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THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN
EMPLOYEE

SOURCE OF AN ETHICAL CONCERNS IN

TRANSACTIONS WITH THE BOSS
Various situations might give rise to ethical concern in transactions with a boss, usually as a result of power
imbalance and conflicts of interest. Some of these are

Pressure to Compromise Standards:

• Unrealistic Goals- Unrealistic Goals: Your boss could set unrealistic goals that are impossible to
accomplish morally, which could put pressure on you to take shortcuts or participate in dubious activities. This
could entail falsifying information, deceiving customers, or putting financial gain ahead of security.
• Favoring personal gain- Your boss may put their own interests ahead of the company’s success and
encourage you to make choices that would advance their career or financial interests, even if doing so puts the
business or coworkers at risk. This can entail taking bribes or leveraging business resources for private gain.
• Ignoring Ethical Concerns- If you voice ethical concerns about a project or decision, your employer may
minimize or reject them, which could foster a culture that accepts or even promotes unethical behavior. This
may result in a downward spiral where moral principles gradually deteriorate.

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CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
• Personal Relationships- Even if it’s not in the best interests of the business, your boss may be
inclined to give preference to a client or supplier if they have a personal relationship with them.
This may result in unfair benefits and jeopardize the integrity of the business
• Hidden Agendas- Your boss may have a secret agenda that they choose not to share, which
could cause you to base choices on inaccurate or partial facts. This may put you in a position where
you are unwittingly engaging in immoral activity.
• Lack of Transparency- You may be uncertain about the moral ramifications of your acts since
your boss may be reticent to discuss their decision-making procedure or the reasoning behind
certain transactions. It may be challenging to recognize and resolve possible conflicts of interest as
a result.

ABUSE OF POWER

• Harassment or Discrimination- Your employer may harass or discriminate against you

because of your sexual orientation, gender, color, religion, or other protected traits. This
transgresses moral and legal norms and fosters a hostile work environment.
• Unreasonable Demands- Burnout, stress, and resentment can result from your boss making
unreasonable demands of you, such as working long hours, taking on tasks that are not part of
your job description, or sacrificing your personal life. It can also put you in a position where you
feel under pressure to act unethically in order to meet their expectations.

• Retaliation- If you voice ethical concerns or decline to engage in unethical acts, your boss may
take adverse action against you. It may become challenging to confront unethical behavior as
a result of this culture of fear and quiet

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LACK ETHICAL LEADERSHIP

• Setting a Bad Example- If your boss engages in unethical behavior, it sets a poor example
for everyone else in the organization. This might foster an environment in which unethical
action is normative and accepted.

• Ignoring Ethical Codes- Your boss may disregard or subvert the organization’s code of
ethics, resulting in a culture that does not value moral principles. A breakdown in
accountability and trust may result from this.

UNETHICAL BUSINESS PRACTICES

• Misleading Information- Your boss may request that you provide clients, investors, or other stakeholders
with information in a way that is dishonest or misleading. This can undermine trust and harm the
company’s brand.

• Unfair Competition- Your boss may use tactics like trade secret theft or exploitative pricing that are
against the rules of fair competition. This can make the playing field unfair and hurt other companies.

• Environmental or Social Irresponsibility- Your boss may encourage you to take part in labor practices
that are unethical or that damage the environment. This can harm the company’s reputation and
exacerbate environmental and social issues.

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OBLIGATIONS TO THE FIRM

Obligation to the firm – Employees should strive towards the firm’s goals, avoid harmful
activities, show loyalty to their boss and company, respect others, and maintain financial
integrity. They should avoid activities that could harm the firm, such as theft or bribery.
Showing respect and avoiding ethical dilemmas in finance can help maintain legal duties.

Employee obligations to a company include a number of crucial duties that they must
fulfill:
• Performing Duties: Employees are expected to complete their assigned tasks efficiently
and follow instructions from management, ensuring productivity and quality of work.

