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PLAGIARISM IN THE WORKPLACE: WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
Image by Feuillu via Flickr
Plagiarism:
Workplace Whistle blowing
None of us want to believe that one of our co-workers is
a thief or lazy; but, the fact of the matter is, there is a lot of unethical
behavior in the workplace. Plagiarism is; “ submitting someone
else’s written work as your own, copying information verbatim from the
Internet, using incorrect paraphrasing, not documenting references, and,
copying from yourself” (Girard, J.N, 2004). Yes, even copying from yourself can
be considered plagiarism. Plagiarism has become such a problem; ethical
standards must be put in place for writers. Publishers, Instructors, and Employers
are now putting in plagiarism detection systems so that they can limit the
amount of stealing that is going on due to the Internet (Girard, J. N, 2004).
Technology today makes it verily easy to swipe another’s
ideas, words, and images; copy and paste capabilities make swiping another’s
work verily easy. Recently another student plagiarized my work; the college
sent an e-mail stating that this student found a previous assignment on my blog
turning it in as their own. Needless to say, I was not happy, yet, never found
out what happened to, or who this student was. Stealing is wrong, no matter the
form of property taken. And ethics are ethics, whether, personal or
professional. In addition, many people turn their head in the belief this
is a victimless crime (Girard, J. N, 2004).
No crime is victimless; let us straighten that out first
and foremost. Furthermore, the person that overlooks the ‘victimless crime’
will overlook other crimes; which, says a bundle about their ethics.
Additionally, if this woman worked with anyone who plagiarized, after making
sure the suspicions are true, would whistle blow immediately. The key to this
tattle telling, or any whistle blowing, is to make sure the facts are there;
plagiarism is stealing, and that is a serious charge to accuse someone of.
Making sure that suspicions are true protects your reputation. Additionally, if
accusations are true and you do not tell an authority, when the truth does come
out, and, the management finds that you knew, your reputation will be in
question. And frankly speaking, if the turning of your head is the action taken
against crime, the consequences are your just desert (Girard, J. N, 2004).
Consequences for plagiarism vary from one employer to
another. An employee would most likely be fired, maybe even sued civilly.
However, in the eyes of consumers and investors, a business is responsible for
their employees’ actions. This means that the victim may bring charges against
the company as well as the thieving employee. In addition, the company’s
reputation would be harmed, this may not only make them fire you but sue for
liabilities. There are many reasons why employees plagiarise others’ work;
although, none of them are good ones. Whether meeting deadlines or lack of
ideas, thieves come up with some good excuses for their behavior; some even
think if they buy their work off the internet they can do what they wish with
it, without giving credit. This practice is plagiarism and not acceptable
(Girard, J. N, 2004).
In conclusion, I would tell on a co-worker, or anyone
else that steals another’s work; it is unethical and lazy. Furthermore, anyone
who turns their head to this so-called ‘victimless crime’ has no more morals or
ethics than the thief. Additionally, plagiarism is not a victimless crime and
it needs to be dealt with firmly. Finally, in my opinion, plagiarism should
have stiffer penalties and consequences; this is not a victimless crime,
property is stolen, and someone is violated.
References
Girard, J. N. (2004,
July). Plagiarism: An ethical problem in the writing world. Findarticles.com.
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_mOFSL/is_1_80/ai_n6113175/
Ford Motor Company and Corporate Social Responsibility
Image via Wikipedia
Ford
Motor Company’s CSR Stance
Ford Motor Company is one of the leading forces in
Corporate Social Responsibility in the automotive industry; “In 2007, [Ford]
added Corporate Social Responsibility to [their] title to reflect the essential
role that companies can play in promoting human rights, which is a longstanding
goal of U.S. foreign policy” (Mittelhauser, 2011.para.1.). Acting director Mark
Mittelhauser emphasizes Ford’s participation in the fight for ‘labor’ rights of
workers across the world. What a great company strategy; Ford’s own employees
have to feel comforted by the fact that the company is fighting for their
rights as workers and as people. Ford Motor Company has surpassed the
government standards for CSR, and continues to strive for a cleaner, safer
world (Mittelhauser, 2011).
The Ford Motor Company has already taken great strides to
‘eradicate’ labor issues all around the world. “Much of [Ford’s] focus is on
eradicating labor abuses within international supply chains, whether in pig
iron from Brazil, cotton from Uzbekistan or cocoa from West Africa” (Mittelhauser,
2011.para.3.). Ford will not tolerate any of their suppliers abusing workers,
no matter the country. Ford’s stand should be a model for all world companies,
large and small; they understand that happier employees produce better products
and profit, and that all people have certain rights.
