Answer

Ethical Leadership Analysis

Task 1: Ethical Theories, Leadership and the Ethical Lens Inventory

            Ethical leadership refers to a type of leadership whereby people demonstrate their conduct to achieve a common good which is appropriate and acceptable within every segment of their lives. Ethical leadership is important in business since it is believed to foster the extra role behavior of the members of the workplace. Through ethical leadership, the business is exposed to an environment whereby it can derive a positive outcome by allowing the supervisors and the employees to share suggestions, opinions, and work related concerns to improve on the general performance of the organization (Zeng & Xu, 2020). This paper explores the case of ethical leadership, theories and the Ethical lens Inventory.

Non-Fictional Leader and Exemplary Ethical Conduct

Respect is an ethical trait considered. The leader selected is a former employer, Mr. Christian. As a leader, he demonstrated exemplary ethical traits. He demonstrated ethical traits of respect for others and being just. One of the ethical traits of leadership is respect for others (Tuffley & Antonio, 2017). An ethical leader demonstrates respect for all members by listening to them courteously, regarding their contributions, being compassionate, and being generous while considering opposing viewpoints. First, he demonstrated respect to his colleagues by giving each employee an equal chance of expressing themselves. Christian would listen to them then correct them where necessary and applauded them in the right matters. He did not look down on his employees despite their difference in the hierarchy. In case an offense was committed by an employee, Christian would have the decency to address it confidentially without shaming an employee before others. He would associate with the clients in a friend without any discrimination (Tuffley & Antonio, 2017).

Justice and fairness is another trait of an ethical leader. Just leaders do not have favorites, and everyone is treated equally. Under ethical leadership, bias is eliminated regardless of ethnicity, nationality, religion, or gender (Tuffley & Antonio, 2017). Christian demonstrated justice by ensuring all employees and clients were treated uniformly. Christian ensured that all employees arrive at the work premises at the same time without fear or favor. Only those individuals with solid reason were pardon. In addition, he ensured fair distribution of work, and no single person is given priority. Employees were strictly employed based on their qualifications and experience. In the case of good performance, he would acknowledge each person regardless of their position in the organization. Clients too were equally treated without some being offered special treatment. Only the vulnerable individuals were favored by being offered priority.

Ethical Conduct

            Honesty is one of the ethical conducts that each leader should possess. Dishonest traits in leadership create an atmosphere of mistrust. Such can result in leadership being seen as not dependable. Christian demonstrated honesty by being transparent in his dealings. Decisions made concerning the organization were passed through employees for review before a final verdict is made. In case he made a mistake, he took the blame for his actions and acknowledged those that did great without taking credit for their work (Roque, Moreira, Figueiredo, Albuquerque & Gonçalves, 2020). When addressing clients, Christian ensured he gave a full description of the commodities they sold. In case a commodity had any side effects, he would offer full description to his clients and even offer an alternative option for them to choose from. Such conduct increased the trust of clients in the company commodities and even attracted more clients.

Commitment to Continuous Improvement is also an ethical conduct to be considered. Christian’s main goal was to make his employees more enlightened. He emphasized the employees to on focus educating themselves on matters related to their work. Facilitation of training to learn more on various work-related activities (Roque et al., 2020). Other times he would go into the offices and offer helps to the workers and showed them an easier way to maneuver through work. For areas that would not be understood, he would organize talk and elaborate more on it. On his own, he would research ways he can motivate his employees to become better at what they do. The research enables him to identify the market needs and improvements needed to be made in the company. Offering leaflets to clients to enable them to understand better what the company is offering. The leaf-lets allow clients to give their views concerning the commodity thus allowing changes.

Deontological and Consequentialist Perspectives

            Deontological ethics maintains that at least some of the actions are considered to be morally obligatory without considering their consequences for the human welfare (Mardellat, 2020). This perspective maintains a notion that virtue is an element of its own reward and that justice should be accomplished through the heaven’s fall. On the contrary, the consequentialist ethics, also referred to as teleological ethics maintains that the primary standard of morality is fundamentally a value of what an action conveys into being. Deontological theories have been considered as formalistic based on the fact that their central principle is founded on the conformity of an action to some law or rules (Mardellat, 2020).

            In the case study, it is evident that the leader is tied between making a decision to divulge the matter associated with the potential harmful consequences related with manufactured artificial joints. Through the implementation of deontological ethics, it is evident that the sale of the artificial knee joints is necessary although the potential harmful impacts to the human welfare is significant. Therefore, the best course of action for the manager will include not divulging the issue and ensuring that the customer continue to access the product of artificial joints as a result of the benefits provided to the people. The fact that only a small percentage of people are affected suggests that offering the product is morally obligatory and the potential consequences experienced to the human welfare is not considered.

