Organizational Ethics: Gender Issues and Resolution Essay Example

It is worth noting that this response varied during World War II when women undertook masculine roles like serving in the military and working in the Pentagon. Currently, incidents of sexual harassment have become prevalent due to greater collaboration between both genders in the workplace.

Managers should take into account employees' marital status to avoid workplace romances. Studies on certain companies indicate that managers favor young married women because they are less likely to flirt in the office and more productive, as their priority is starting a family. Moreover, female workers require distinct medical attention that may lead to additional costs for the company. Thus, these factors highlight gender disparities among employees.

When providing instructions or criticism to female employees, managers should be mindful that women often internalize such feedback more deeply than men. It is crucial to acknowledge the differences between civilian and military contexts, particularly when it comes to gender and sexual harassment. In the military setting, a woman can respectfully inform a fellow Soldier that their conduct is unwelcome without facing legal repercussions (like charges of assault).

Engaging in sexual gestures or advancements is deemed inappropriate and classified as a sexual gesture which could lead to reporting if continued. Females receive ample breaks throughout the day, with certain establishments, such as the military, granting extra time due to women’s unpredictable psychology. It is recognized that women feel more confident when well-groomed, including having clean hands, fresh lipstick, and neatly styled hair. Such instances of “special treatment” further fuel discussions on gender inequality.

Given the scenarios mentioned, females are considered unequal to their male counterparts. While some feminists argue against generalizations, this remains largely true. As

demonstrated by the movie example, the power in numbers reinforces these beliefs. The behavior of most women conforms to the descriptions given earlier, leading to special treatment from management that men and feminists oppose. John Gray’s “Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus” further supports ongoing gender issues.

Both genders have made progress, but still face issues such as sexual harassment and inequality in the workplace. Positive communication between male and female employees is crucial for productivity and personal well-being. Ethics play a role in facilitating this interaction. The healthcare industry provides an example of how ethics can lead to a decrease in reports of sexual harassment. Perhaps this is due to the intense workload of doctors, nurses, and surgeons, leaving little time for inappropriate behavior.

Workplace integration at a high level leads to a decrease in sexual harassment among men and women. Organizational ethics, which prioritize honesty, rights, privacy, and proper decorum with colleagues, play a crucial role in shaping employee interactions and reducing the severity of gender-related issues. It is important to differentiate between sex and gender as two separate terms.

Although both sex and gender relate to male and female characteristics, their determination differs. Sex is determined biologically while society determines gender. This makes the distinction subjective and often leads to disagreements between individuals. Such tensions can occur during workplace discussions about gender dynamics, which management should avoid due to the risk of sexual harassment. As a transportation specialist (88M) deployed in Iraq for convoy security escorts, I saw how women performing tasks at the same level as men was previously uncommon in this field.

Despite women's progress in the workplace, sexual

harassment remains a vital ethical issue in the military. Annual briefings on sexual harassment are mandatory for soldiers, and non-attendance may lead to dishonorable discharge. While the military supports women, investigations into resolving allegations of sexual harassment are still ongoing. These regulations and briefings signify a small advancement in tackling sexual harassment in the military workplace. Legally, one gender being harassed by someone of the opposite sex defines sexual harassment; this could involve a female boss harassing a male subordinate.

According to the Army Regulation 600-20, Chapter 7, sexual harassment is defined as any unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors. This may also include other forms of verbal or physical conduct that is of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment constitutes discrimination when such behavior creates an offensive work environment or influences employment decisions and can happen to anyone regardless of their gender. The movie "Disclosure" provides an example of how male subordinates can be sexually harassed by female bosses. Additionally, supervisors or commanding officers who utilize sexual behavior to influence the career, pay, or job of soldiers or civilian employees are committing this offense (¶ 4). Men's issues now go beyond traditional topics and encompass considerations like the benefits of single mothers.

Male single parents are choosing to use public spaces such as airports and restaurants to change their children’s diapers. It is commonly thought that women’s illnesses can affect their work performance and mood, but this is also true for men. Cancer, for instance, can have significant psychological impact on both genders.

Dealing with personal illness can present challenges for a man, including impact on self-esteem, self-image, dependability in the workplace, and attitude towards others.

Challenges also arise in diagnosis and treatment while balancing career responsibilities. The ongoing issue of gender in organizations has three main reasons. Firstly, the social role assigned to individuals based on biological differences is difficult to break away from. Some men still view women as weak and overly emotional decision-makers. Secondly, inequality arises due to the woman's reproductive system allowing for childbirth, while men cannot.

There are social concerns and discrepancies in benefits, including maternity leave, that arise as a consequence of disrespect towards women. Women desire to be esteemed by men and recognized for their dependability, stability, skills, good judgment, and intellect.

It is not only women who seek recognition, as this desire is a characteristic shared by all individuals. The military offers the "Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program" to Soldiers of any gender, which aims to combat sexual misconduct in the armed forces. Despite attempts to change the culture within the organization, there has been little impact on individual actions.

The military is actively working to eliminate gender barriers, resulting in progress towards equality within what some consider a male-dominated institution. The solution is for individuals of all genders to understand and respect each other's perspectives, acknowledging hard work and accomplishments as the highest ethical and moral behavior that soldiers or employees can demonstrate towards their colleagues. This information is based on Army Command Policy from May 2002, specifically Army Regulation 600-20 regarding the prevention of sexual harassment.

The source of this information is from http://www.sexualassault.army.mil/files/r600_20_chapter7, accessed on August 10, 2007.

Thompson, R. E.'s article titled "The changing face of gender issues in the 21st century workplace" in the January-February 2005 issue is available at http://findarticles.com. Retrieved

August 9, 2007.

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