Deck 9: Ethics and Social Responsibility in Organizations

Question 1

Minsuh's company favored a new CEO, but his salary expectations were unfair in comparison to the rest of the employees in the organization. To hire him, the company would have to make an exception to their policy, and they refuse to do so. This example is related to which ethical decision-making approach?

A) utilitarian
B) objectivity
C) rights
D) justice

Answer 1

B

Question 2

According to the textbook, what are two good reasons to study ethics?

A) virtue and prudence
B) efficiency and reputation
C) virtue and reputation
D) legality and reputation

Answer 2

A

Question 3

Which of the following actions has Google taken in response to concerns about AI (artificial intelligence) technologies?

A) set up an ethics board to ensure that AI technology is not exploited
B) made strong statements that the advancement of AI should be allowed without concern
C) invested more money in advancing AI while others grapple with ethical issues
D) hired a team of lawyers to make sure they can defend themselves against lawsuit

Answer 3

A

Question 4

As stated in the textbook, which of the following companies prides itself on its ethics?

A) Enron
B) Wells-Fargo Bank
C) Sketchers
D) Tom's Shoes

Question 5

Which of the following is a result of corporate scandals?

A) People have become more tolerant of perceived unethical behavior.
B) People have become more aware of perceived unethical behavior.
C) People have become less ethical in their approach to decision-making.
D) People have become less aware of perceived unethical behavior.

Question 6

What type of technology, discussed in the textbook, is bringing about ethical debate?

A) construction
B) artificial intelligence
C) bio-related
D) manufacturing

Question 7

Bohari is a student at Louisiana State University. He has just completed a Principles of Management course and received his final class grade. His professor seemed to make an error and gave him a final class grade of an "A" even though his actual grade should have been a "C." Bohari is trying to decide whether or not to let the professor know about this error. On the one hand, he needs the "A" to improve his overall GPA. However, he knows that he did not earn that "A" and it might be the right thing to tell his professor. This is an example of ______.

A) an ethical dilemma
B) reverse psychology
C) corporate social responsibility
D) Maslow's decision-making hierarchy

Question 8

______ are conflicts between two or more morally unpleasant alternatives.

A) Social quandary
B) Ethical dilemmas
C) Ethical quandary
D) Moral dilemmas

Question 9

ABC bottling is struggling financially. They may choose to outsource some of their operations overseas in order stay in business and retain most of their U.S. workforce. The downside of this decision will need to layoff dozens of employees. Which ethical decision-making approach is exemplified in this scenario?

A) utilitarian
B) objective
C) rights
D) justice

Question 10

Which ethical decision-making approach advocates basing decisions on fairness?

A) utilitarian
B) objectivity
C) rights
D) justice

Question 11

Which ethical decision-making approach focuses on taking action that results in the greater good for the majority of people?

A) utilitarian
B) objective
C) rights
D) justice

Question 12

Which of the following statements is true regarding virtue as a reason for studying ethics?

A) Few people have learned values that steer them toward making right ethical decisions.
B) Virtue means that doing what is ethical is a smart thing to do for profits.
C) Most people have learned values that steer them toward making right ethical decisions.
D) Most people have learned values that steer them toward making wrong ethical decisions.

Question 13

Berat believes it is morally wrong to pay overseas workers low wages and decides to pay his overseas workers a wage similar to that made by his domestic workers. This example is related to which ethical decision-making approach?

A) utilitarian
B) objectivity
C) rights
D) justice

Question 14

According to the textbook, ethics ______.

A) doesn't always give a clear answer to a moral question
B) correlates 100% with business profits
C) is never a matter of perception
D) is the third most important aspect of leadership

Question 15

______ are moral principles of duty and virtue that prescribe how we should behave.

A) Values
B) Ideals
C) Standards
D) Ethics

Question 16

According to the textbook, the key to being an ethical person or organization is to ______.

A) make sure that your network does not have any convicts or ex-convicts
B) make sure that no one catches you doing something wrong
C) consistently choose to do the right thing
D) make sure that your actions parallel what the organizational culture accepts

Question 17

Which statement is true regarding ethical behavior?