            Through the implementation of the consequentialist ethics, the value associated with the artificial knee product is considered as the primary factor which the leader should consider in this case to guide his decision. Moreover, the fact that a nondisclosure agreement was signed before provides an insight into the fact that I should not divulge the issue.

Cognitive Moral Development Levels

Action that ensures a greater societal good

            Allowing the artificial knee product to be delivered to the society is regarded as the most effective action likely to serve the society’s greater good. The fact that only a small percentage of the community will react to the product does not provide a justification against preventing the sales of the commodity. In this case, the expected benefits outweigh the risks. In this case, conventional morality is applicable. Notably, the reasoning is driven by the norms evident under the group to which an individual is categorized. Heath (2017) state that the social system which emphasizes on the relationships including the social order is perceived as a must and effective in influencing an individual’s view based on what is considered as right and wrong.

Revealing the Information

            By revealing the information about the potential consequences of the artificial joint products will land me into trouble and increase the risk of me losing my job. This is based on the fact that I signed a non-disclosure agreement and going against its requirement will result to the potential consequences of job loss. The level of morality evident in this case includes the pre-conventional one. Pre-conventional morality is experienced in the events whereby one lacks the personal code of morality. In this case, the moral decisions are influenced by the adult thinking standards as well as the associated consequences of breaking the rules (Heath, 2017).

My Principle of Justice

            The most desirable action is to divulge the issue since I believe that the safety and human dignity should be observed with seriousness. In this case, post-conventional morality is evident. This is featured by a person’s level of understanding on the case of universal ethical principles. Arguably, I believe that life should be preserved at all costs since human dignity is a factor of great importance. Heath (2017) states that individual judgment is founded on principles which are self-chosen. For instance, the fact that the company is increasingly producing artificial joints which causes a serious infection among the group of users is considered as a fundamental factor defining the post-conventional morality.

Legal Perspective

            The law requires that the employees abide by the non-disclosure agreement (NDA) since it is legally binding. Therefore, in this case, the law requires that I maintain the secrecy about the firm’s products and activities as required by the NDA.  The NDA is a contract that the parties have agreed to and will not reveal what the agreement is about.  The NDA usually creates a personal relationship between the parties to protect any type of personal or financial information, or company secrets. Therefore, the NDA maintains the confidentiality of business data.  Similar to all contracts, if contract activities are illegal, enforcing it is not permissible. This is associated by conventional morality since it provides a definition of an acceptance of the rules defining what is right and what is wrong. Social systems that emphasize responsibility related to social systems are considered desirable so they must influence individual perceptions of what is deemed right and what is regarded as wrong (Heath, 2017).

Keeping Quiet

            Keeping quiet does not mean that I will be rewarded. However, it will eliminate the risk that I will loose my job. Therefore, this suggests that I will be indirectly prevented from job loss. This is associated with pre conventional morality suggesting that ethical decisions are made by following or violating rules and regulations established by those with a higher authority to avoid the consequences of breaking the regulations.

Ethical Lens Inventory Reflection

            My preferable ethical lens is the reputation lens. Notably, I always value my intuition, also referred to as sensibility, with an aim of establishing the character virtues and traits will effectively serve the people, while observing equality as an aspect. I implement the same ethical lens in different settings without any changes.

            Equality and sensibility are my primary values. In most instances, I provide equality with value over the autonomy. I am always concerned about the wellbeing of the entire society since I consider this as the only way whereby people can be treated equally. Additionally, I also provide sensibility with a value over rationality. I believe that taking time to analyze each situation will give rise to best results rather than relying on the criterion that one-solution can be applicable to all. Fortitude is my classical virtue. Evidently, I can show steadiness and courage in the events of obstacles. Friendship and connections are my greatest values. I also appreciate the individuals who work with me as me.

            I face the risk of reducing my decision to one that is narrowly defined through a virtuously fiscal cost-benefit analysis. Notably, I hold a belief that I am entitled to privileges as a result of my role in the events where my compassion fails. To ensure better ethical decisions, I need to collect the relevant facts, provide a definition of the ethical issue, and then establish the consequences (Bisoux, 2013). This will make it easier for me to overcome the risk by understanding the impacts likely to be derived from my actions.

            I plan to utilize the ethical lens in the future to guide my decision making process in the workplace. The lens will guide me to establish my values and risk which increases the potential that I will easily make effective ethical decisions with minimal consequences.

