business ethics ( discussion)

Discussion D: Organizational Factors

Welcome to the first discussion. In this course you will be introduced to a topic in the discussion. The first week of the module you will write about your initial thoughts after reviewing the resources. The initial post should be at least 300 words.

During the following week you will reply to at least two of your classmates. The replies should be at least 100 words. See the discussion rubric for more details on grading.

Discussions should always be completed prior to “class.” If you are in an online class or an on ground course this is prior to the lesson portion of the week. Are you ready to begin?

1. Review the following:

• Read chapter 7 in the textbook.

Southwest Airlines has a strong and friendly, fun-loving organizational culture that dates back to the days of its key founder Herb Kelleher. Kelleher became legendary for appearing in a dress and feather boa and joining baggage handlers on Southwest flights. He organized an awards ceremony for employees that many felt rivaled the Academy Awards. He treated his employees like family. Today, Southwest continues that legacy. Pilots willingly and enthusiastically support the “Adopt a Pilot” program. Students in classrooms around the country adopt a Southwest pilot for a four-week educational and mentoring program. The pilots volunteer in the students’ classrooms and send e-mails and postcards to a variety of destinations. Southwest’s culture allows it to attract some of the best talent in the industry. Values, beliefs, customs, rules, and ceremonies that are accepted, shared and circulated throughout an organization represent its culture. All organizations, not just corporations, have some sort of culture, and therefore we use the terms organizational culture and corporate culture interchangeably.

2. Initial Post (300 words)

• Describe the corporate culture of an organization that you have been associated with. Did the culture contribute to or detract from the effectiveness of the organization? Why? What can an organization do to ensure that a culture is developed that contributes to the success of the company? Why is it so difficult to develop a positive organizational culture?