Ethics in the Workplace

Whether you're an accountant, engineer, or entrepreneur you will face ethical dilemmas. In fact, most jobs have implemented a moral code that employees must follow. Well what constitutes an ethical dilemma? First we need to define ethics and then examine how this plays a role in entrepreneurship. Merriam-Webster (2017) defines ethics as, "the principles of conduct governing an individual or a group." Therefore, an ethical dilemma involves a situation in which a person must make a choice that either aligns with their moral code or violates it. Sometimes making an unethical decision is lawful sometimes it isn't.

What's interesting is the uniquely challenging ethical problems entrepreneurs face. It's also important to discuss why entrepreneurs might react differently compared to a professional in an established organization. According to Dr. Hannafey (2003), "these individuals usually operate in stressful business environments and often struggle to find time and perspective for focused ethical reflection." Since entrepreneurs are often introducing new technologies and techniques, they find themselves being the first to encounter entirely new ethical dilemmas. Without moral guidance it's easy to make poor ethical decisions. The allure of an immediate reward can cloud someones judgement and end up crippling a company.

Now not all entrepreneurs are alike and certainly not everyone will face the same ethical dilemmas. As the interest in entrepreneurship keeps increasing it is important to act not only lawfully, but ethically. Take your time making important decisions and consult with coworkers, supervisors, or someone you respect. At the end of the day your decisions define who you are so make sure they're the right ones

Works Cited 

Ethic. (n.d.). Retrieved February 17, 2017, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethic

Hannafey, F. (2003). Entrepreneurship and Ethics: A Literature Review. Journal of Business Ethics, 46(2), 99-110. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/stable/25075093