Johnson, Organizational Ethics, Third Edition Instructor Resource
Chapter 10
1. Which is NOT a characteristic of an ethically transformed organization?
2. Which is NOT a characteristic of ethically decoupled organizations?
3. At Carol’s company, employees routinely talk about the ethical consequences of their
decisions. This suggests that Carol is working for which kind of organization?
4. Which is NOT a formal element of ethics culture for an organization?
5. Which is NOT an element of informal ethics?
6. Which best describes a mission statement’s purpose?
7. Tim knew his office culture well. The phrase “Customers first” was frequently used in
conversations and people were described as “partners.” Which informal element of ethics is
described above?
8. If Emma wanted to change some of the ethical cultural climate around her office, what is a
way she could provide ethical leadership?
9. Which statement best describes “socialization”?
10. We form impressions about possible careers during which stage of the socialization process?
11. ______________ describes how employees gradually move up the ladder of corruption
during the socialization process.
12. An organization’s core ideology is made up of
13. Which of the following terms refers to the sense of normlessness and unease that results
when rules lose their force.
14. Which type of ritual has manifest (obvious) ethical functions?
15. Erika knows the right thing to do by watching her leader Ellen. Ellen is shaping the
organization’s ethical culture through
16. Followers pick up on ethical priorities through what leaders measure and control. This is
which cultural change mechanism?
17. Which type of ritual is designed to strengthen and improve the current system?
18. According to the Ethical Climate Questionnaire, which type of climate is MOST likely to
encourage immoral behavior?
19. Which of the following is a true statement about codes of ethics?
20. A strong culture in which norms and values are very different from the rest of society is
referred to as a:
21. _____________ outline an organization’s reason for being.
22. All of the following are characteristic of effective ethics training EXCEPT:
23. Which of the following accounts for the poor performance of many corporate boards?
24. Sometimes codes of ethics are used to force members to comply with organizational rules.
This reflects which metaphor?
25. All of the following are examples of the formal socialization process EXCEPT:
26. Structure influences moral behavior in all of the following ways EXCEPT:
27. To be effective, ethics officers must
28. Rodrico tells his subordinates to make their quarterly financial goals by any means possible.
His followers are likely to feel a sense of
29. The “ladder of corruption” operates in which immoral socialization process?
30. When it comes to ethics, what is a problem with many organizational reward systems?
31. The ideal ethics communication systems
32. The ethics officer who reports to the CEO violates which principle?
33. The resignation speech of a state governor convicted of violating the law is an example of
34. Marta gives orders but doesn’t want to know how they are carried out, lest she be blamed for
any illegal activities. She is using which strategy?
35. Budgeting is a form of which type of organizational change mechanism?
36. Which ethical driver lays the foundation for any ethical change effort?
37. Climate analysis is an example of which ethical driver?
38. When faced with ethical choices, members of the Main Street law firm look for guidance to
state statutes as well as guidelines set forth by the state bar association. Main Street has which
type of ethical climate?
39. Corporate board members must make a diligent effort when making decisions. This is called
the
40. Which cultural element gives you the best idea of how an organization “really works”?
41. Which is the MOST effective mission statement?
42. ____________ is the central identity or character of an organization.
43. ___________ are widely accepted standards of behavior that reveal how an organization
“really works.”
44. An organizational story consists of a narrative and its ________________________.
45. A(n) _____________ outlines an organization’s reason for being.
46. ____________ play a significant role in promoting systematic ethical change.
47. In ethically ________________ organizations, ethical considerations are disconnected from
most organizational decisions.
48. ___________ are repeated organizational dramas.
49. According to the ______________ Act, CEOS must personally attest to accuracy of financial
statements.
50. When an ethical code acts like a mirror, it confirms whether or not a behavior is acceptable.
51. Ethically transformed organizations focus primarily on complying to legal requirements.
52. How employees talk informally can inhibit ethical behavior.
53. Norms generally exert more influence over behavior than formal rules and policies.
54. A CEO should also serve as the chairperson of the company’s board of directors.
55. When changing ethical culture, choose one component to focus on.
56. Organizational commitment is greatest in caring ethical climates.
57. Explain how organizational structure can encourage unethical behavior.
a. Blur lines of accountability, diffuse responsibility, separate employees from consequences of
actions, employees blame roles, deny decision making authority to lower level employees
58. What advice would you give a new organizational board member?
59. Explain the negative impacts of anomie.
60. Why is it important to take a systematic approach to changing ethical culture?
61. Why are empowered employees more likely to make ethical decisions?
62. List six areas typically addressed by codes of ethics.
63. Outline suggestions for dealing with stories that encourage unethical behavior.
64. Name and explain the types of ethical climates.
65. What does it mean to “make ethics matter?”
66. Compare and contrast ethically decoupled and ethically transformed organizations.
67. As a consultant, what advice would you give an organization developing its first code of
ethics?
68. Evaluate the ethical impact of your organization’s performance evaluation and reward
system.
69. Provide an example of each type of ritual in your organization. Identify the ethical messages
communicated by these routines.
70. Evaluate the formal ethics training program at your organization.
71. Describe a new ritual for your organization that could improve the group’s ethical culture.
72. Tell an organizational story (from your organization or one you’ve heard about from another
organization). What ethical message does this narrative send?
73. What organizational story in your organization would you change? Why? How would you
change it?
74. Evaluate your socialization into an organization from an ethical standpoint. What suggestions
would you make to improve the process?
75. Has the ethics training you have received on the job been effective? Why or why not?