Question

Which one of the four prevention tools do you think is the most important to address at the individual ethical lapses level?

1. Screening

2. Internal controls and audits

3. Training

4. Personal commitment

Provide your rationale and explanation why your chosen prevention tool is more important within 3-5 paragraphs.

Answer 1

All the four prevention tools are very important to address at the individual ethical lapses level but I think the most important tool is a personal commitment. Ethical lapses occur when a person in power tends to misuse his power or involves in an unethical act due to it. Ethical lapse is something with a rare occurrence but can affect negatively if occurs. Screening, internal control and audit can help in checking on a person time to time or telling him what to do and how it should be right ethically. But these techniques will not work effectively if the individual is not personally committed to preventing ethical lapse.

Personal commitment is when the person accepts from within to maintain the integrity and honesty in his actions at all levels and at all positions he reaches. This commitment can help in avoiding ethical lapse from taking place. When a person comes at a position where he is in power, it becomes important for him to be committed to ethics because his actions and decisions will affect many others below him and so it is his duty to do what's right.

Possessing a personal commitment will make the person more responsible to do the right thing. Doing right in a situation is a decision which comes from within a person and cannot be taught them by training and screening sessions. Hence for all other measures to be implemented successfully also the individual requires to have a personal commitment towards his work and his duties, to perform them rightly and inspire others to do the same.

Answer 2

Among the four prevention tools listed for addressing individual ethical lapses, "Personal commitment" is the most important. While all prevention tools play a significant role in promoting ethical behavior, personal commitment stands out as it forms the foundation for ethical decision-making and behavior. Personal commitment refers to an individual's intrinsic dedication and belief in upholding ethical principles, regardless of external factors or pressures.

Personal commitment is crucial because it drives ethical conduct from within, even in situations where external controls or monitoring mechanisms might be lacking or ineffective. An individual who is genuinely committed to ethical behavior will act with integrity and honesty, even when there is no direct oversight or accountability. This commitment is deeply rooted in an individual's values, beliefs, and sense of responsibility towards the greater good of the organization and society.

Moreover, personal commitment sets the tone for ethical behavior within an organization. When leaders and employees demonstrate a strong personal commitment to ethical principles, it creates a positive ethical culture that cascades down to all levels of the organization. Others are more likely to follow the lead of those who exemplify ethical behavior, fostering a sense of trust and credibility within the organization.

In contrast, relying solely on screening, internal controls, and audits, or training might not be as effective in addressing individual ethical lapses without a foundation of personal commitment. While these tools serve valuable purposes, they primarily focus on detecting and mitigating ethical violations after they have occurred or preventing lapses through external means. However, they might not fully address the underlying motivations and values that drive ethical behavior in the first place.

Training, for instance, is essential for educating employees about ethical principles, policies, and the consequences of unethical behavior. However, without personal commitment, the knowledge gained through training may not translate into consistent ethical decision-making. Similarly, screening and internal controls help identify potential risks and misconduct, but they may not prevent ethical lapses if an individual lacks the personal commitment to uphold ethical standards.

In conclusion, personal commitment is the most important prevention tool for addressing individual ethical lapses because it goes beyond external controls and focuses on fostering a genuine sense of responsibility and dedication to ethical behavior. By nurturing personal commitment to ethics, organizations can create a culture that encourages individuals to act with integrity and make ethical choices even in challenging circumstances. Personal commitment serves as the bedrock upon which other prevention tools can be built, reinforcing the organization's ethical fabric and promoting a strong ethical culture.