any solution to the recovery of the inventory or cash against the same. Should Qazi take a risk and let go of Sagheer? Should he report the differences? Expected learning outcome 1. Demonstrate the fraud and integrity-related issues. Why and how happened? 2. Analyzed the role of organizational policies in the decision of blow the whistle. 3. Identify the behaviors that helped a whistle-blower. 4. Assess the ethical dilemmas in which professional duties may conflict with personal ethics. 5. Propose organizational policies to encourage whistle-blowing and to discourage the fraud or integrity-related issues. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 9: Operations and logistics.

Executing strategy through comprehensive performance measurement systems

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 423-443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pietro Micheli ◽  
Matteo Mura
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Company Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cost Leadership ◽  
Measurement Systems ◽  
Comprehensive Performance ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Performance Measurement Systems

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mediating role of comprehensive performance measurement systems (PMS) – i.e. measurement systems that comprise financial and non-financial indicators, and which also consist of indicators related to different aspects of an organisation’s operations – in the relationship between strategy and company performance. Design/methodology/approach Survey data of top managers of large European companies were collected and analysed by means of exploratory factor analyses and hierarchical regressions in order to validate the proposed hypotheses. Findings This research shows that different strategies lead to the use of different types of performance indicators. Also, it finds that the utilisation of a comprehensive PMS enables the implementation of both differentiation and cost-leadership strategies. Specifically, a comprehensive PMS positively mediates the effect of differentiation strategy on organisational and innovative performance, and of cost-leadership strategy on organisational performance. Research limitations/implications Further research could be undertaken in other contexts and consider additional factors, such as the structure, maturity and different uses of PMS, and the cost of measuring performance. Qualitative studies could examine the role of PMS in dynamic environments, as well as the evolution of PMS during strategic transitions. Practical implications Greater consideration should be given to the utilisation of different types of performance indicators when implementing and re-formulating strategy. Originality/value This study clarifies the links between strategy and performance measurement, and it is the first to identify the mediating effect of comprehensive PMS between strategy and company performance.

A systematic review of work-life integration and role of flexible work arrangements

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sourabh Kumar ◽  
Sankersan Sarkar ◽  
Bhawna Chahar
Keyword(s):  
Work Life ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Flexible Work Arrangements ◽  
Flexible Work ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Policies ◽  
Work Arrangements ◽  
Future Research Agenda

Purpose The growing demands of work and life have shifted the concept of work-life balance to work-life integration (WLI). The success of integration depends upon the flexibility to perform the duties. This paper aims to explore the factors that affect WLI and the role of flexible work arrangements (FWAs) in the process of WLI. Design/methodology/approach Systematic literature review was used to explore the concept of WLI and FWAs. A bibliometric analysis was carried out with Bibexcel and VoSviewer. Findings This paper explained the organizational and personal factors that create the demand for WLI. The FWAs, perceived flexibility, technology and self-efficacy have important roles in WLI. The result of WLI can be enrichment or strain, depends upon how effectively the work-life domains are integrated. Originality/value This paper explores the work-life from both personal and organizational views. The findings of this paper will be useful to design the organizational policies and work arrangements that match the requirements of employees and organizations. This paper helps to develop the future research agenda of investigating the relations of WLI to performance, organizational policies and personal factors.

Psychological mechanisms linking ethical climate to employee whistle-blowing intention

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 196-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lulu Zhou ◽  
Yan Liu ◽  
Zhihong Chen ◽  
Shuming Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Risk Aversion ◽  
Organizational Identification ◽  
Ethical Climate ◽  
Moral Identity ◽  
Individual Risk ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Whistle Blowing ◽  
Moderating Role

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how a perceived ethical climate influences employees’ intention to whistle-blow through internal organizational channels and incorporates the mediating role of organizational identification and moral identity as well as the moderating role of individual risk aversion. Design/methodology/approach The five proposed hypotheses were tested using hierarchical regression analysis with two waves of data collected in 2016 from 667 employees in Chinese organizations. Findings The findings indicate that perceived ethical climate had a positive effect on employees’ internal whistle-blowing intention, which was mediated by organizational identification and moral identity. Furthermore, employees’ risk aversion weakened the effect of organizational identification, while the moderating role by moral identity on internal whistle-blowing intention was not validated. Originality/value This study explains the psychological mechanism of whistle-blowing intention from the perspective of social identity, which contributes to opening the “black box” of the transmitting processes from the perceived ethical climate to whistle-blowing intention. This study also extends the literature by defining a boundary condition of risk aversion that hinders organizational identification influence on employee whistle-blowing intention.

