The Tone At The Top Here Means The Values And Ethics Followed ✓ Solved

The Tone at the top here means the values and ethics followed by the people in the top of the hierarchy chart. The people at the top level in hierarchy are board of directors, executives and the management at top level. The factors and actions that are performed by the people at top levels largely affect the organizations because these people at the top level will lead by an example. I would like to discuss an example here in this discussion forum which the entire class has worked on a previous case study on Starbucks. The CEO of Starbucks has fired an employee and closed out many stores for a time being to give its employees trainings on ethics and cultural values.

The reason for these trainings and firing of an employee was because a manager has passed an inappropriate comment on one of its customers and has asked that customer to leave the store as they were sitting ideally without purchasing anything from the store. People at higher management level were involved in this discussion and made sure that this incident was taken for granted and assured customers of Starbucks can sit in the store even if they are not making any purchases. The top-level employees of Starbucks lead by an example and set the right level of attitude. This is a perfect example of tone of the top as the people in higher management have acted in the right way and they have led by an example so that the other employees and managers can follow their footsteps.

Today, we all know how Starbucks is strong in their ethical values and one of the organizations that people would love to work because of a good ethical culture.

Paper For Above Instructions

In the realm of business ethics, the concept of "tone at the top" plays a crucial role in shaping organizational culture and employee behavior. This phrase refers to the leadership’s influence in establishing a company's ethical climate, primarily driven by those at the highest levels of management. It embodies the values and ethics that are propagated down through the organizational hierarchy, impacting how employees perceive and practice ethical behavior in their daily activities.

The significance of tone at the top cannot be overstated; it is foundational to fostering an environment where ethical standards are not only promoted but adhered to. This is particularly evident in case studies like that of Starbucks, where executive actions have precipitated changes in corporate culture. When the CEO of Starbucks chose to address an employee's misconduct by terminating the individual and temporarily closing stores for employee training on ethics, it signified a strong commitment to ethical principles. Such decisive actions convey a clear message about the organization's values, illustrating how important ethics are embedded into the company's operational philosophy (Weber, 2019).

The Starbucks incident serves as a prime example of how top-level management can lead by example. The inappropriate actions of the manager, who made a customer feel unwelcome for not making a purchase, were swiftly confronted by the higher management. The reaction was not only corrective but also preventative, signaling to all employees that such behavior is unacceptable and contrary to the company’s ethical stance. This proactive approach is integral to maintaining an ethical tone, as it demonstrates that the leadership is not merely articulating values but is actively enforcing them (Brown & Treviño, 2014).

The activities of the top management team can significantly influence employee behavior. If employees observe leaders practicing ethical integrity and making decisions based on fairness and respect, it instills a strong work ethic among staff (Schneider & McDonald, 2019). Conversely, if management displays unethical behavior, it sets a precedent that may encourage similar conduct among employees. For instance, if leaders arrive late, leave early, or behave disrespectfully towards customers, it sends a message that such behaviors are acceptable within the organization (Kang, 2018).

To effectively cultivate a positive tone at the top, organizations should establish robust codes of ethics where ethical expectations are clearly defined. These codes must be communicated effectively and require acknowledgment from all employees and stakeholders annually. It is paramount that not only existing employees but also new hires understand and commit to these ethical standards from the onset of their careers within the organization (Weber, 2019).

Moreover, regular ethics training sessions are a vital element of sustaining an ethical work environment. Training should not be a one-time event but rather an ongoing commitment that helps employees navigate complex ethical dilemmas they may encounter at work. This continuous education reinforces ethical standards and empowers employees to act in accordance with organizational values even when challenged (Gunz & Thorne, 2014).

In addition to formal training, maintaining open lines of communication is essential in fostering an ethical atmosphere. Leadership should encourage dialogue about ethical concerns and provide forums where employees feel safe to discuss issues without fear of retribution. This open communication fosters trust and reinforces the belief that ethical behavior is a shared responsibility across all levels of the organization (Schneider & McDonald, 2019).

The cycle of ethical behavior begins with the tone set by the top and progresses through to individual employees. Leaders must exemplify the behaviors they wish to see in their teams. This modeling of ethical behavior not only includes acting with integrity and fairness but also emphasizes the importance of listening to different viewpoints and encouraging inclusive dialogue. Such practices foster a workplace where every employee feels valued and respected, thereby enhancing overall morale and productivity.

In conclusion, the tone at the top serves as a crucial determinant in shaping an organization's ethical framework and culture. By prioritizing ethical leadership, executives can significantly influence employee behavior and cultivate an environment where ethics thrive. As demonstrated by the Starbucks case, when leadership acts decisively in upholding ethical standards, it not only rectifies immediate issues but also reinforces the overall organizational ethos, promoting a culture of accountability and integrity.

References

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