Explain how ethical issues may alter the way change is conducted in the organization.
Which organization?
It might depend on what kind of change is desired. For example, an organization may realize that a product is unsafe for consumers, so, from an ethical perspective, may decide to invest in alterations to the product to make it safer, or withdraw it from the market. Or, the organization could reject the idea of doing either in the interest of maintaining profit margins. Or an organization may decide that a policy of confining women to secretarial duties is unethical and change the policy to give women more responsibility. Those are two hypothetical examples. Your question is very broad, and cannot be answered definitively.
One question that many for-profit organizations face today is, "To whom are we responsible?" If the responsibility is to the investors/owners (stockholders), profits must grow and the stock price must rise. To acknowledge responsibility to the community at large may necessitate new pollution controls, but investing in the technology required will the growth of profit and stock price. Where do the "loyalties" of the organization lie? To whom are they responsible: the stockholders or the community at large? That is a legitimate ethical question. To choose between one or the other (or to find a way to do both) may involve change.
Ethical issues can have a significant impact on how change is conducted within an organization. Here's an explanation of how ethical issues may alter the way change is executed:
1. Decision-Making Process: Ethical considerations require organizations to consider the potential impact of their decisions on different stakeholders, such as employees, customers, the environment, and society at large. Consequently, organizations need to engage in more careful decision-making processes to assess how proposed changes align with ethical standards.
2. Transparency and Communication: Ethical issues may require organizations to be more transparent and communicative during the change process. Organizations must provide clear information about the reasons behind the change, its expected impact, and any potential risks or downsides. Open communication helps to build trust and ensures that employees and other stakeholders understand the ethical aspects of change.
3. Employee Involvement and Participation: In order to address ethical concerns, organizations may involve employees in the change process more actively. Including employees in decision-making can help to identify potential ethical issues, gather diverse perspectives, and enhance the legitimacy of the change. This participatory approach fosters a sense of ownership among employees and fosters a more ethical change process.
4. Stakeholder Engagement: Ethical change requires organizations to engage with a wider set of stakeholders beyond just employees. This may include customers, suppliers, local communities, and regulatory bodies. By involving these stakeholders in the change process, organizations can ensure that their perspectives and concerns are considered, leading to more ethically sound outcomes.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation: Ethical considerations necessitate ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the change process and its outcomes. Organizations should establish mechanisms to assess whether the change aligns with ethical standards and if any unintended consequences or ethical dilemmas arise. Regular assessments help to identify and rectify any ethical issues that emerge during the change journey.
In summary, ethical issues bring about a need for organizations to adopt a more transparent, participatory, and considerate approach to change. It involves careful decision-making, active engagement with stakeholders, and continuous monitoring to ensure that change is conducted in an ethical and responsible manner.