Litzky, B.E., Eddleston, K.A., & Kidder, D.L. (2006). The good, the bad, and the misguided:
How managers inadvertently encourage deviant behaviors. Academy of Management
Perspectives, 20, 91-103.
Mobley, M.E., & Humphreys, J. (2006). How low will you go? Harvard Business Review, 84,
33-44.
Wetlaufer, S. (1999). A question of character. Harvard Business Review, 77, 30-34.
I have assigned these three articles in this course for the past three years. I still think that they
are excellent articles that provide (a) realistic examples of how the lines between ethical and
unethical workplace behaviors can sometimes seem blurred and (b) concrete examples of how
managers unwittingly motivate their employees to engage in unethical behaviors.
I have posted previous questions that I asked about these articles at the end of this assignment. In
addition, I have included my own answers to the questions. My hope is that being able to read
the previous questions and answers will help stimulate your thought as you answer the required
questions below.
REQUIRED QUESTIONS
In the article How low will you go?, I believe that the two most important issues here are (a)
female employees are treated differently than are male employees and (b) Carlton seems to be
ignoring the situation.
1. Imagine that Carlton decides that entertaining potential customers at strip clubs is a
legitimate business practice. What might the repercussions of this decision be? Your
answer should consider the following:
a. Joan Warren’s future with OptimMotors (1/2 point)
Joan’s future with OptimMotors is limited because of her inability to be apart of vital business
meetings that she aided in facilitating. Because of this her sales skills are diminished due to her
not being a part of the closing process. Joan will continue to face discrimination if she continues
to stay with OptimMotors, resenting her job causing her to be ineffective in her position. She
could also face criticism if she brings the issue to the attention of HR. If Galen continues to stay
and participate in unethical business practices Joan will be settling for a loss of income because
of her inability to be apart of the closing process, resulting in a less than bright future with
OptimMotors.
b. Galen McDowell’s future with OptiMotors (1/2 point)
If Galen’s unethical business practices are considered legitimate then his future with OptiMotors
will flourish. He will continue to close deals with those who are wooed and believe in his
business practices, ultimately making him a vital asset to the organization. On the flip side of this
he could also face backlash from those who do not agree with his business practices causing risk
for OptiMotors which can cause damage to his reputation and sales record. His illegitimate
business practices will only benefit him in his short-term goals but will hinder him in his long-
term goal success. The practice of closing deals by getting customer’s intoxicated will soon
prove to be ineffective and will be frowned upon for those who do not believe in his closing
techniques.
c. The financial future of OptiMotors (1/2 point)
The future of OptiMotors can go either way. It could flourish or be negatively affected
depending upon what the future clients view as unethical business practices. Depending upon the
client, some may view the practices as ethical and enjoy them, but others may view the practices
as unethical and be offended by them hurting the reputation of the company. Eventually, I think
that the financial future of OptiMotors will deteriorate because entertaining clients at strip clubs
is not an ideal business practice.
d. Bob Carlton’s reputation/credibility as a leader from the perspective of his
customers and employees. (1/2 point)
Bob Carlton’s reputation as a leader will be diminished if he allows the current business
practices to be legitimate. If these practices continue, he will lose more business then he gains
ultimately ruining his reputation/credibility as a leader.
2. Now imagine that Carlton decides that entertaining potential customers at strip clubs is
NOT a legitimate business practice and prohibits the practice. What might the
repercussions of this decision be? Your answer should consider the following:
a. Joan Warren’s future with OptimMotors (1/2 point)
