Building an Ethics of Visual Representation

Generally, an organization is deemed competent in its operations if ethics are seen as the tailwinds of a good reputation. The values of any stated enterprise can be described using ethical principles. The relative social responsiveness of an organization is determined by the organization’s available management and leadership. The moral obligation that characterizes the organization is measured by how it handles all of its affiliates and general stakeholders. Following ethical norms, such as working within ethical theories, can be beneficial in resolving any ethical issues that may arise in an organization (Ridgely, 112). Some of these drawbacks mainly include, solving of disputers, availing quality products, services, and social responsibility problems. If not handled with the aid of ethical theories, it becomes hard for any said organization to maintain a smooth run on the rails of success. An example of the commonly used theory in organizational management is the ethical egoism.

Ethical Egoism.

Judging from the dictionaries, egoism is mainly described as the state of being self-centered and acting with an intention of satisfying individual interest. This theory seeks to explain the relative benefits of satisfying individual interests especially as a measure to eschew any forthcoming mischiefs (Borgerson and Schroeder 93). In this context, egoism holds to no moral obligations as opposed to the principle o altruism. This theory does not consider the harm others will face when an individual has already fulfilled all his/her interests. This makes it less moral when compared to such principles like utilitarianism, which explains that all actions should consider the moral perspective. The latter still hold to the fact that oneself interests should not be held at higher standards that the interests of the rest.

According to the American economist, Milton Friedman, there is no rationally upright that is able to resist the temptation of fulfilling own interests over the interests of others (Ridgely, 112). Additionally, the fact that it faces no moral objection, ethical egoism is applicable in business. Proponents of scholars have directed sheer critiques to the theory of ethical egoism (Borgerson and Schroeder 93). However, there are no known doctrines which have given a substantial charge to this theory and evidently portrayed that ethical egoism in business is wrong. This further goes to be demeaned by the fact it’s everyone’s right to practice independence in satisfaction of own interests (Ridgely, 112).

Furthermore, basing on the perspective of critiques, they say that in ethical egoism, everyone seeks to be on top. However, this is not practical since only one can be on top of the others and hence denies other the niche to be on top. When applied to business, the concept of everyone attempting to be on top is a positive move in the society. Morally, competition keeps the society on success paths (Ridgely, 112). For example hen two businesses are competing to be on top in terms of service provision, it will benefit the customers’ since they will be able to obtain quality services at fair prices and the businesses will be able to maintain integrity so that they can win more and retain existing customers.. This makes the theory ethically justifiable in business context. Lastly, the fact that moral attachment is not the case in egoism, it does not mean that professionalism and legal requirements are outlawed (Ridgely, 112).

Application in the case.

From the case in question, ethical egoism would suggest that I should ship the order and inform the customer after I received the payment. This is due to the fact that, with the current state of the company, I should not wait and see the company sink in bankruptcy yet there is an option which can help the company to buy time for financial. This option is the best since; the firm can offer an excuse of miscommunication (Senghaas, Diete 33).. Additionally, if the company was to consider informing the customer before delivering, it will be another financial blow for the company, especially in reworking on the order which I tantamount to wastage of time. More so, the customer might opt out during the reworking process which may translate to losses to the firm.

Pros.

The pros of acting in ethical egoism is that, first, the individual in quest will be able to attain sustainability. In this context, the company will have uplift in its current financial state. This is due to the fact that the immediate need of the company is financial boost which will be sourced from the customer’s payment. Secondly, the act will help the company in satisfying their own basic needs including ensuring a continuous sales (Senghaas, Diete 33)..

Cons.

On the other hand, the cons of this act will be numerous.First, it will breakdown the good relationship between the customer and the company. This will be of impact on the general organizational reputation (Senghaas, Diete 33). The fact that the customer will receive goods which he/she did not specify will mean that the overall quality of services of the company is low. As a result, it may result to poor feedback from the customers (Borgerson and Schroeder 93). Secondly, any other potential customers may opt for the competing firm in case they get information of the unethical practices by the firm. Lastly, the customer might sue the company for a refund of the payment and return the wrong order. This would worsen the company’s financial state. It may lead bankruptcy of the firm if the customer is refunded.

Overview

Rationally, I do not agree with the theory. This is due to the fact that, it does not consider any ethical practice. With the case in hand, sales manager should have explained to the customer. It is not factual that the customer might opt out during the order reworking process (Borgerson and Schroeder 93). Explanation would win the customer’s confidence and would retain good relations. Ethical organizational practices are the attractants of customers to the organization. This would have led to winning more and retaining the affluent customers.

If everyone was to work on the basis of this theory, the society would not be better place. This is because; there would be unnecessary competition for the available resources. Selfishness in society does not uphold cooperation (Borgerson and Schroeder 93). Lack of cooperation translates to a disunited workforce which demeans team work. Team work helps any society to grow as opposed to when elfish act are the guiding rules.

To encourage the society to act in utmost ethical ways, the organization depicted should have informed the customer of the new situation. This would have been in regardless of any potential mayhem that may befall the firm after informing the customer. It would be ethically right for the firm to act in integrity regardless of the risk of being declared bankrupt.

Works Cited

Borgerson, J. L. and J. E. Schroeder. Building an Ethics of Visual Representation: Contesting Epistemic Closure in Marketing Communication. in Cutting Edge Issues in Business Ethics. Boston 2008, Springer pp. 87–108

Ridgely, D.A Selfishness, Egoism and Altruistic Libertarianism. New York 2008. Pp112.

Senghaas, Diete. The clash within civilizations: coming to terms with cultural conflicts. Psychology Press 2011. p. 33. ISBN 978-0-415-26228-6.