What are Virtues?

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Select three of Franklin's virtues and reflect upon them in your blog. Ask yourself, how can I include them in my daily life?

Virtues play an important role in our personal and professional environments as they demonstrate our moral standards through behaviors, interactions, and decision making. LaFollette (2007) notes Aristotle’s position of a virtuous person as: (1) do the appropriate action; (2) do so habitually (regularly, and in a variety of circumstances); (3) enjoy acting virtuously; ously; (4) know that it is virtuous; and (5) know why it is virtuous (p. 3209).

An important figure synonymous with virtues and their commitment to self-improvement to be more virtuous is Benjamin Franklin. In fact, Ben Franklin established 13 virtues that he actively set to improve. Ben’s 13 Virtues included (PBS.org, 2002):

1. Temperance. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.
2. Silence. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.
3. Order. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.
4. Resolution. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.
5. Frugality. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.
6. Industry. Lose no time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.
7. Sincerity. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.
8. Justice. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
9. Moderation. Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
10. Cleanliness. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation.
11. Tranquility. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.
12. Chastity. Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.
13. Humility. Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

Of Ben Franklin’s 13 Virtues, the three that I believe have the most impact in my situation and can always be improved are: Temperance, Resolution, Tranquility. Before going into each virtue, it is important to note that I am an Aries. Although I am not fully committed to the astrological frame of mind and practices, I do feel that there are important traits and characteristics that closely represent zodiac signs and individuals. Understanding this, I do acknowledge certain traits that closely represented some of my own traits.

In identifying the traits that could potentially be negative (in and of themselves), I have committed significant effort to use these traits to produce positive results and sustainable habits. It just so happens that the traits that I work on continuously for my own self-improvement, directly affect my temperance, resolution, and tranquility. For example, Aries are known to have the following traits (astrology-zodiac-signs.com, 2017):

Strengths: Courageous, determined, confident, enthusiastic, optimistic, honest, passionate

Weaknesses: Impatient, moody, short-tempered, impulsive, aggressive

Aries likes: Comfortable clothes, taking on leadership roles, physical challenges, individual sports

Aries dislikes: Inactivity, delays, work that does not use one's talents

As one may imagine, keeping some of these traits in check is necessary to positively grow and become more virtuous. Indeed, these efforts require constant monitoring and foresight.

Temperance: Self-control is an important trait for anyone dealing with others, especially leaders. Thus, I am conscious that I sometimes have the natural urge to respond or react according to the situation. I have learned over the course of many years of experience and leadership positions that there are: 1) more than one version (perspective) of the situation 2) factors emerge constantly in fluid environments 3) the human factor can amplify the situation. I have gained an appreciation of the what was known in the military environment as “tactical patience.” By allowing certain situations to develop, one can gain a better understanding of the core issue and the contributing factors. Resisting the natural urge to respond or react without fully understanding the situation can be costly in that improper actions could follow or not enough resources were devoted to address an issue. While many situations are straight forward and require less critical thinking, in a dynamic environment, issues tend to be the result of factors either known or unknown.

Resolution: There are many occasions where my initiative far outweighs my commitment to see a project through completions. In fact, I enjoy the beginning hustle and planning of a new adventure. However, when arriving at a constant or maintenance process, I tend to lose interest. Understanding this about myself, I ensure that during certain portions of a project, I have very capable people to help support or take over as I like to move on to other challenges. This situation allows me to work with other in coaching, developing, and putting others in a position of increased responsibility.

Tranquility: Being driven and competitive can be a positive trait when this energy is focused in the proper direction. There have been many instances when I have allowed small set-backs to affect my overall progress. I have learned that small set-backs/failures are opportunities to try from a different angle or see the situation from a different perspective. Most importantly, my sense of proportion has improved greatly as a result of both of experiences involving victories and defeats. Known this allows me to focus on the factors that I have control of.

References

Astrology-Zodiac-Signs.com. (2017). Aries Traits. Retrieved from http://www.astrology-zodiac-signs.com/zodiac-signs/aries/

PBS.org. (2002). Wit and Wisdom. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/benfranklin/l3_wit_self.html

LaFollette, H. (2007). The practice of ethics. [Kindle edition] Malden, MA: Wiley Blackwell.

Is Marketing Evil?