It is important for the automobile industry to take on a
CSR program for a plethora of reasons; for instance, automobiles use gasoline
and diesel, which in turn pollutes the air that we breathe. Since it is not
practical to eliminate automobiles, a company must reduce the amount of
emissions each vehicle produces. The factory itself puts out a carbon footprint
that has to be controlled by regulation and corroboration with government and
world leaders. Corporate Social Responsibility is a world effort and Ford is
very proud to be a part of it (Ford, W. Mulally, A., 2011).
The global marketplace will be increasingly difficult for
companies; with different trends, cultural, economy, and regulations, companies
must adhere to a diversity of standards and requirements. Ford however, has
embraced the challenges of the global marketplace and its diversity. Ford Motor
Company’s President and Executive Chairman believe that, “ the companies that
lead these changes will create new “green” jobs and generate profits while
reducing fuel use and CO2 emissions, benefiting
both the economy and the environment” (Ford, W. Mulally, A.,
2011para.3.). It is an admirable commitment
for a company to not only make, but to keep. Yet, that is exactly what Ford has
been doing; making and producing electric automobiles, better MPG on their
gasoline and diesel powered automobiles, and steadily improving on lessening the
carbon impact on the world (Ford, W. Mulally, A., 2011).
As the world grows more aware of the dangers of climate
change, it has become imperative to cut the
pollution down to a feasible level. The hottest trend in the automobile industry today is electric and hybrid automobiles.
The Ford Motor company has made a commitment to providing affordable, reliable,
quality vehicles to supply the new demands of a new generation. New vehicles
such as the ‘Lincoln MKZ Hybrid’ and many others similar to it are being made
(Ford, W. Mulally, A., 2011). Ford is leading the automotive movement for less
dependence on foreign resources.
All companies are responsible to their stock holders,
consumers, community, country, and the world as a whole; Ford is responsible
for giving their consumers quality, affordable, safe vehicles, while supporting
the community. World issues are certainly more complicated to solve today and
Ford has strapped on this responsibility with American pride and heart. Since
the days of Henry Ford, Ford Motor Company has projected an attitude of”American-know-how”
and a “help the fellow man” mentality. One way of doing that is taking
responsibility for its own carbon footprint. This is just one of the ways that
Ford is being responsible to the world as a whole. (Ford, W. Mulally, A.,
2011).
Every company should implement a CSR program. It not only
shows the company’s character and concern for their community, country, and
world issues, but, it also appeals to the consumers. The new world generation
of ‘tree huggers’ respect a company that cares about their ecosystem and
environment, it seems that humanity cares more about the environment than
previous generations. There is more information available now than in earlier
generations of the economical boom era. This just means that there is more awareness
about the consequences of not conceding to the ecosystem, and what is in store
if the world does not conform to the requirements of nature and air quality
(Maguire, 2011).
There are many things that a corporation must do to
participate fully with the ethics of Corporate Social Responsibility, but,
there are also many things that must not be done as well. A company must never
offer ‘token’ gestures to show a minimum CSR requirement- that is poor policy
that will not pay off. A corporation should show the same response and
responsibility standard to all; to pick and choose the way to respond will
create resentment in the business world, and alienate that company (Maguire,
2011).
In conclusion, Corporate Social Responsibility is an
important part of every company. Every entity that takes from the earth should
respectfully give back to it; it is the responsible duty of us all. There is poor
emphasis, available on global warming and eco-critical issues to ignore this
problem any longer. And doing the minimum to simply concede to society’s demand
for excellence will no longer suffice.
Editing assistance by George N. Huftalen, Jr.
References
Ford, W.C., Mulally, A.
(2011, February 18). Blueprint for Sustainability: The future at work.
Ford Motor Company.
http://www.corporate.ford.com/about-ford/
Maguire, A. (2001,
February 20). Implementing Corporate Social Responsibility. Ainsworth
Maguire. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/267/Implementing-Corporate-
Social-Re…
Mittelhauser, M. (2011,
February 19). Office of international labor affairs and corporate social
Responsibility, bureau of democracy,
human rights and labor, U.S. department of state.
Ford Motor Company. http://corporate.ford.com/news-center/news/featured-stories-details
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