Choices Confronted: A Scenario Exploration

In today's fast-paced business world, ethical dilemmas can often arise, particularly in situations where making the right choice may not be straightforward. One company that aims to provide guidance in such situations is German pharmaceutical and healthcare company, Gerresheimer.

Gerresheimer has a publicly accessible Code of Conduct, derived from their corporate values TRIBE, which serves as an ethical guide for employees. This Code of Conduct is globally applicable to all employees, leaders, and governing bodies, emphasising respect for human rights, social responsibility, and ethical business practices.

The Code of Conduct is a crucial foundation for success, as Gerresheimer believes in building a business that feels good because it represents them at their best. However, ethical dilemmas often fall into a gray area where making the ethical choice may potentially harm someone, or doing something a little wrong may help create a larger "right."

For instance, an employee might overhear about an upcoming layoff and find themselves in a difficult position if the affected friend confides in them. Similarly, an employee might be asked to cover for a co-worker who wants to sneak out of work early, or to manipulate sales figures for a contract that cannot be signed by the deadline.

In such situations, Gerresheimer's Code of Conduct offers a basis for making informed decisions. It encourages employees to consider the long-term consequences of their actions and to prioritise honesty and integrity.

However, ethical dilemmas can also manifest in more subtle ways. For example, an employee might take a questionable deduction on an income tax, lie to a customer about the delivery status, or even fudge figures on a report to make results look better. In such cases, the Code of Conduct serves as a reminder that shortcuts and deceit are not the way forward.

Moreover, the Code of Conduct addresses interpersonal relationships as well. It forbids romantic relationships between co-workers and raises an ethical dilemma when an employee picks up the lunch bill for a best friend who is the VP of a company, unsure whether to declare it as a business lunch.

In the face of these ethical dilemmas, Gerresheimer's Code of Conduct provides a clear and consistent framework for employees to navigate the gray areas of business ethics. By adhering to this Code, Gerresheimer aims to maintain a culture of honesty, integrity, and respect, where success is built on a solid foundation of ethical practices.