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The business of marketing is highly lucrative, which can increase the potential for unethical practices as in other competitive fields. The need for industry ethical standards and regulation has grown significantly over the years as technology has made it easier for markers to reach current and potential new customers. According to Dr. Linda Ferrell (n.d.), “Well-meaning marketers often devise schemes that appear legal but are so ethically flawed that they result in scandals and legal entanglements” (p. 2).

Indeed, the pressure on marketers to “push” products and services on customers can be enough to compel ethical people to behave unethically. For example, Wells Fargo Bank is currently in the process of being held accountable for erroneous (fraudulent) accounts opened by bank employees to inflate company numbers by customers and government regulators. Furthermore, bank employees were pressuring their customers to purchase additional products and services as well. “Former Prudential employees filed a lawsuit in December alleging that Wells Fargo customers were sold Prudential insurance products at bank branches that they didn't want” (Egan, 2017).

This week’s assignments focus our attention on ethics in our work environment:

1. Do you feel ethical guidelines make a difference to marketers?

I believe it is important that ethical guidelines exist and are practiced in the marketing world because marketing has a unique place in our everyday lives. For example, on many occasions, marketers have the challenging task of convincing potential customers that they need their product or service. Marketers must do this by knowing and understanding the strengths and weakness of their product/service. If a marketer is aware a known harm or defect and attempts to act ethically by informing the consumer; they may never sell anything. To meet quotas, a marketer may choose to downplay the issues or outright omit the fault to make a sale. Moreover, since marketers represent a company, their marketing and sales tactics can affect the company’s bottom line, reputation, and/or future legacy. “Because marketers engage in behaviors impacting many varied stakeholders, their potential to do harm and opportunity to have a very positive impact is great” (Ferrell, n.d., p. 10). Ethical guidelines are necessary to reinforce appropriate behaviors and to ensure the industry at large operates on a professional and respectable level.

2. How can companies balance the need to win with being ethical?

There are short term wins and long term wins. The companies that are mainly concerned with making a quick buck by engaging in unethical behaviors are playing a dangerous game of roulette. In other words, it is only a matter of time until their unethical practices are brought into the light (i.e. Wells Fargo Bank & Enron). One a company’s reputation is associated with such practices, it is extremely difficult for companies to regain customer’s trust and business.

When a company is committed to their product, customer experience, and ethical behavior, winning is what occurs over a period-of-time. They become a trusted brand/company. Furthermore, when a company is view as being ethical and a mistake does happen (as it sometimes will), customers are more likely to pardon a company knowing that such a mistake is uncharacteristic of their business practice.

Take for example the Tylenol scare in the early 1980’s. With customers staying away from the pain relief medication because of poison contamination, many believed it was the end for the brand (Johnson & Johnson). However, because of the proactive communication with customers and cooperation with investigators and regulators, the company was able to win back the trust of the customers and regulators. “Critics who had prematurely announced the death of the brand Tylenol were now praising the company’s handling of the matter” (Markel, 2014). Companies concerned with winning according to the “big picture,” ensure that ethical behavior is associated and practiced. “The value of a positive reputation is difficult to quantify, but it is an important intangible asset that all marketers understand” (Ferrell, n.d., p. 8).

3. Is it ethical to track your buying habits or web visits to target you for marketing purposes?

Tracking consumer buying habits have important pros and cons. Many consumers enjoy when their technology learns their habits. It makes searching for products easier and convenient. Furthermore, new products may be introduced passively without the consumer actively searching for a product. Where this could be problematic is when personal habits tread into the personal privacy realm. Many consumers are required to input personal and financial data in many of the consumer sites. As they become active in searching and purchasing, there information has the potential to be spread many systems. The possibility that a company could sell this information to other marketers could be a major concern. Furthermore, noted above with Wells Fargo Bank, they could use a person’s information maliciously (fraudulent accounts).

I believe marketing companies should handle such tracking capabilities responsibly. That federal and state regulators ensure that legislation exist that clearly states what is acceptable and what is not acceptable practices. Moreover, and most importantly, I believe that the consumer should have the ability to opt out or ensure that such tracking is limited as to prevent undue solicitation or compromise of private information.   