A) Many decisions include some sort of ethical choice.
B) Managers seldom encounter ethical dilemmas.
C) Managers encounter ethical dilemmas but employees do not.
D) Employees often encounter ethical dilemmas but managers always know the right answer.

Question 18

Which ethical decision-making approach foster decisions made on moral principles that infringe as little as possible on the entitlements of others?

A) utilitarian
B) objectivity
C) rights
D) justice

Question 19

Merve has just witnessed her good friend steal from the company where they have worked for the past 10 years. She is worried about saying something because she knows that her friend is going through a tough time and she does not want her to lose her job. On the other hand, she is worried about her company going under, which would result in the loss of jobs for even more people. Merve is struggling with a/an ______.

A) social quandary
B) ethical dilemma
C) wicked problem
D) moral dilemma

Question 20

A company is ______ if it violates the basic rights of its employees and ignores health, safety, and environmental standards.

A) unfair
B) efficient
C) fraudulent
D) unethical

Question 21

Kohlberg's theory has been called into question for which of the following reasons?

A) The underlying research is based on only teenage boys.
B) The underlying research is based on adult decision-making, not childhood decision-making.
C) The underlying research is based on real-life decisions that vary across people.
D) The underlying research is based on only adult women.

Question 22

In Kohlberg's ______ stage of morality, morality is based on obedience, self-protection, and self-interest.

A) preconventional
B) conventional
C) postconventional
D) postmodern

Question 23

Jordan tends to follow the law, but he also makes certain that he follows the rules associated with his profession and his place of worship. Sometimes what Jordan believes to be the right thing to do is counter to the law. Jordan is likely in what stage of morality according to Kohlberg?

A) preconventional
B) conventional
C) postconventional
D) postmodern

Question 24

Which CHARACTER COUNTS! character pillar is defined as, "Work hard, and be conscious of the way you behave and communicate toward others"?

A) trustworthiness
B) respect
C) responsibility
D) citizenship

Question 25

Which of the following is the first element in the Foursquare Protocol for ethical decision-making?

A) identifying the differences between the present and the past
B) analyze the situation
C) gathering all the facts
D) reflecting on past experiences

Question 26

Which of the following statements is true regarding workplace sexual harassment?

A) Seventy percent of men in the United States have reported experiencing workplace sexual harassment.
B) Workplace sexual harassment only victimizes women, never men.
C) About 10% of men in the United States report having experienced sexual harassment in the workplace.
D) Sexual harassment in the workplace is still not considered illegal in some states.

Question 27

During the ______ morality stage of moral development, individual judgment is based on a chosen belief system?

A) preconventional
B) conventional
C) postconventional
D) postmodern

Question 28

Which of the following statements is true about the challenges of ethical leadership and ethical followership in organizations?

A) Followers have more responsibility for outcomes than do leaders.
B) The leader is solely responsible for carrying out ethical plans in an organization.
C) Followers are solely responsible for carrying out ethical plans in an organization.
D) Leaders and followers should collaborate and work together to achieve goals.

Question 29

______ is the CHARACTER COUNTS! character pillar defined as, "Be impartial and make decisions based on sound knowledge."

A) Trustworthiness
B) Fairness
C) Responsibility
D) Citizenship

Question 30

The first step when using the Six Pillars of Character from the CHARACTER COUNTS! curriculum for making ethical decisions is to ______.

A) do what you believe will provide the greatest amount of good in the long run
B) take into account the interest and well-being of all stakeholders
C) make sure that none of the pillars are violated
D) apply the core ethical values, the pillars, and place above all other values

Question 31

Of the pillars of character needed to form the foundation for the morals required for ethical behavior, which pillar encourages decision makers to question injustices against others?

A) respect
B) caring
C) citizenship
D) fairness

Question 32

When considering an ethical issue, which of the following does the Josephson Institute suggest be considered as part of the CHARACTER COUNTS! curriculum?

A) take into account the interest of key stakeholders
B) put core ethical values above financial values
C) First consider personal financial interests.
D) If you must violate a core principal, try to keep others from knowing.

