ETHICAL ASPECTS OF

BUSINESS

(A brief of my learnings in the expedition)

Submitted by
Paritosh Kumar
Roll No. 1902159
Section E

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL

ENGINEERING
MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA

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1. Need for writing report

Ethics has been one such topic where I have regularly raised questions on my actions and
carried out self-introspection. All throughout the class discussions, be it the Sadhu parable or
Heinz's dilemma, I never got to finally know what is undoubtedly, the right thing to do or
what is certainly wrong, in different circumstances. But on the other side, there is, much
clarity into why I react in a certain way, how my actions may turn out bad for others.
However, I had no such intentions. Most importantly, how should I act or evaluate my
decisions or simply speak what my thought process should be while making decisions at
managerial levels that might affect many others? I think writing this learning experience will
let me better structure my thought process. During this, I would surely get to recollect and
consolidate all my experiences and learnings in a place. I would also get more clarity into the
ethical dilemmas raised in our class discussions.

2. Identified Constraints

Whenever a case was in class, before the discussions started, I had a strong view that my
thought was correct, and it is the ethical thing to do. Forex – In Sadhu's Parable before the
discussions started, I was firm that the only right action here is to save the sadhu. But
surprisingly, as the talks proceeded, I could not find my point of view solid enough to sustain
the comments my classmates gave. I started assuming that perhaps they are righter, and it was
better to leave the sadhu and follow the group in doing what they had planned. Similarly, in
Heinz's Dilemma, before the discussions started, I was once again confident that saving his
wife by stealing the drug was the only right thing. When discussions followed, confusion
began building up. Next, when we were discussing the IEEE code of ethics, I remember
pondering over one thought. Although these have all been mentioned, it is not truly possible
to apply while executing the work. Either the flow of work would be compromised, or the
codes will be violated. Having worked in the construction department, I strongly felt that both
cannot go hand in hand, and we need to choose one at the cost of others, in real life. One
thing which I felt was that my thoughts were limited to what values I have grown up with. I
have always seen my mother take the extra mile to help others. She has indeed been an
altruistic person in her life and has influenced me the most. Maybe that is why, I was
focussed only on saving lives in a few cases, and similarly, my thought process aligned in a
way where I could do better for fellow-beings.

Choosing one among the theories of Deontology and Theology was again putting me into
colossal confusion. I have experienced many cases where I may choose the wrong course of
action to achieve a good result. In other words, ends are good, but the means of attaining the
lots are not. Consider a simple example – A mother lying to her child that she would take her
to the zoo tomorrow if she completes her assignments. On the contrary side, there have been
several instances where I may not get the desired result, but I will follow the correct path. For
example, – I will not pay a bribe to the officer for getting an early electricity connection. So,
what I understood here is that choosing one amongst the two theories for all actions is not
possible for me.

Considering the moral correctness of my actions is again very subjective. While getting
insights on Lawrence's moral development model, I could resonate that I would act according
to my parents for deciding morality of something and when I grew up I started believing
something moral based on how society would reacts to it. Still, as I grew into more

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matureness, I brought in my logical thought process to judge whether something is morally
right or wrong. Here again, I think my morality was be based on my values i.e., I would have
a bias towards maintaining relationships.

Penning down few lines by of Hindi poet Bharat Lal often quoted by my father

“Zamir zinda rakh, kabir zinda rakh.

sultan bhi ban jaye to, dil main fakir zinda rakh..
hausale k tarkash main, koshish ka wo tir zinda rakh..
hat ja chaye zindagi me sab kuch,
magar fir se jitne ki, wo ummid zinda rakh..
Behna ho to beshak beh ja, magar sagar se milne ki wo chah jinda rakh
Mit ta hai to aaj mit ja insaan, magar mitne ke baad bhi insaniyat jinda rakh”

3. Application of Moral Philosophies

I would like to describe my thoughts with respect to 3 aspects in this section.

First, concerning the concepts of deontology and theology. In my opinion, it is not possible to
always stick to one of the theories thorough out all sorts of circumstances. I feel that the
intentions should be excellent and self-satisfactory, and I may sometimes follow the principle
of the correct path for end results or switch to correct end results, no matter what the way is.

Next, I would like to recall Lawrence Kohlberg's stage of moral development. I could very
clearly connect to the model here. Looking at my past decisions, I can still remember that my
choices were always based on either obedience or fear to the elders as a child. But as I grew
up, I became considerate of what society thinks of my actions. Forex – I found it awkward to
walk with holding hands of my girlfriend in front of elders. But later, I contest with myself
that moral actions should be driven by my values, and I should not really care about how
society thinks of it. I must be able to defend myself for any course of action. So now, a
widow doing make up may not be immoral for me, although it may be for the most part of
society.