4. As a leader, how will you manage the ethical aspects of your marketing efforts?

I believe that building ethics into the fabric of an organization is essential. In other words, ethical behavior should be prevalent in the organization’s mission, goals, performance evaluations, and highlighted publicly. Furthermore, I also feel that organizations should also have systems and procedures in-place to effectively deal with unethical behavior in a timely manner. Transparency should also be an important discussion point. Leaders are important to ensuring organizations are and remain transparent by word and deed. When an organization understands that ethical practices are woven into daily operations, the company at large is more likely to have a trusted brand and is better suited to deal with potential issues.

References

Egan, M. (2017, March 13). Wells Fargo still faces over a dozen probes tied to fake account scandal. CNN Money. Retrieved from http://money.cnn.com/2017/03/31/investing/wells-fargo-investigations-fake-account-scandal/

Ferrell, L. (n.d.) Marketing Ethics. University of Wyoming. Retrieved from http://college.cengage.com/business/modules/marktngethics.pdf

Markel, H. (2014, September 29). 1982 changed the way we consume medication. PBS. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/tylenol-murders-1982/

Is Affirmative Action Ethical?

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Use Chapters 5 and 6 (LaFollette, 2007) as the foundation for your reflections regarding if affirmative action is ethical. Be sure to include external sourced content. Present your opinion, support your opinion, and opposing viewpoints.

Affirmative Action was created during the 1960’s as a result of the Civil Rights Movement. The initial aim was to ensure disadvantaged minorities had equal employment and education consideration and opportunities (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2014). According to LaFollette (2007), “Affirmative action - the practice of giving special consideration to minorities and women in hiring and school placement” (p. 1366). Affirmative action demonstrated America’s leaders’ commitment to greater equality for minorities. Moreover, such policy has set the conditions for public and private organizations and institutions to begin adopting this practice. While requiring greater equality for employment and education is one thing, shifting society’s mentality and attitude about equality is still on-going today.

The need and support for affirmative action has waned over the past two decades. In fact, certain states have already banned affirmative action for public universities through voter referenda: California, Washington, Michigan, Nebraska, Arizona, and Oklahoma. Florida issued an executive order creating a ban signed by then Governor Jeb Bush and New Hampshire banned consideration of race through stare legislation (Potter, 2014). As the times have changed, so too has society’s view about racism, equality, and the value of merit.

I believe that the creation of affirmative action was an important and necessary step for equality. It forced establishments to recognize and address (internally) the opportunities afforded to those that fell into disadvantaged groups. Moreover, I believe that the original intent and spirt of affirmative action is outdated because of the subsequent laws supporting equality and society’s evolution (in general) of more equality for all. While there are many arguments for and against affirmative action, I feel that in today’s increasingly capable society, it prevents organizations and institutions from operating at an optimal level.

Typically, all organizations or learning institution have stated standards or admission requirements. The two I will point out are educational (college/university) and law enforcement standards. Universities attempt to recruit capable and prepared students. Indeed, there are many benefits that result from students that are prepared for higher learning, such as graduation rates and contribution to their respective fields. Thus, affirmative action as it was intended, would create an additional set of standards for those in a disadvantaged group because of the level of preparedness compared to the non-disadvantage group. Having two standards is dangerous and automatically creates the situation where the less prepared and capable are consuming the same resources those that have met the stated standards. The disadvantaged group wishes to be viewed as equal, yet they arrived at the same level as non-disadvantaged even when their skills may be completed different. Furthermore, would such additional standards be afforded to the same group(s) beyond an educational setting, for example, the “real world?” I do not believe so. In addition, many law enforcement departments have attempted to fill their ranks with officers representing the communities in which they serve. In doing so, these departments have discovered that many of the diverse applicants had physical, financial, and legal issues that would prevent their consideration according to existing hiring standards; to include basic education. “Similarly, the intelligence tests used to screen officers have produced different pass rates for different racial groups. To eliminate those differences, there has been a strong move to stop giving these tests over the last 30 years.” (Lott, 2005). Though law enforcement officers should not require an advanced education, it is vital given the nature of their work and interaction with the community that they possess applicable capabilities in the form of comprehension, analytical, and writing skills to name a few. Physical capabilities are also an important topic as an officer at any time may find themselves in a life and death situation and must respond accordingly.