Question 33

A mother was caught stealing diapers. Rather than arrest her, the officer asked others in his unit to contribute to a fund, and he delivered her a stock of baby supplies rather than serve a warrant. The officer is likely in what stage of morality according to Kohlberg?

A) preconventional
B) conventional
C) postconventional
D) postmodern

Question 34

As stated in the textbook, it is rare that the core values of the Character Pillars will conflict with one another, but if this happens, ______.

A) throw out the character pillars and focus on your own interests
B) disregard the dilemma and take no action
C) rank the character pillars in importance to your own goals
D) do what you believe will provide the greatest amount of good in the long run

Question 35

Studies carried out by social scientists regarding leaders and power suggest which of the following?

A) Few people are effected when put in a powerful position.
B) Gaining power causes some people to lack empathy.
C) When in a powerful position, most people can detect the emotions of followers.
D) When in a powerful position, most people pay attention to the perspectives of their followers.

Question 36

During the ______ morality stage of moral development, moral decisions are based on standards set by adult role models and societal norms?

A) preconventional
B) conventional
C) postconventional
D) postmodern

Question 37

Which of the following is the final element in the Foursquare Protocol for ethical decision-making?

A) gathering all the facts
B) reflecting on past experiences
C) identifying the differences between the present and the past
D) analyze the situation

Question 38

Harvard Professor Lynn Paine proposed a "moral compass" through which managers can explore the moral dimensions of their own decisions. Which of the following statements is a "lens" included in the moral compass framework?

A) Is this decision fair to all stakeholders in the organization?
B) Is the action worthwhile?
C) How did the organization react to similar cases in the past?
D) Do you have self-interest that might compromise your judgment?

Question 39

Recent surveys have reported that ______ women have experienced sexual harassment in the United States.

A) 1 in 4
B) 1 in 10
C) 1 in 20
D) 1 in 100

Question 40

______ is the CHARACTER COUNTS! character pillar defined as, "Be sure to vote and play your part in improving the lives of the people in your community."

A) Trustworthiness
B) Fairness
C) Responsibility
D) Citizenship

Question 41

A recent report issues by the Japanese government revealed employees in almost one in the four companies work ______.

A) less than employees doing similar jobs in other countries
B) more than 80 unpaid extra hours per month
C) more than 500 unpaid extra hours per month
D) more than employees doing similar jobs in other countries

Question 42

In order for an organization to become socially responsible, it must first become financially sound. This statement reflects which level of corporate social responsibility?

A) economic
B) legal
C) ethical
D) discretionary

Question 43

Melinda faces an ethical dilemma. She knows that the shareholders will lose profits if she agrees to the more expensive insurance coverage, yet she also wants to do what is best for her employees. Which of the following should Melinda do based on considerations of leaders and loyalty?

A) always do what is best for the employees
B) always do what is best for the shareholders
C) push the decision down to lower parts of the organization
D) recognize that it is not uncommon for leaders to juggle a range of loyalties

Question 44

Following World War II, Nazi war criminals often used the ______, claiming they were merely following orders.

A) Nuremberg Defense
B) German solder argument
C) Hitler argument
D) propaganda/paranoia defense

Question 45

Landon realizes he needs to deliver bad news to his boss. He is nervous, because he worries that his boss will blame him for the bad news. Which of the following courses of action should Landon take in sharing the news?

A) deliver the bad news via e-mail
B) deliver the bad news by phone
C) deliver the bad news face-to-face
D) deliver the bad news via a negative tone

Question 46

Which of the following statements is true about followers and obedience?

A) Followers should exercise blind obedience when following orders.
B) Followers must ask themselves if obedience might lead to unethical behavior.
C) It is only the leaders' job to consider ethics when giving orders.
D) Society accepts the belief that people are not responsible for actions when following orders.

Question 47

There are four main levels of corporate social responsibility. Which of the levels of responsibility includes a concern with conducting business affairs in a sound and fair manner?

A) economic
B) legal
C) ethical
D) discretionary

Question 48

Which of the following statements is true regarding leaders and information management.

A) Leaders should always share information with followers as soon as they have it.
B) Leaders should keep information to themselves.
C) Leaders should deny having information even if they have it.
D) Leaders tend to have more access to information than followers.

