Discussion: Why be Ethical

            Businesses and corporations face numerous ethical dilemmas, and unfortunately, a considerable portion disregards moral conduct. Some ignore stakeholders' interests and needs and focus mainly on their benefits. In this context, ethics and compliance are independent concepts that affect IT companies differently. Businesses must not solely focus on making profits but should instead adhere to ethics to avoid legal consequences, build a positive image, adhere to logic, and uphold moral standards. Thus, ethics are mandatory in IT companies as they drive productiveness and avoid immense consequences that could prove detrimental.

            Moreover, ethics helps firms maintain a positive public image that could be elusive when operating under mere compliance (Bulog & Gran?i?, 2017). They should make proactive decisions on change and other courses of action to nurture an excellent public rapport and subsequent productiveness. Thus, reputation and trust are fundamental features of IT companies that influence success, particularly in the age of technology. For instance, customers and businesses prefer working with companies that uphold ethical standards when handling user information. They admire companies that guarantee the privacy and security of user data through a robust ethical framework. Therefore, ethical leadership and operations enhance its image and set it apart from competitors who only comply with established regulations.

              Finally, ethical standards are inherently good for business under the pragmatic and logical perception of their compatibility with efficiency and success. Typically, unethical practices are likely to trigger conflict among different stakeholders, a fundamental cause of business failure. Ultimately, ethical practices appear as the “appropriate thing to do” after an IT company examines other underlying reasons. Some typically nurture an ethical culture to support perfect functioning with no particular benefit in return.  

Why be Ethical: Discussion Responses

Response I

Hi Gizaw. Indeed, ethics and compliance arguably intersect, but the former has a fundamental value. Compliance is inherently defined by law or policies, making it somewhat unavoidable and mandatory. Thus, employees operating in a compliance-centered culture make decisions on predetermined grounds. On the other hand, ethics entails decisions and judgments undertaken every day in a company and could define wrong or right. Employees in an ethical culture base their judgment and decisions on a broader paradigm that safeguards the interests of virtually all stakeholders. Furthermore, compliance is somewhat reactive since employees are bound to refer to established rules and regulations only when facing dilemmas. Conversely, ethics follow a proactive process that prepares leaders and employees actively for diverse situations.    

Response II

            Hi Sadhu. Indeed, ethics affect personal and business lives, though most people disregard them and act in their best interest. Thus, companies must foster an ethical culture by educating and training employees on identifying and reporting any unethical practices. Ethics is a broad and complex philosophy that demands proactiveness from the entire organization to take effect. On the other hand, compliance is relatively straightforward as it involves adhering to established rules and regulations to keep the company productive and free from legal action. However, focusing solely on compliance is risky for IT companies since unethical practices could have detrimental consequences, including permanent failure.