I believe that affirmative action set important policies and legislation in motion, providing the support needed to give equality more traction. However, additional standards had to be created in order to accommodate those in a disadvantaged group. Thus, in an effort to create equality, it only highlighted the differences and open the gates for potentially less prepared individuals. Though this may have been needed at first, it may no longer be applicable as society’s views and attitude of equality has made significant progress that is still improving. Ultimately, if we are to begin seeing and treating others as equals, we must start limiting our willingness to see and classify everyone in groups. Having the proper capabilities and skills is now more necessary in today’s globalized world. Access to learning and support programs is more available today then every before. Thus, regardless of which group one identifies with, they have the potential to improve their personal and professional opportunities. Although this does not guaranty the same advantages as perhaps other well-off groups, it does prevent one from labeling or seeing themselves as disadvantaged. This frame of mind, in and of itself is important.

References

LaFollette, H. (2007) The Practice of Ethics. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell.

Lott, J. (2005). Affirmative Action Has Mixed Results from Cops. Fox News. Retrieved from http://www.foxnews.com/story/2005/03/29/affirmative-action-has-mixed-results-for-cops.html

National Conference of State Legislatures. (2014). Affirmative Action Overview. Retrieved from http://www.ncsl.org/research/education/affirmative-action-overview.aspx

Potter, H. (2014). What Can We Learn from States That Ban Affirmative Action? The Century Foundations. Retrieved from https://tcf.org/content/commentary/what-can-we-learn-from-states-that-ban-affirmative-action/

The Harder They Fall

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Using concepts from the Kramer (2003) article as a baseline, share your insights on dilemmas that happen in society, work, and in your life.

Ambition can be a valuable characteristic as it drives the need to excel. From childhood to entering a trade or profession, we are led to believe that with hard work, focus, and relevant skills, achievement is inevitable. Furthermore, as one reaches a career goal, they tend to set their sights on more prestigious positions that are traditionally reserved for a select few. As the pool for suitable candidates become narrow, the requirements and demands from these select few significantly increases. Those that do reach the pinnacle, they are forced to face new challenges and dilemmas that are associated with the prestige and privileges of their title and position. A prime example was provided by Kramer (2003), Marjorie Peel proved to be highly successful early in her career because of her poise and people skills. “She was generous with praise, quick to recognize others' achievements, and self-effacing when it came to her own accomplishments.” Yet, when her skills and abilities were rewarded with a promotion to be the head of her company’s international division; seen as a grooming stage for the CEO position. Peel began to compromise her values and make personal sacrifices to maintain her new professional life style because of the power and prestige of her new position.

The self-deprecating style that had been her trademark seemed to fade, replaced by a sudden desire to be in the limelight... She became more demanding of her subordinates and devoted little time to mentoring them. To everyone's surprise, she divorced her husband of 15 years and began dating a younger employee. Her previously conservative tastes and modest habits went out the window; she was spending lavishly on a new wardrobe and new furnishings for her office. In violation of company policy, she diverted thousands of dollars to lease and decorate a plush private apartment she maintained in the city, ostensibly for business.

There are many stories that demonstrate the quick rise to the top, followed by fall from grace. The taste of power can be intoxicating and life altering for some. When leaders fail to maintain their perspective and sense of proportion, the conditions are set for the leader to potentially behave immorally or in an unethical manner because they start believing the rules apply to others and not them.  According to Ronald Riggio (2009), “Yet, leaders can delude themselves that they are working for the greater good (using socialized power), but engage in behavior that is morally wrong.”

As a young leader in the military, I was selected to serve as an aide for a General Officer. This was a highly competitive and prestigious position because aides are exposed to high level events, influential people, and important decision making situations. As the aide, people become more responsive and willing to help because of who they represent, whereas others are more likely to find obstacles. Furthermore, receiving the same level of courtesy as a young leader that was afforded to my boss, it was exciting and intoxicating. However, during my time as the aide, I never lost my perspective nor sense of proportion. While I had greater latitude with stated rules and policies, I understood clearly that this latitude was solely for the benefit of my boss and not for my own personal gains.

Up to this point and for many years after, my work/life ratio was significantly skewed. For example, during my undergrad years, I place school as the priority. By this time, I wanted to enter the workforce, in my case, this was the military and begin contributing immediately. Upon entering the military, the demands for a young leader to be successful in my eyes meant working long hours and being reachable when I wasn’t working. In fact, I prided myself on being able to out-work any of my peers. Thus, I actively chose to put aside any personal and social relationships that had the potential to interfere with my career aspirations. Furthermore, I had always desired to continue my education and earn an advanced degree. However, with the high tempo of training and deployments, it was very easy to keep putting off school and seek advancement and increased responsibility. I had sacrificed family, relationships, and education because I was focused on become a good military leader.

