Ethics

“The application of ethical values to business behaviour”

The business ethics debate has moved on it is no longer about right versus wrong it is often about right versus right. Decisions made in complex situations where personal and organisational values conflict. In these situations the dilemma for managers is less about knowing the rules and more about having the moral courage to take action when they feel their values are being compromised.

Managers need to know what to say, to whom, and how to say it. To develop this moral courage the debate needs to move from talk to action.  The question therefore is what action do people need to take and how can they be supported to do the right thing?

We are working with the Institute of Business Ethics to develop a business decision making simulation.  The simulation will:

• Outline the link between ethical behaviour and trust.  Trust from all stakeholder groups e.g. customers and employees
• Build resilience in individuals so it is easier for them to act in a values driven manner (muscle memory A)
• Use a decision making framework to make explicit the ethical elements in business decision making
• Link organisational continuity and success with ethical standards.

The business simulation game will take the conceptual debate generated by case study activities and give participants an experience of what the outcome of their decisions might be.

The simulation will be at prototype stage in March 2012 and available to the wider community in July 2012.  If you would like to receive details then please email us.

Mary Gentile – Giving Voice to Values