OBLIGATIONS TO THE FIRM

• Safety Compliance: Employees must adhere to safety regulations and practices, report
hazards, and participate in safety training to maintain a safe work environment .
• Attendance Notification: Timely communication regarding absences is crucial, allowing
the firm to manage workloads effectively .
• Loyalty and Honesty: Employees should act in the best interests of the firm, avoiding
conflicts of interest and being transparent about any issues that may affect their work .
• Confidentiality: Protecting sensitive company information is essential, as unauthorized
disclosure can harm the firm’s interests .
These obligations contribute to a productive and legally compliant workplace.

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CONFLICT OF INTEREST

• A conflict of interest (COI)occurs when an individual or organization faces competing

interests that could compromise their judgment or actions. This situation often arises in
professional settings, particularly when personal gains conflict with duties to employers or
stakeholders. Common examples include self-dealing, where a decision-maker benefits
personally at the expense of their organization, and insider trading, where confidential
information is exploited for personal profit. Managing COIs is crucial for maintaining ethical
standards and transparency in both public and private sectors.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Here are some Types of Conflicts of Interest:

• 1. Financial Conflict of Interest: Receiving personal profit affects professional and
personal decisions.
• 2. Personal Conflict of Interest: Relationships, family ties, or friendships affect
impartiality.
• 3. Professional Conflict of Interest : Conflicting loyalties between primary employment
and secondary interests.
• 4. Institutional Conflict of Interest: Organizational interests conflict with public interests.

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CONFLICT OF INTEREST

4 Examples of Conflict of Interest:

• 1. A politician voting on legislation that benefits their own business.
• 2. A doctor prescribing medication from a pharmaceutical company they own.
• 3. Where an employee grants contracts to a family member or friend.
• 4. A judge presiding over a case involving a personal acquaintance

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

5 Affected Industries:
• 1. Government and politics
• 2. Healthcare and pharmaceuticals
• 3. Finance and banking
• 4. Education and research

• 5. Business and corporate governance

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CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The 5 Effects of Undealt Conflict of Interest

• 1. Eroded trust and credibility
• 2. Unfair competition and biased decision-making
• 3. Financial losses and corruption
• 4. Reputational damage
• 5. Legal and regulatory penalties

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The 8 ways to Avoid Conflict of Interest

• 1. Disclosure and transparency
• 2. Recusal policies
• 3. Independent oversight
• 4. Ethics training
• 5. Whistleblower protection
• 6. Clear policies and procedures
• 7. Regular risk assessments
• 8. Open communication

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OBLIGATION TO 3RD PARTIES

Obligations to third parties arise in various contexts, including contracts and ethical
responsibilities. In contractual relationships, third-party beneficiaries can acquire rights
and obligations without being direct parties to the contract, often through clauses that
explicitly confer benefits. Additionally, professionals typically owe duties primarily to their
clients, but may also have responsibilities towards third parties under certain
circumstances, particularly when ethical tensions arise. Understanding these obligations is
crucial for ensuring compliance and protecting the interests of all involved parties.

OBLIGATION TO 3RD PARTIES

Examples of obligations to third parties include:

• Third-party beneficiary contracts: When Party A agrees to pay Party B, who then uses
part of that payment to purchase goods from Party C, making C a beneficiary with rights
under the contract.
• Escrow services in real estate: An escrow company acts as a neutral third party, holding
funds and documents until all conditions of the transaction are met.
• Confidentiality agreements: Obligations may arise where one party must protect the
confidential information of a third party involved in a contract.

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SPECIAL DISCUSSION ON WHISLE BLOWING

A Deep Dive into Whistleblowing: Exploring the Dynamics, Challenges, and Protections
Whistleblowing,
The act of exposing wrongdoing within an organization, has become increasingly important
in today’s complex world. It serves as a critical mechanism for holding individuals and
institutions accountable, ensuring transparency, and protecting the public interest. This
special discussion delves into the multifaceted nature of whistleblowing, examining its
historical context, legal frameworks, ethical considerations, and the challenges faced by
those who choose to speak out.

SPECIAL DISCUSSION ON WHISLE BLOWING

There are two types of whistleblowing: internal and external.

