Big Bucks Bank Has Published a Detailed Company Ethical Code

Big Bucks Bank has published a detailed company ethical code based on an extensive values management process. The code specifies that all dealings with customers are to be fully documented and all dealings with the public not only are to be legal but should be based on what is best for the consumer. Everyone who deals with a customer is responsible for what he or she advises and must document conversations. Promotions and rewards will be based not only on productivity but also on fairness and how the customer is dealt with. At the weekly mortgage department meeting, Bill, the supervisor, informs his department that the loan production is way down and that they need to do whatever is necessary to step up the amount of loans granted. As a result, a number of questionable loans are granted that make money for Big Bucks but result in families being foreclosed on. Assuming the questionable loans to be unethically given, which trait of an ethical company has been breached?

A) Senior management has not articulated a clear vision of integrity.
B) Policies and practices of the mortgage department are not aligned with those of the organization.
C) Responsibility is collective rather than individual.
D) Nothing has been breached as this is common among even the most ethical of companies.