Abstract
Ethics is a necessity for organizations and human existence, without ethics, organizations or an individual action would be indiscriminate and purposeless. An ethical dilemma encompasses the decision to choose between two or more equitably satisfactory course of action, where one option constraints choosing the other, or obligation to choose amongst equally unacceptable options.
Introduction
The Economic Competitiveness Group, ECP is a global company consisting of professional planners, management consultants and economists dedicated in assisting clients attain viable economic success by embracing creativity, group based policy, distinct cooperative implementation practice and a multitude of associated organized and company building services (Economic Competitiveness Group, 2011).
More specifically, ECG has aided regions to design and implement action based economic development strategies to achieve their needs. In enduring to empower its clients to achieve economic goals, ECG is faced with unethical dilemma of corruption (Economic Competitiveness Group, 2011).
The weakness has been deeply ingrained in the organization as a precondition to win major contracts especially when competition exists among its competitors.
This paper discusses two ethical theories. The paper also relates these theories in the operations of the ECG.
Utilitarianism Theory
Utilitarian theory tends to characterize an organization trend in fulfilling its needs of self as well as fulfilling the needs of other people. The principle in the utilitarian approach designates that; any action should incorporate certain principles, which create satisfaction, within oneself and others. According to Nina (2005), an action that results in the moral rectitude and content should always be viewed as very useful.
As the theory asserts, an organization has to decide what is convenient for it to sustain integrity and remain unique among the others besides fulfilling the needs of its clients. ECG can incorporate this approach in assessing the unethical effect that corruption can stand in its quest for securing contracts from its clients.
Thus, according to Nina (2005), any activity that provides mutual satisfaction is right, and any action that provides otherwise is unfortunate. The utilitarian theory provides a organization and the human ethical guidelines, that reinforces moral principles and practices.
Kant’s moral approach
This moral theory is also known as the obligatory theory (deontology). Kant’s moral theory is in contrast with the utilitarian application and it depicts a small correlation exists between actual, moral philosophy and the consequences of an action (Hinman, 2007). The Kant’s approach observes that reverence for the ethical order must be present.
By embracing this approach, whenever an action is done positively, the cost, whether good or bad does not matter. Ethical law helps in defining what our consciousness sees is incorrect or good. Thus, it helps to free our minds from guilty thoughts. According to Hinman Naturally, moral principle asserts that bribing to obtain a favor is wrong (2007).
This theory can be of importance for ECG in assessing its business practices. A sincere, and transparency strategy of gaining or winning an organization improve support efficiency and integrity. ECG can appreciate the Kant’s moral philosophy. This will provide an opportunity in assessing the abhorrent practices of corruption in its quest in sustaining its competitive advantage among similar firms.
Thus, in recognizing the Kant’s theory, ECG will be in appropriate positioning in assessing the unethical implication of corruption. Correct choice of the instrumental value can results also in the attainment of an intrinsic value for ECG.
Reference List
Economic Competitiveness Group, (2011). The Company Description. Web.
Hinman, L. M. (2007). Ethics: a Pluralistic Approach to Moral Theory, Connecticut: Cengage Learning.
Nina, R. (2005). The Moral of the Story: An Introduction to Ethics, New York: McGraw-Hill.