Internal whistleblowing: When an employee reports misconduct to a senior officer within
the organization, such as the CEO or Head of Human Resources.

External whistleblowing: When an employee reports misconduct to people outside the

organization, such as the police, higher government officials, or the media.

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SPECIAL DISCUSSION ON WHISLE BLOWING

Examples of whistleblowing include:

• Reporting a criminal offense, such as fraud.

• Reporting a health and safety concern.
• Reporting environmental damage or risk.
• Reporting a miscarriage of justice.
• Reporting a company breaking the. Law, such as not having the right insurance.
• Reporting that someone is covering up wrongdoing.
• Reporting evidence of embezzlement to the board, boss, or police.

SPECIAL DISCUSSION ON WHISLE BLOWING

Characteristics of whistleblowing:

• Disclosure of wrongdoing: Whistleblowers expose information about illegal, unethical, or harmful

activities within an organization. This information can involve a wide range of issues, such as fraud,
corruption, safety violations, or discrimination.
• Internal or external reporting: Whistleblowers can report wrongdoing internally to their superiors,
human resources, or other internal channels. They can also choose to report externally to government
agencies, media outlets, or other organizations.
• Motivation: Whistleblowers are often motivated by a desire to protect the public, uphold ethical
standards, or prevent further harm. They may also be driven by a sense of justice, a belief in accountability,
or a fear of retaliation.

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SPECIAL DISCUSSION ON WHISLE BLOWING

• Potential risks: Whistleblowers face potential risks, including retaliation from their
employer, social stigma, and legal challenges. They may lose their jobs, suffer damage to
their reputation, or face legal action.
• Importance to society: Whistleblowing plays a crucial role in holding organizations
accountable and protecting the public interest. It helps to expose wrongdoing, promote
transparency, and ensure that ethical standards are upheld.
Despite the risks, whistleblowing is an important mechanism for safeguarding the public
and promoting ethical conduct in organizations.

10 ETHICAL MISTAKES

What is Ethical Mistakes?

Ethical mistakes are actions or decisions that go against what is considered morally right or acceptable.

10 Ethical mistakes to avoid:

1. Dishonesty: This is a fundamental breach of trust. Lying about work hours, taking credit for others’ work,
or falsifying documents can lead to disciplinary action, termination, and even legal repercussions.

2. Confidentiality Breaches: Companies rely on employees to protect sensitive information. Sharing

confidential data with unauthorized individuals or using it for personal gain is a serious offense that can
damage the company’s reputation and lead to legal action.

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10 ETHICAL MISTAKES

3. Misuse of Company Resources: This includes using company time, equipment, or

internet access for personal activities without authorization. It’s disrespectful of company
resources and can lead to disciplinary action.

4. Harassment or Discrimination: Creating a hostile work environment is unethical and

illegal. It can lead to serious consequences, including termination and legal action.

5. Plagiarism: Presenting someone else’s work as your own is a form of theft and can
damage your credibility.

10 ETHICAL MISTAKES

6. Ignoring Safety Regulations: This can put yourself and others at risk. It’s important to
follow safety procedures to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.

7. Conflict of Interest: This can compromise your judgment and impartiality. Avoid
situations where your personal interests could influence your professional decisions.

8. Unethical Communication: Using company resources for personal attacks, spreading

rumors, or engaging in unprofessional communication is harmful to team morale and can
damage your reputation.

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10 ETHICAL MISTAKES

9. Lack of Integrity: Failing to uphold company values, taking shortcuts, or compromising

ethical standards for personal gain can erode trust and damage the company’s reputation.

10.Ignoring Ethical Concerns: Staying silent when witnessing unethical behavior or failing
to report it can make you complicit in the wrongdoing. It's important to speak up and
address ethical concerns to maintain a positive work environment.

THANK YOU SOMUCH FOR LISTENING DEAR

CLASSMATES !!!

FOR IKNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU, DECLARES TO

THE LORD, PLANS TO PROSPER YOU AND NOT TO HARM
YOU, PLANS TO GIVE YOU HOPE AND A FUTURE.

JEREIAH 29:11

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