Ethics

Chapter 4. Terris, Daniel. (2005) Ethics at Work: Creating Virtue at an American Corporation. Brandeis University Press. Apply critical thinking skills in evaluating Lockheed Martin's efforts.

1. What do you think about the notion presented by Terris that Lockheed's ethics program does little to prevent ethical breaches at the highest level of the organization?

2. Are the efforts put forth-such as making sure higher level executives participate in training-enough to help executives navigate what Terris calls the 'ethical minefield' faced by leadership in such an organization?

3. What are some things that could be done to address the issue related to ethics at higher executive levels of the organization?

4. Terris points out that the company's program is overly focused on individuals and that it doesn't really address group dynamics that can impact ethical situations. For instance, there can be a tendency for groups to ‘go with the flow' of the group decision making process and overlook ethical issues in the process. What would you recommend that Lockheed Martin do to address this situation?

(Hint: reviewing p. 128 and the following pages - before section headed "Personal Responsibility, Collective Innocence" - of the text might be helpful).

Assignment Expectations: Write a 4- to 5-page paper, not including title page or references page addressing the issue.

Your paper should be double-spaced and in 12-point type size.

Your paper should have a separate cover page and a separate reference page. Make sure you cite your sources.