SPECIFIC CASES OF ETHICAL PROCEDURE IN INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANIZATIONS - DUDAS - 2025

The ethical procedure in institutions and organizations refers to the way in which companies or other entities act according to a series of codes or norms. These codes have the objective of regulating and guiding the way in which institutions interact with society.

Ethics can be defined as a set of rules or customs that guide human behavior within a society; consequently, when speaking about the ethics of institutions or organizations, reference is made to the appropriate behavior of these entities within their social environment.

The ethical procedure in institutions and organizations refers to the way in which companies or other entities act according to a series of codes or norms. Source: pixabay.com

Some consider that the concern for the ethical behavior of the institutions arose in the 18th century; From this moment, a series of beliefs and values ​​were established that aimed to create and develop a market society that was not only focused on increasing production and profits.

Currently, companies or organizations not only stand out for their ability to generate jobs, goods or wealth; They must also be distinguished by their participation as an agent of development and progress in the communities where they participate. In fact, today the construction of a corporate ethic is required that guarantees respect for other individuals and for the environment.

In conclusion, institutions and organizations must not only develop an economic or governmental function; They also have to fulfill a set of ethical duties with respect to society.

Real cases of the ethical procedure of the institutions

Below are some cases of the ethical behavior of the institutions that happened in reality. These cases were chosen for the level of contribution or participation they had with society:

1- Manufacture of supplies during pandemics or other biological disasters

Institutions or companies contribute materials or donations during a pandemic. Source: pixabay.com

When problems occur with the health of a considerable number of people, such as the emergence of a pandemic, many companies provide their services to contribute to the solution of this new problem.

This is seen with the appearance of Covid-19, a pandemic that has affected many people worldwide. To help with this phenomenon, several companies have decided to help by manufacturing medical supplies (such as masks, alcohol, gloves); others have contributed by donating money.

An example of this can be found in the Ron Santa Teresa factory (Venezuela), a company dedicated to the production of liquors. From the emergence of the virus, this institution decided to allocate 80% of its production to the manufacture of ethyl alcohol, since this liquid helps to eradicate the virus from surfaces.

Another example can be found in the Inditex textile factory (Spain), a company that decided to allocate a large part of its infrastructure to the manufacture of protective gowns to help health personnel.

Likewise, the Spanish company Endesa (dedicated to the production of electricity and gas) designed a Public Responsibility Plan with the aim of helping with donations and supplies. In this way, the company ensures its commitment to society.

2- Reduction of energy consumption

One of the current issues that most concerns business ethics is everything related to environmental protection and sustainable production. Beginning in the 20th century, people began to become more aware of the consequences of using planet Earth's resources in an excessive way.

For this reason, several institutions and companies have decided to apply measures that seek to protect the environment. An example of this is found in the Australian company Westpac Banking, a banking institution that has been awarded for its interest in reducing electricity consumption.

For this, the company was reducing the energy cost in the offices and offices; It also encouraged its employees to use an alternative means of transport (bicycles, public transport, among others) in order to minimize the emissions that pollute the ecosystem.

3- Sustainability and ecological measures

Sustainability is part of today's ethics. Source: pixabay.com

Today all institutions and companies face the ethical dilemma of sustainability or sustainability; This refers to the ability to meet the needs of the present without harming or compromising the needs of future generations.

Consequently, an organization is said to be sustainable when it can meet current demands without harming people or the environment in the future. Similarly, for a company to be considered sustainable it must:

- To ensure that the benefits received by the company or institution are also good for the planet.

- Build more value or wealth than what is destroyed or consumed.

- Commit to doing a good job that brings social, economic and ecological wealth.

This is the case of the Danish company Chr. Hansen Holding A / S, which was ranked first on the sustainability list. It is an organization specialized in bioscience, whose products (used to give food a natural color and aroma) generate positive effects on both the environment and society. This company is characterized by adopting natural solutions and encouraging an ecological agricultural sector.

4- Social responsibility and honesty

Responsibility and honesty are two elements that characterize the ethical procedure of any institution, especially social responsibility. This is the true case of PepsiCo, an American food and beverage company that was listed as the most ethical institution in the world by the Ethisphere Institute.

This happens because PepsiCo has very open and beneficial inclusion policies with its employees; Furthermore, it tends to provide notable support to the communities where its facilities and offices are located.

5- Teamwork and corporate ethics

Teamwork is fundamental to ethics. Source: pixabay.com

Institutions proceed ethically when they promote teamwork and maintain respectful treatment with all the people who make up the company. In fact, teamwork has been shown to foster the development not just of an organization, but of the entire society.

One of the organizations that has been recognized for its effective teamwork is the Google company, whose leaders discovered that success was in fostering valuable interactions between each of the team members.

In addition, Google is characterized by defending the psychological safety of its employees and by encouraging the skills of each of them.

References

1. Cárdenas, J. (2007) Ethics in organizations. Retrieved April 6, 2020 from fcaenlinea1.unam.mx
2. Delgado, A. (2020) Solidarity companies against the coronavirus. Retrieved on April 6, 2020 from emprendedores.es
3. Elsa, A. (2016) Business ethics: examples of sustainable companies. Retrieved on April 5, 2020 from Cooltra.com
4. Fernández, A. (2005) Ethics and social responsibility in current organizations. Retrieved on April 6, 2020 from Redalyc.org
5. Martínez, C. (sf) Ethical procedure in institutions and organizations: characteristics. Retrieved on April 5, 2020 from Lifeder: lifeder.com
6. Palomino, P. (sf) Corporate ethics and ethical behavior: the significant function of top management role modeling. Retrieved on April 6, 2020 from researchgate.net
7. Pratka, R. (2019) 20 companies that faced ethical problems. Retrieved on April 6, 2020 from msn.com
8. SA (2017) Meet the list of the most ethical companies in the world. Retrieved on April 5, 2020 from corresponsables.com
9. SA (sf) Basic principles of corporate Ethics. Retrieved on April 6, 2020 from seiko.co.jp
10. SA (sf) Business ethics and social responsibility. Retrieved on April 6, 2020 from managementhelp.org