Management 13th Edition by John Schermerhorn,Daniel Bachrach

Exercise 24

LEARN ABOUT YOURSELF
It's the character of the people making key decisions that determines whether our organizations act in socially responsible or irresponsible ways.
Individual Character Is a Confidence Builder
T here is no doubt that individual character is evident in all we do. Persons with high character act consistently and confidently due to the self-respect it provides, even in difficult situations. Those with less character are more insecure. They act inconsistently and suffer in self-esteem and in the esteem of others.
Ethics and social responsibility issues facing organizations today can put individual character to a very stiff test. We need to know ourselves well enough to make principled decisions that we can be proud of and that others will respect. After all, it's the character of the people making key decisions that determines whether our organizations act in socially responsible or irresponsible ways.
Personal integrity is a foundation for individual character. It provides an ethical anchor shaping how we behave at work and in life. Think of it as demonstrated honesty, civility, caring, and sense of fair play. Your integrity and character should be more than occasional concerns. They deserve constant attention. Ethical dilemmas can arise unexpectedly. Expediency pressures-meeting deadlines, for example, can cause action without having thought through the consequences. To deal with these situations we have to know ourselves well enough to make principled decisions we can be proud of and that others will respect.
One trait that can undermine individual character is hyper competitiveness. You see it in people who think that winning-or getting ahead-is the only thing that matters. They hate to lose. These types judge themselves more on their outcomes achieved than the methods used to get there. Moreover, they may be quick to put aside virtues to succeed in competitive situations, including those in the workplace.
Self-Check for Signs of Hyper-Competitiveness
Y or N Winning makes me feel powerful
Y or N Winning increases my sense of self-worth
Y or N I hate to lose an argument
Y or N I turn everything into a contest
Y or N I am not satisfied unless I win a competition
Y or N If it helps me win, I am willing to obstruct my opponent
GET TO KNOW YOURSELF BETTER
Do a personal integrity and individual character self-check. Make notes on two situations that presented you with some ethical test. From the perspectives of a parent, loved one, or good friend, write a critique of how you handled each incident and what this shows about your individual character. Did you act with high integrity, or not Watch yourself for signs of hyper-competitiveness in school and work situations. Ask: What are the ethical implications of my behavior