Question 49

Which of the following statements best represents when an organization can begin to focus on its discretionary or philanthropic responsibilities?

A) An organization should pursue discretionary responsibility even when it is not meeting its economic requirements.
B) An organization should pursue discretionary responsibility after it meets its economic, legal, and ethical responsibilities.
C) An organization should pursue discretionary responsibility as long as it is meeting its economic requirements.
D) An organization should pursue discretionary responsibility above legal responsibility.

Question 50

Which of the following statements is true about the challenges of ethical followership in organizations?

A) Followers are not responsible for making ethical decisions in organizations.
B) Followers do not have the same power and status as leaders, thus face different ethical challenges.
C) Followers and leaders face the same ethical challenges in organizations.
D) Followers face ethical challenges that are less important than challenges faced by leaders.

Question 51

According to Karen Dillon, author of the HBR Guide to Office Politics, we have a tendency to surround themselves by people who ______.

A) think like we do
B) think differently than we do
C) are both similar to and different from us
D) have different value structures than we have

Question 52

Cynthia is a newly promoted elementary school principal. She recognizes that many of her teachers have become dissatisfied with policies around promotions and working conditions. What is her best course of action?

A) fire everyone who expresses dissent with these issues
B) discourage teachers from expressing their dissent
C) give the teachers the opportunity to express their dissent
D) refuse promotion to anyone who expresses dissent

Question 53

There are four main levels of corporate social responsibility. Which of the levels of responsibility includes a concern with going above the call of duty to benefit society?

A) economic
B) legal
C) ethical
D) discretionary

Question 54

According to a 2016 report from the Economic Policy Institute, CEOs from the 350 companies studied made ______.

A) salaries in proportion to their employees' salaries
B) salaries over 250 times more than the average employee
C) salaries over 1000 times more than the average employee
D) often less than their employees as a way to give back to society

Question 55

Which of the following statements is true regarding leaders and responsibility?

A) CEOs get to enjoy high salaries, but responsibility lies at lower levels of the organization.
B) CEOs have managed to be less responsible and accountable than in the past.
C) CEOs are being held to higher levels of accountability than ever before.
D) CEO misconduct has very little impact on the long-term results for organizations.

Question 56

There are four main levels of corporate social responsibility. Which of the levels of responsibility includes a concern with providing services and products that are sold at a reasonable price?

A) economic
B) legal
C) ethical
D) discretionary

Question 57

The four levels of CSR are ______.

A) economic, legal, ethical, and discretionary
B) economic, legal, ethical, and demanded
C) economic, legal, egalitarian, and discretionary
D) economic, legal, ethical, and dominant

Question 58

One way organizations can set a good example is through practicing ______, a business approach that delivers economic, social, and environmental benefits to stakeholders in order to contribute to sustainable development.

A) corporate society remediation
B) corporate social responsibility
C) corporate sustainability
D) corporate social remediation

Question 59

A company must make every effort to comply with legal requirements including labor law, tax regulations, environmental law, and criminal law. This statement reflects which level of corporate social responsibility?

A) economic
B) legal
C) ethical
D) discretionary

Question 60

Which of the following statements is accurate regarding research on cynicism in organizations?

A) Cynical employees tend to be positive about their workplace when they have a supportive manager.
B) Cynical employees tend to be even more cynical when they have a supportive manager.
C) Cynical employees tend to be more committed and satisfied than other employees.
D) Cynical employees tend to have higher rates of unethical behavior than other employees.

Question 61

Ethics always give a clear answer to each moral question

Question 62

One unethical decision can shut down a business and businesses associated with it forever.

Question 63

Which of the following statements is true regarding organizational structure and ethics?

A) A decentralized structure is more likely to inspire unethical behavior.
B) A command and control structure is less likely to inspire unethical behavior.
C) A command and control structure is more likely to inspire unethical behavior.
D) There is no relationship between organizational structure and unethical behavior.

Question 64

______ sit at the head of the organizational structure and are responsible for overseeing top management and ensuring loyalty to shareholders.

