World View
Short-Answer Question 1
The new leadership has changed the way the organization is being managed. It will be better if employees try to adapt to the new leadership style. Acceptance of the change will be a bit challenging as they are changing from leadership with overwhelming freedom to the one with structures of management. The following ethical issues will be considered:
Resistance of change: The employees might decide to resist the change by sabotaging the changes made. It is unethical for employees to make the operations of the management difficult simply because they are opposed to the new leadership style. Good employees should respect their employers and exercise obedience. To make it easier, they should discuss with the management on the transition process and how both parties can help each other during the transition (Ciulla, 2004).
The entrance of a new management creates a period of tension for many employees. Many of them are worried about their stay and position in the organization. Some employees use this opportunity to make a good impression to the new management. When doing so, they should exercise constraint and avoid conflicts with fellow employees. The employees should respect other’s feelings and avoid creating unnecessary tension. There should be a code of conduct put in place to keep the employees in check. Employees are also expected to understand each other and work together as opposed to striving to damage each other’s image in presence of new management (Ciulla, 2004).
Short-Answer Question 2
The ethical issue
In the modern business world, both women and men are treated as equal. They all have rights and are entitled to participate in business. It will therefore be discriminatory and unethical for the members of the XYZ team to demand for exit of female team member. The issue is unjust, illegal and should not be entertained by the ABC team members. The female team member has every right to represent the company in any capacity. She has all the qualifications and has represented the company in similar capacities. It will not be ethical therefore for XYZ to dismiss her from attending the meeting on the basis of her gender (Lane & Piercy, 2003).
The options to consider in the handling of this situation
XYZ Company is a potential client and the company is hoping to have a business relationship with them. It is always right to develop good relation with any potential customer (Kahlib, 2011). However, it will not be just if the ABC team submits to the demands of the company. One of the possible resolutions for the team is that the client’s interest supersedes any individual. This will definitely imply that the female team member sits out of the discussion. If such a step is taken, it will be totally regarded as unethical.
In business, it is important for one to do the right thing for the right reasons. It is not good to seek for ethical shortcuts to be financially rewarded. The best action is to walk away from a situation even if it means missing an opportunity to financially benefit (Kahlib, 2011). As a company, it will be in our best interest to give XYZ Company what it demands. Nevertheless, there is no assurance that the deal will be sealed if the team discriminates against their fellow member. In the long run, the company will risk putting itself in an unethical dilemma and the possibility of facing a legal suit for discrimination. The company might also get a bad reputation in the business circles and this might affect their business relationships in future with other organizations.
How to approach the team members
When approaching the team members, one should create an open minded environment that allows for discussion, minimal argument and confrontation. There should be a calm way to approach the situation and each member should be made to understand the gravity of the situation. At that point, each member of the team will be seen as equal and should be given opportunity to give their insights into the matter. There should be caution when talking to the female team member to avoid tension between her, the team and the XYZ Company. Every person should be advised to think carefully of what should be done since the final decision might build or break the company.
The recommendations
It is the responsibility of the company to always conduct business in a profitable manner. However, making profit should not be a cause for an individual employee to be discriminated upon (Kahlib, 2011). Every person has their own special attributes that make them who they are and hold the positions they have. Just like any other employee, the female team member deserves to be present at the meeting. She has worked well for the organizations and has proved her competency on several occasions.
It will be very unfair, unethical and legally wrong to accept what XYZ demands of the team. The desired decision is discriminatory and should not be agreed upon. The team should ensure that the company is well aware of their desire to work together. Nevertheless, they should clearly state that they are unlikely to give into their demand on basis of ethical considerations. As a representative of the company, the team has to portray and maintain an image that speaks well of the company. Therefore, the team should reject what they are being told to do and leave without attending the meeting.
References
Ciulla, J. B. (2004). Ethics and leadership effectiveness. The nature of leadership, 302-327.
Kahlib, J. F. (2011). Business & Worldview. PhD ©
Lane, N., & Piercy, N. F. (2003). The ethics of discrimination: Organizational mindsets and
female employment disadvantage. Journal of Business Ethics, 44(4), 313-325.
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