Ethics and power in organizations

Questions: 1. What did you learn from thus topic? 2. What do think this topic is important? 3. How would you apply thus topic in your life? Answers: Ethics and power in Organizations - why power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely 1. I have learnt from the understanding of the topic that humans are hungry for power and this is natural. In organisations, bureaucrats and even lower subordinates demand more power as a result of this nature. Greater power enables an individual to make decisions quickly and efficiently; however, the dangers are more in such cases. I have worked in two organisations and have come across people from different domains and having different characters. I believe that corruption is a pragmatic attitude for gaining power without considering ethical views and the outcomes of the deeds. One does not think of what is right and wrong, and places own advantage above justice to others. When someone gains authoritive power and starts exercising control over others, they exhibit wicked behaviours which begin to dominate their minds and eventually destroy it (Fincham and Rhodes 2005). People having the believe that absolute power does not lead to absolute corruption are very mislead (Zimbardo 2007 ). I belief power corrupts since the growth opportunity is destroyed. Power inflates ego and gives rise to erroneous ideas and thoughts. It can be thus said that by way of power one corrupts and by way of absolute power one becomes absolutely corrupted. I have developed an understanding that corruption is to be avoided at all costs even if power is at hand. 2. The topic is important since power and corruption are two integral elements of all organisations. Ethical issues constantly interfere with the functioning of an organisation, and since power and corruption are inevitably related to ethics, the topic is of utmost importance. 3. I would apply this concept of power and corruption in my professional life to maintain a balance between power and ethical concerns. It would be my aim to not walk in the path of corruption and rather utilise the power I would have in a positive way to achieve better professional outcomes. References Fincham, R. and Rhodes, P. 2005.Principles of organizational behaviour. 1st ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Zimbardo, P. 2007. The Lucifer Effect. How good people turn evil. Ebury/Random House, pp. 258-293.