Reflecting on the situation now, at the time, I was unable to see that being an effective military leader involved many of the life experiences I had deprived myself of in the first place. For example, real world relationship challenges that everyone faces (especially in the military), juggling family responsibilities, and the social dynamics that widens perspective. My desire was to be a top performer and to some degree, I was; but at a cost. According to LaRae Quy (2017), “Instead, top performers were more intent on pursuing goals that gave them a sense of value and meaning… Happiness was the byproduct, not the goal.” Indeed, achieving my goals was the priority and happiness lasted long enough until I had identified another objective.

While many leverage the skills and attributes to become successful, what ends up being inevitable is the sacrifices that must be made to reach and/or ascend as desired. For me, it took being medically retired from military service to relook my work/life ratio and make a significant effort to establish and maintain balance. Although I still possess the same vigor when it comes to achieving my goals, many of these goals now consist of family and friend responsibilities.

References

Kramer, R. M. (2003). The Harder They Fall. (cover story). Harvard Business Review, 81(10), 58-66.

Quy, L. (2017, January 24). A former FBI agent shares the 5 mindsets that set winners apart. Business Insider. Retrieved from https://app.secure.griffith.edu.au/reference_tool/index-core.php

Riggio, R. (2009, August 08). How Power Corrupts Leaders. [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/cutting-edge-leadership/200908/how-power-corrupts-leaders

Theories of Ethics

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In Chapter 2, LaFollette (2007) discusses Consequentialism and Deontology. Discuss your thoughts on these two theories.

This week our course text introduced two theories of ethics; consequentialism and deontology. According to LaFollette (2007), “Consequentialism states that we should choose the available action with the best overall consequences, while deontology states that we should act in ways circumscribed by moral rules or rights, and that these rules or rights are at least partly independent of consequences” (Kindle Locations 354-355).

Consequentialism holds that the greater good is central when guiding ethical decision making. Dependent on the level of collective interests that is at stake, the more likely commonly accepted ethical rules or rights may be sacrificed in order to ensure the best consequence for all involved. It is important to highlight important elements that shape the moral discussion of consequence considerations. LaFollette (2007) states that, “consequentialists must explain (a) which consequences we should count, (b) how much weight or consideration we should give those that do count, and (c) how we should use these considerations when deliberating” (Kindle Locations 398-399).

Deontology, on the other hand, firmly believes that rules are an essential aspect to making ethical decision. Indeed, instead of compromising or “sacrificing” the rules as a consequentialist may determine to be justified, the deontologist’s moral center and obligation is directed by such rules. “deontologists claim that our moral obligations - whatever they are - are defined by the rules, partly independently of consequences. Even when following moral rules does not have the best consequences, we should adhere to them” (LaFollette, 2007, Kindle Locations 383-384). While guided by rules, at some point, some rules may conflict. In such cases, all rules must yield to the “primary rules.” LaFollette (2007) tells us that, “If a primary rule clashes with another rule, the primary rule always takes precedence” (Kindle Location 521).

Reflecting on these two theories, I can say with confidence that I subscribe more to consequentialism than deontology. However, I do believe that in more personal situations, I find myself recognizing the moral obligations that deontology rules prescribe. Having been a leader (or in a leadership position) in sports, clubs, and in the military, those personal situations are far and few in-between. In other world, to some degree, I have spent most of my adult life giving more consideration to others (the greater good) than my own personal situations. I have done so willingly and with the passion that service and accountability to something better than myself deserves. While I do believe that mitigating consequences or seeking the best consequence for all tends to be my first course of action; I also believe that certain rules are necessary to adhere to regardless of the consequences. For example, I believe in dire situations, sacrifice is necessary to ensure that the greater good remains intact and perhaps better off. However, when something is truly scarified, the only thing we ensure is complete loss where no one wins. Thus, certain rules do in fact prescribe our ethical decision making.

References

LaFollette, H. (2007). The Practice of Ethics. Kindle Edition.