Midterm question Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Midterm question - Essay Example However, since humans are not purely rational, they are prone irrational behaviors and hence the need for a code of ethics to establish relations in an organizations. Indeed, the possibility of having rational and irrational perspective gives rise to a moral consideration in business deliberations according to Kant. Most notable is the fact that reason supersedes any decision and reason gives a moral direction that abides with the law. In fact, Kant reckons that whether a moral act is right depends on the correctness of the actor’s reasoning. According to the Utilitarians, the morality of any action absolutely relies on its utility in providing happiness or pleasure. As such, the Utilitarians define morality or ethical tenets in relation to the outcome of the action. Furthermore, John Stuart Mill respects the value of the natural world and the environment by arguing that destruction of the environment and a reduced quality of life leads to reduced growth in an organization. In analyzing the business model of the Walmart and McDonald’s Corporation, the two dimensions of moral worthiness of an act in an organization will apply. Walmart Corporation is an international company with its headquarters based in Wal-Mart Home Office complex in America (Walmart). Walmart business model associates with selling a wide variety of general merchandise at significantly low prices. This seemingly relates to Utilitarianism define morality or ethical tenets in relation to the outcome of the action. Indeed, the morality of this act derives its worthiness from the profits collected from such a strategy. More so, in U.S and Canada, the company equally employs greeters and designates them at strategic places in the entrance of the store to assist the customers get what they want and give feedback. As such, the corporation plays a huge responsibility in creating quality products and marketing them in an ethical manner. This relates to Kant’s view that it is the mo tive and free will behind every action that derives the action moral worth and not the outcome of such an action. Moreover, these moral acts are compliant with the law. Furthermore, the company refers to its employees as associates thus motivating them in their work. Clearly, the corporation does this with reason and at free will as established by Kant’s view. Nevertheless, Walmart business model attracts serious criticism relating to extensive foreign product sourcing, treatment of employees and product suppliers, and environmental practices. Overall, Walmart has successfully offered goods at low prices for working families and subsequently gaining competitive advantage in the market (Walmart). McDonald's is the world's largest fast-food company (McDonald’s Web).  However, the model of business in McDonald’s faces a lot of criticism relating to its menu, its expansion, environmental policy, health policy, and labor record. Indeed, there have been consistent a llegations of corruption at the McDonald. The corporation faces accusations of increasing its profits through political influence. This subsequently has adverse effects on human health especially children who suffer obesity and social conditions of its workers. This is against the law as seen in the documentary film Super-Size Me by Morgan (Supersize Me). As we can see, the McDonald’

Leadership in organizations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Leadership in organizations - Essay Example Secondly, it provides an insight into their leadership approach towards individuals and teams. Thirdly, aspects of effective and strategic leadership for change as well as team development and management remain considered in analyzing the company’s leadership style of the two managers. Lastly, a personal judgment on the management styles and recommendations of this case study group would be incorporated in the report. Report on the Leadership Style of Mountain West Company Introduction Leadership styles include autocratic, bureaucratic, laissez-faire and democratic. Democratic leaders believe that staffs can be led while autocratic leaders believe in pushing staffs. Autocratic, democratic and laissez-faire leaders exercise low, moderate and high delegation respectively whereas bureaucratic leaders believe in equal delegation for all staffs. Autocratic leader makes decisions and declares them or sells decisions whereas laissez-faire leaders define limits and ask staffs to make decisions or permit staffs to function within defined limits. Additionally, democratic leaders may present ideas and invite questions, present tentative decisions subject to change or could as well present problems to staffs to obtain suggestions and thereby make decisions. However, bureaucratic leaders apply any style in decision making depending on the staffs and the present situation. Evelyn demonstrates democratic leadership while James demonstrates autocratic leadership. Analysis and evaluation of the both leadership styles For several years, Mountain West employed various aspects in the operations of the call centre that gave the company a competitive edge over and above their direct competitors in the industry. Under the management of Evelyn, she ensured the allocation of regular breaks to the staffs of the department. As well, various training opportunities and trainings remained available to the staffs in facilitating an up to date acquisition of knowledge regarding custome r service techniques, different products and problem solving skills. Moreover, Evelyn having taken into account her vast experience at the department and the pressure related to the work made provisions for flexible working schedules for the call centre staffs. Furthermore, the team at the customer service department incorporated their operations to integrate customers’ needs. This encouraged staffs to take adequate time in understanding and resolving customers’ problems. This would also be attributed to the ability of Evelyn to foster organizational needs in their activities at the department as they felt part of the company irrespective of their low pay (Lussier & Achua 2009, pp. 404-407). By contrast, a young manager becomes employed following Evelyn’s retirement to manage the customer service department. The senior management perceives the appointment of James to the reduced and controlled costs of the department. With the mindset of attaining the mark, Jame s increased the number of calls per hour for each staff as well as cutting back on the number of training the department received. Under James’ management, performance would be measured in terms of efficient scheduling though not reflecting flexibility and speed. In the face of these changes, the costs of the depa