Third, Lynn Paine's moral compass for executive decision making. Having been exposed to
corporate work culture for around 4 years, I know how difficult it is to make decisions when
you must consider your ethics and morality. Although I may not be able to make the right
decisions always, I can at least gauge my actions on 4 lenses described in Lynn's compass.
Starting with determining if my decision's purpose would result in the best possible outcome
and if not, what are other alternatives? Next, evaluating my action against
standards/principles. Here most of the time company's code of conduct would be driving my
action. Ensuring the effect on stakeholders' due to my decision is not harming in nature
would be my next level of evaluation. And finally, I would cross-check if I am the right
authority, and I do have the power to make such a decision.

4. Reflections-Expressions of feelings and explorations using emotional intelligence

During my working span at last company, while I was working in the construction industry,
there were many instances which all gave me two options to choose from – one my individual

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ethics and second follow group consensus. Forex: - Sending less attendance of workers
employed at the site so that their contractors need to pay less Provident Fund, by-passing
safety rules to get work done fast, and paying a bribe to government officials for passing bills
and quality checks. In all the circumstances mentioned above, I usually had to keep my
individual ethics aside and move according to my bosses' instruction, which obviously was
against my principles. While I and many others may not be satisfied with my actions, even
now if I think of it, I can't find out any other way. To remain in the company, keep running
the job smoothly, all that I did, was necessary. If I had not done it, I would have been
replaced by somebody else, and he would have done it. Although the company's code of
conduct strictly opposed it, at least in papers, it happened all the way. And if I had followed
the right way, according to the company's ethics, my job and few others could have been in
danger.

When we explored the extension of Lawrence's model i.e., Gilligan's model of moral
development, which connects the morals to care based out of the mentality of women, I could
connect with it with much better. All because of my closeness to my mother and her
influence on me. Applying care for my relationship angle in moral development seemed more
authentic. The love & affection I have for a person guides me towards the morality of actions
that affect the concerned person.

5. Ethical Decisions and Assimilation of Human Values

I have reached almost the end of my report, and I still don't have a clear answer to what is
ethical and what is not or what is morally right and wrong. But the learnings and experience I
have gathered in this short course have given me the idea about how I should guide myself
and understand my actions' ethicality & morality in a structured way.

As I had pointed out few times in my report, there were many situations where I was
confused if I am ethical, whether my actions are good or bad, but from now, I have realized
that one essential thing is to keep my intentions right.

In many situations, most of us don't have enough courage to take the right course even though
we know the consequences. Going through the two videos which were shared lately during
the course, I find it worth it to mention a few lines which I got fond of-

"In the end, the satisfaction that I had given it all is what necessary."
"We are all born free. Why stay bottled up? Just take the leap…"

The case of exploitation of truck drivers was one such discussion that haunted me for a long
time. Having been exposed to transportation very closely because of my father, I better know
the harsh facts. Further, the discussions we had were only one-sided, considering the views of
drivers. The exploitation driver's helpers/conductors face, and sometimes the truck owners
also do, if explored, could have given a wholesome perspective.

6. Conclusion

All being said, how am I going to apply my learnings of this course in my work life ahead.

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 "It takes guts to be your own boss."
"Apni kismat khud Banani padti hai".
"You are what you want to be"

These lines from the videos shared towards the later sessions, have stuck with me. I don't
know whether, indeed, I would be able to apply my learning, one year later. But I surely
would try that whatever I do is not against someone's pressure. At least I would ensure to
raise voice if I feel something wrong so that I feel satisfied that I did try my best.

While working for an organization, I will keep aside my individual ethics and instead refer to
the company's values whenever in doubt, while making some decision. Also, in corporate
world, I suppose group ethics should be given priority over individual ethics. But as I have
mentioned, if the entire group is going wrong a/c to me, I would make sure to present my
viewpoint. Maybe I would get to understand this better while I try to apply this in my next
work instinct.

Nowadays, every organization, be it a vast MNC or a naïve start-up, has very nicely written
values and code of conduct. But when it comes to "Walk the talk," I doubt if even half of
them are true to their mentioned values. Many of them would prioritize business and profits,
even if it comes at the cost of living.

I believe it would not be possible in the current world to work for a wholly ethical and moral
organization. Still, I would surely try to join a company that evaluates the implications of its
decisions on the people and society as a whole and values all the stakeholders while doing its
business.

“Moral values and a culture and a religion, maintaining these values are far better than
laws & regulations.” …………………………. Swami Sivananda

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