Psychiatrist-Patient Sexual Relationships: The Ethical Dilemmas

1993 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 133-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cherrie A. Galletly
Keyword(s):  
Therapeutic Relationship ◽  
Ethical Dilemma ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Ethical Dilemmas ◽  
Sexual Exploitation ◽  
Sexual Contact ◽  
Sexual Relationships ◽  
Power Inequality ◽  
Psychiatric Profession

Sexual relationships between psychiatrists and their patients raise a number of important ethical issues. The power inequality, transference and dependence which often occur in a therapeutic relationship render patients vulnerable to exploitation. Psychiatrists informed by a patient of sexual contact with a previous psychiatrist face a complex ethical dilemma. Attempts at regulation by professional organisations, or by the legal system, may create conflicts between the rights of the persons involved. The role of the psychiatric profession in confronting the problem of sexual exploitation of patients is discussed.

Customer-contact employees’ empowerment and customer performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (9) ◽  
pp. 1833-1859
Author(s):  
Sarra Berraies ◽  
Rached Chtioui ◽  
Mehrez Chaher
Keyword(s):  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Banking Sector ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Customer Relationship ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Customer Contact ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediating Role

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between the customer-contact employees’ (CCE) empowerment and customer performance indicators, namely, perceived service quality (PSQ), customer satisfaction (CS), customer loyalty (CL) and word-of-mouth (WOM). The authors deepen the analysis by highlighting the mediating role of the dimensions of the customer relationship management (CRM) effectiveness in this link. The authors also investigate links between customer performance indicators. Design/methodology/approach An empirical study was carried out on the basis of a questionnaire administrated to a sample of 215 Tunisian bank CCE and 516 customers. Data analysis was performed using the structural equation modeling method. Findings Findings reveal that the CCE’ empowerment contributes to PSQ, CS and all the dimensions of CRM effectiveness which in turn are key factors of customer performance. This research also outlines the mediating role of two dimensions of the CRM effectiveness, namely, organizational commitment and customer experience between CCE’ empowerment and PSQ and CS, respectively. In addition, the study highlights that PSQ improves CS which is positively linked to CL. Finally, loyal customers tend to generate positive WOM. Originality/value Few studies have investigated the effects of the CCE’ empowerment on PSQ, CS, CL and positive WOM, especially in the banking sector. This research fills this gap by highlighting the mediating role of the dimensions of the CRM effectiveness in these links. This paper offers interesting insights to bankers by providing them with tools to improve their customers’ relationship. In this sense, banks must bet on the proximity of the CCE as a key asset that allows creating a real sense of closeness with customers and offers lighting to banks on how to create customized marketing approaches to ensure customer performance.

Dealing With Ethical Dilemma

2022 ◽  
pp. 298-316
Author(s):  
Shobha Mishra ◽  
Vibhuti Tripathi
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Ethical Dilemma ◽  
Ethical Dilemmas ◽  
Unique Role ◽  
Ethical Environment ◽  
Unethical Decision Making ◽  
Sales Behavior

The unique role of salespeople as “revenue generators” for any organization is pivotal for its growth and success. An interfacing role of salesperson between organization and customers facilitates customer belief and builds long-term relationships. Due to affiliative separation, salespersons face ethical dilemmas more often than their counterparts. The chapter delineates the unique characteristics of sales behavior and major influencers that affect a salesperson's ethical/unethical decision making. The authors recommend designing of effective ethical plan and its implementation to inculcate a robust ethical environment/culture within an organization.

scholarly journals Practices of corporate integrity and accountability of non-profit organizations in Malaysia

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (12) ◽  
pp. 2271-2286 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruhaya Atan ◽  
Md. Mahmudul Alam ◽  
Jamaliah Said
Keyword(s):  
Training And Education ◽  
Leadership Ethics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Whistle Blowing ◽  
Five Dimensions ◽  
Non Profit Organizations ◽  
Corporate Integrity ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the five dimensions of corporate integrity systems (CISs) and their effects on accountability outcomes of non-profit organizations (NPOs). Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 550 surveys conducted among NPOs in Malaysia registered under Registrar of Society. Regression analysis was conducted to examine the relationships between five dimensions of CISs and accountability outcomes. Findings The findings revealed that all five dimensions of CISs (compliance, policies and rules, organizational culture, leadership, ethics training and education, and whistle blowing) significantly contribute to positive accountability outcomes of NPOs. Practical implications In order for NPOs to deliver greater accountability outcomes to their stakeholders, serious emphasis on CISs is vital. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first empirical study to examine the role of CIS dimensions and accountability outcomes in the case of NPOs in Malaysia.

