The second step in Sherman’s article that applies in this situation is Doing the Right …show more content…
Thing (Sherman 2003). This simply means that awareness of what is right comes with the obligation to act correctly. Based on the new recommended health codes and new land use laws, Sandwich Blitz has to find ways to comply with the regulations. This strategy will ensure that they are in line with the new laws and prevent further issues in the future. In his article “Rethinking Integrity” Stratford Sherman mentions that government laws and regulations will be enforced regardless of whether people agree on them or not (Sherman, 2003). There may be a significant costs to moving the enclosures, and Sandwich Blitz may need to find larger parcels of land, however the legal consequences of not complying could include heavy fines and possible closure of Sandwich Blitz locations.
The third step according to Sherman’s article,that Dalman can apply is Taking Responsibility (Sherman, 2003).
Sandwich Blitz’s survival will depend on the management of Dalman and Lei making decisions in this situation to act or not. Failure to act responsibly can have catastrophic consequences for the organization and employees. In the situation where the government employee is proposing an unethical solution to the location manager, Dalman needs to be sure to document that and report the actions of the inspector. That action on the part of the government employee is illegal and considered solicitation of a bribe, thus failure of Dalman to act responsibly would be unethical as well. The responsibility of ethical leadership lies with Dalman to make the right decision in the best interest of the Sandwich Blitz
companies.
Another consideration that Dalman has to make is the financial repercussions of the actions that need to happen in this situation. There are many drawbacks to having the locations moved to larger parcels of land to comply with the new laws, and careful analysis of the possible options and outcomes will be important to lessen the financial impact. In the big picture, the decision to comply with laws and regulations will strengthen Sandwich Blitz’s position and ensure the integrity of the company, and the decision should be considered as an investment in the future of the company.
In spite of the unsavory and unethical actions of the government employee, Dalman and his team has to act in a socially conscious manner and strive to upkeep their code of ethics and values. Dalman should consider discussing the ethical issues that came up with his managers and reiterating the company’s stance on ethics and social and corporate responsibility. Defining the rules and values according to Mr. Sherman’s article, means the organization’s employees all agree explicitly on the rules and values and share the same expectations and sense of community.