Ethics can be defined as principles of a group or person that are fundamental. Social responsibility can be defined as the way a business performs the activities it has so that it can meet the obligations that it has towards the community and the environment, as well. In this corporate world, strategic planning is very important. This is where the management defines the strategies the organization has, the directions to use and how the decisions are to be made. Social responsibility and ethical values play a great role in the process of strategic planning. (Edelman, 1996)
Every management should ensure they consider the welfare of the stakeholders before making strategic decisions. Examples of stakeholders are customers, suppliers, the society, and anyone who is affected by the activities that the business carries out in one way, or another. A company that is socially responsible should treat all its stakeholders equally. (Wueste, 1994)
Transparency is important when making strategic plans. The managers should ensure that the information should be provided transparently and with honesty. This ensures that the matter is discussed by all the people that are involved. With this, the potential risks are identified, and solutions are provided. (Edelman, 1996)
The managements should also respect the ideas the stakeholders come up with. They should be given an opportunity to speak out what they think would be of benefit to the organization. If the ideas can help in improving the organization, they should be put into consideration. (Dewey, 1932)
During the planning process, the team involved should ensure that the effects and risks that are brought about by the decisions made are truthful and fair. They should be considered thoroughly so that the welfare of the stakeholders for example, the society and employees, are maintained.
My ethical perspective has greatly evolved throughout this program. This is because a good relationship has been created between the stakeholders and the organization. Since the welfare of the stakeholders is considered, they appreciate being connected to the organization in one way or another. They are also able to air their ideas thus making them feel to be part of the organization. Therefore, I find it important to include the stakeholders when making decisions for the organization. (Wueste, 1994)
With ethical values, I am able to treat everyone in the right way. With this, no one is treated unfairly, and none of the customers complain of being served in the wrong way. Therefore, I have ensured that each and every employee should have ethical values in order to have the organization prosper. This is a great step in considering the welfare of the customers who are also a part of the stakeholder’s team. (Wueste, 1994)
Being transparent when making the decisions has ensured that good decisions are made. This is because everyone is allowed to have their ideas known. It has also ensured that the risks involved are identified in good time, and since the solutions were provided, it is not hard to deal with the risks.
With the ethics, it is possible to respect everyone. With this, every stakeholder is considered which ensures that good decisions are made in the organization. With these ethical values, the organization has improved a lot, and I have been able to observe that any organization cannot prosper where the management does not have ethics. (Dewey, 1932)
References
Dewey, J., & Tufts, J. H. (1932). Ethics (Rev. ed.). New York: H. Holt and Company.
Edelman, K. A. (1996). The Evolving role of ethics in business. New York, NY: Conference Board.
Wueste, D. E. (1994). Professional ethics and social responsibility. Lanham, Md.: Rowman and Littlefield Publishers.