Ayanda Mbatha: resilience in action during the COVID-19 pandemic (A)

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Frank Magwegwe
Keyword(s):  
Resource Management ◽  
Human Resource Management ◽  
Human Resource ◽  
Learning Outcome ◽  
Attitudes And Beliefs ◽  
Corporate Education ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Level ◽  
The Face

Complexity/Academic level Undergraduate, postgraduate and corporate education. Case overview This case describes Ayanda Mbatha’s response, attitudes and beliefs after retrenched from his position as a technician and draughtsman at Rheinmetall Denel Munition during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mbatha responded with resilience to losing his job. Mbatha’s attitudes and beliefs enabled him to creatively search for a new job amidst escalating retrenchments. The case examines the factors important for resilience and demonstrates why resilience is an essential skill for individuals dealing with adversity. The case dilemma involves the choices Mbatha had to make during and after the retrenchment process initiated by his employer. Expected learning outcome We designed this case to facilitate the understanding of what is resilience and why resilience is an essential skill for individuals facing adversity. Specifically, the case aims to help students to: 1. Describe the construct of resilience in the context of individuals. 2. Identify factors that promote resilience. 3. Explain what resilient individuals do in the face of adversity. 4. Evaluate the importance of resilience during adversity. 5. Evaluate the role of prior adversity in the development of resilience. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 6: Human Resource Management.

Developing an Engaging Online Engineering Ethics Course for Future Engineers

2018 ◽  
pp. 241-265
Author(s):  
Julie M. Little ◽  
Patricia S. Fox
Keyword(s):  
Ethical Behavior ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Ethical Decision Making ◽  
Code Of Ethics ◽  
Ethical Dilemmas ◽  
Engineering Ethics ◽  
Whistle Blowing ◽  
Ethics Course ◽  
Online Methods

This chapter describes the process of developing both an engaging and motivating online ethics course for future engineers; and includes major concepts in engineering ethics beginning with why engineering students should study ethics at all. Next the various levels of ethics are examined, which include personal, organizational, and global ethics, and how each level then applies to the profession of engineering. Ethical behavior, ethical dilemmas and whistle-blowing are also defined and discussed. Ethical decision-making models, which are used to solve ethical dilemmas, are explained and examples are presented to engage students in the process. The significance of how engineers are held to higher standard and must adhere to both their professional code of ethics along with their organization's code of ethics is also emphasized. Understanding the role of ethical leadership and how it impacts an organization follows. Finally, engaging online methods for teaching ethics to engineering students will be explored throughout.

Followers’ reactions to self-serving leaders: the influence of the organization's budget policy

2014 ◽  
Vol 29 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 202-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stijn Decoster ◽  
Jeroen Stouten ◽  
Thomas M. Tripp
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Organizational Context ◽  
Turnover Intentions ◽  
Fiscal Year ◽  
Central Administration ◽  
Causal Inferences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Policies ◽  
Budget Policy

Purpose – Even though leaders often are seen as responsible guides, they sometimes behave in a self-serving way, for example, by spending the company's budget on their own, frivolous needs. In this study, the authors explore an aspect of such behavior: the authors examine how an organizational budget policy makes such spending more legitimate in the eyes of followers. Specifically, the authors examine when followers will react to a leader's self-serving behavior as a function of: the role of organizational budget policies, and whether followers are directly affected by the leader's behavior. The authors test two particular budget policies, i.e. carry-forward vs non-carry-forward (a.k.a., “use-it-or-lose-it” budget policies), which differ on whether a department/team's allocations not spent by the end of the fiscal year flow back to the central administration. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Study 1 is a multi-source field study that should enhance the external validity of the results. Study 1 was analyzed with regression analyses and bootstrapping techniques. To be able to draw causal inferences, the authors also conducted an experimental study (Study 2). Findings – Followers react more negatively – by showing increased turnover intentions and decreased commitment and cooperation – to a leader's self-serving behavior in a carry-forward policy than in a use-it-or-lose-it budget policy. Thus, organizational policies, such as the budget policy, affect how followers react to self-serving leaders. Originality/value – The authors focus on self-serving leader behavior. The authors show that followers’ reactions to self-serving leaders are not necessarily negative and are influenced by the specific organizational context in which the self-serving behavior occurs. More specifically, the authors add to the literature by introducing budget policies as influencing followers’ reactions to leaders’ behavior.

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