Ethics Awareness Managing for an Ethical Workplace OGE Energy Fall 2009 Andrew L. Urich Puterbaugh Professor of Ethics & Legal Studies Spears School of Business Oklahoma State University

Ethics Awareness I am NOT here to moralize. “Awareness” changes human behavior.

Who Am I to Discuss Ethics? I am a hypocrite. I play favorites. I interpret rules to my benefit. I have been known to ignore rules that get in my way. I hate to admit I am wrong even in those rare situations when it looks like I might be. I am much more likely to believe things that benefit me. I like my ideas better just because they’re mine.

Who Am I to Discuss Ethics? Sometimes I think it’s fun to say “no” just because I have the power to do so. Here is how I make decisions: I decide what I want the answer to be– and then make up the logical reasons to support my decision. I tend to judge myself by my intentions rather than my actions. I tend to judge others by their actions rather than their intentions.

Key Points to Remember Human nature is not naturally ethical. Ethics is gray– not black and white. (In other words, you can’t just say you’re an ethical person–and that’s all there is to it) It is difficult to be ethical all of the time.

Ethical Lapses in the News Enron inflated earnings by $586 million—investors lost $60 billion. Adelphia founder used corporate assets as collateral for $3.1 billion in personal loans—company went bankrupt. WorldCom overstated profits by $7.1 billion—17,000 workers laid off. Barings Bank’s Nick Leeson caused his employer's collapse in 1995 after losing US$1.3 billion in unauthorized derivatives trading.

The Tyco Party Tyco CEO looted company of $600 million

Management cares!! Why are we here today?

Because our reputation is worth it! Please remember Enron’s real problem! Why are we here today?

Times are changing in society and at OG&E! Do ethics change with the times??? Ethics, as a part of OGE’s “Corporate Culture,” gives you a talking point and an “out.”

Case Problem 1 The Thrifty V.P.

Case Problem 1 The Thrifty V.P. Just following orders Ethics and young people Entrapment

Discussion Question What do you use as an ethical guideline? In other words, how do you decide what’s ethical? Should ethical decisions be based on “gut instinct” or “conscience?”

Examining Unethical Behavior Overview of Topics 1. It’s easier not to be ethical. 2. Beliefs about the ethics of others 3. Attitudes toward the company 4. Self-delusion (Rationalization)

1. It’s Easier Not To Be Ethical Easier to do what’s convenient Easier to conform with the norms Easier to do what’s profitable Easier to win if you cheat It is very difficult to overcome the challenges of human nature. CRITICAL THINKING

1.It’s Easier Not To Be Ethical But It’s Worth the Trouble Ethics is the key to leadership and influence. “A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.” Mark Twain

Case Problem 2 Just Trying to Help

2.Beliefs About the Ethics of Others Everyone thinks like me. People follow the leader. Different ethics for different situations? Do you use the same standard of ethics in all aspects of your life? For example, is your standard the same with your family, at church, at work, with personal business, etc.?

3. Attitudes Toward the Company Do managers practice what they preach? (It’s the perception that counts) “The fish rots from the head down.” ~Sir Andrew Louis Employees want to “even things out.” Authority is OUT—Influence is IN.

4. Self-delusion Rationalization: Polite term for self- delusion “The greatest of all faults, I should say, is to be conscious of none.” ~ Thomas Carlyle (1795 – 1881) Scottish writer “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Secret to Happiness  Self-delusion  Hypocrisy  Ignorance

The Secret to Happiness Ignorance is Bliss “People who do things badly are supremely confident in their abilities—more confident, in fact, than people who do things well. Not only do they reach erroneous conclusions and make unfortunate choices, but their incompetence robs them of the ability to realize it.” Dunning, David Journal of Personality and Social Psychology December 1999.

4. Self-delusion

Case Problem 3 Bedlam Football

Guideline for Ethical Decision Making 1. Is there an applicable law or OGE policy? 2. Should I ask about this before acting? 3. Have I taken time to think carefully before acting? 4. Would I disclose my decision to my supervisor, CEO, mother, etc.? (What if everyone found out?)

Guideline for Ethical Decision Making 5. Am I avoiding the appearance of impropriety? 6. Am I defining the problem correctly? 7. Am I rationalizing? 8.Finally, when in doubt, do I know who to contact?

Training Opportunities at OGE Andrew Urich Influence Skills: Authority is Out– Influence is in Negotiation Skills Professional Image

Thank You I appreciate your time and attention. Questions?