A) Boards of directors
B) Ethics officers
C) Chief operating officers
D) Presidents

Question 65

Charitable donations, running initiatives that benefit the community, providing aid to people affected by natural disasters, or engaging in projects that have a positive impact on the environment are all examples of which level of corporate social responsibility?

A) economic
B) legal
C) ethical
D) discretionary

Question 66

An ethical dilemma is defined as conflicts between two or more morally pleasant alternatives.

Question 67

According to the 2017 Navex Global Ethics & Compliance Hotline & Incident Management Benchmark Report, which of the following statements is true regarding reports to ethics hotlines?

A) Reports have stayed the same.
B) Reports have increased significantly.
C) Reports have decreased significantly.
D) Reports have become more focused on significant issues.

Question 68

Which of the following statements is true regarding codes of ethics?

A) Most organizations have codes of ethics.
B) Most domestic organizations, but very few global organizations, have codes of ethics.
C) Most global organizations, but very few domestic organizations, have codes of ethics.
D) Very few organizations have codes of ethics but they are becoming more popular.

Question 69

Eye-Eye eyeglass shop gives away one pair of glasses for every pair it sells. The problem is that the shop is not making a profit. Eye-Eye has pursued what level of corporate social responsibility over what other level of corporate social responsibility?

A) discretionary responsibility over economic responsibility
B) ethical responsibility over legal responsibility
C) discretionary responsibility over legal responsibility
D) economic responsibility over discretionary responsibility

Question 70

______ are a written set of guidelines that define acceptable and unacceptable behavior.

A) Mission statements
B) Core values
C) Codes of ethics
D) Reporting and communications systems

Question 71

______ communicate the company's purpose as reflected by its members.

A) Mission statements
B) Core values
C) Codes of ethics
D) Reporting and communications systems

Question 72

The key to being an ethical person or organization is to consistently choose to do the right thing.

Question 73

Which of the following is an example of a social entrepreneur?

A) A start-up company that makes home composting products that are affordable and transportable.
B) A bow-tie company that makes a niche product sold through major retailers like Macy's.
C) A face cleanser that is marketed and distributed via social media.
D) A sales organization that takes advantage of word-of-mouth marketing and personal distribution.

Question 74

Which of the following statements is true regarding social entrepreneurs?

A) Social entrepreneurs always run for-profit businesses.
B) Social entrepreneurs never run for-profit businesses.
C) Social entrepreneurs run businesses that are neither for-profit nor nonprofit.
D) Social entrepreneurs may run businesses that are for-profit or nonprofit.

Question 75

There are three main ethical decision-making approaches: utilitarian approach, rights approach, and objective approach.

Question 76

ABC Pharmaceuticals spent significant money on the research, marketing, and distribution of a blood clot medicine. Now that it has been on the market several years and is profitable, they plan to distribute the drug through more channels, even to international markets. They will still make a profit, but still, more people will be able to buy the drug. ABC is operating at what level of corporate social responsibility?

A) economic
B) legal
C) ethical
D) discretionary

Question 77

Christine's purse manufacturing company has made substantial profit over the past decade. For the first few years, she reinvested all of the profit back in the business, but now she feels it is time to channel her profits toward community endeavors. She is opening a store in a rough part of town and donating money to the city to help revitalize the district. Christine is operating at what level of corporate social responsibility?

A) economic
B) legal
C) ethical
D) discretionary

Question 78

Which of the following statements is true regarding traditional entrepreneurs?

A) Traditional entrepreneurs start off with the intention of tackling social problems to bring about change.
B) Traditional entrepreneurs entrench corporate social responsibility into their start-up business model.
C) Traditional entrepreneurs start off with making profit as a goal.
D) Traditional entrepreneurs start off with the intention of tackling environmental problems.

Question 79

Which of the following may appear in a code of ethics?

A) the purpose of the company
B) deeply held beliefs that most organizational employees share
C) rules for how to handle every ethical dilemma
D) rules around gender and racial discrimination

Question 80

Integrity, honesty, perseverance, and accountability are commonly included in company's ______.

A) mission statements
B) core values
C) code of conduct
D) reporting and communications systems