Task 2: Developing Organizational Ethics and Socially Responsible Behavior

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is an automated business system that helps companies to engage in activities that benefits them and the public.  By carrying out corporate social work or what is commonly known as corporate citizenship, companies can understand how it affects every segment of society, including the economy, society and the environment.  Working on CSR means that in regular business, companies do not harm society, environment and the economy. This paper explores the case of Corporate Social Responsibility and its importance while exploring the case of Paradigm Toys.

The Purpose of Corporate Social Responsibility

            The social responsibility of a firm is to focus on the association between the stakeholders, organization and clients. CSR works effectively in most economies that has a link between human development, financial and social participation (Alyammahi, Alshurideh, Al Kurdi & Salloum, 2020). In addition, CSR guarantee businesses that are steered ethically through the application of Triple bottom line approach. The approach ensures there is a balance between economy, environment and social benefits. Also, it is responsible for mobilizing the company in creation of shareholder value through exploiting the benefit of its shareholders. Creation of the shareholder value promotes mutual organization and community profits. In addition, CSR ensures legal procedures are followed by supporting community rights. Through its encouragement for resources development, it ensures that acceptable levels of risk are exposed to the community or environment by the company (Ratajczak & Szutowski, 2016). Therefore, facilitating an agreement between the people and the community. CSR promotes philanthropic responsibilities by encouraging activities that involves the community development.

            CSR encourages engagement between the community and the stakeholders. Thus, such interacting allows shared views from both parties. Doing so allows transparency and inclusiveness if the community with the company. Participants with direct interest in the company are the primary stakeholders. Some of the primary stakeholders of Paradigm Toys are the customers and the investors. Customers being part of stakeholders have an expectation that the company will ensure that the ethical considerations of the business is up held. The investors ensure that there is a constant supply of funds for company’s growth (Ratajczak & Szutowski, 2016). Secondary stakeholders indirectly linked with the company but usually have an interest in it. Some of these stakeholders of paradigm toys are the government entities or community surrounding the company. The government aids to standardize the policies of the industry and ensure that ethical considerations are followed to the latter. The community that the company makes decisions that are ethical which do not harm them financially or physically.

Means in which Paradigm Toys meet their CSR

            In order for Paradigm Toys to meet their Corporate Social Responsibilities for their primary and secondary stakeholders is to ensure they have an open communication with their customers, investors. The open communication will ensure transparency and accountability for all their actions (ElAlfy, 2020). Ensuring that their clients are conversant with what they are to expect and in case of an error they can follow through and the necessary changes to be made before destroying the company (Alyammahi et al., 2020). In addition, the investors will build their trust in the company and even invest more as they are able see the out-come of their investment. The company can also provide memos and weekly updates to its primary stakeholders as this will keep them updated on what is happening.

            The company giving back to the community is another way which it can meet its CSR. Involving the community in charity events make the people feel appreciated which gives them a sense of belonging. Also, the company can organize events that makes the community take part in its participation. The involvement of the community allows them to appreciate the existence of a company in their neighborhood as they are able to take part. Doing this allows the company to understand the interests of the people and even get more views concerning their products (Alyammahi, et.al, 2020). Also, the company can meet their CSR being a source of employment to the members of the community. Employment will allow financial stability to the unemployed individuals within that community.

            The company can ensure that they work together with government entities to ensure that all the policies required are met. The company can first ensure that they acquire all the necessary documents and licenses needed for their business. Second, the business can ensure there is frequent inspection by the relevant bodies to company to ensure activities are being conducted as per the standard. Doing so will minimize chances of accidents to employees and even damaged products to its customers (Ratajczak & Szutowski, 2016). Lastly, the company can ensure they involve the government entities in formulating policies that govern the activities of the company therefore, avoiding instances of committing frauds.

Importance of Ethical Leadership

Importance of Ethical Culture in an Organization

            The development of an ethical culture is for any organization and Paradigm Toys is no exemption. Ethical culture assists the organization in promoting a decent public image. A positive public image attracts the employees wanting to work in the organization. Besides, it enables customers to believe in the products produce as it has positive feedback. Through positive public image, the company’s products are marketed far and wide thus making it known by most individuals. Thus, promoting higher sales and profit. Another importance of ethical culture is that it promotes better opportunities for revenue generation and increased profits. When ethical considerations are put in place, chances of employees stealing or wasting time during working hours is minimized (Lozupone, 2020). Compared to workplaces that do not have a guiding ethical culture. Therefore, allowing maximum coverage of work and production of goods, promoting the sale. Adequate production results in increased profit and revenue (By, Armenakis, & Burnes, 2015).

            An ethical organization is aware of its goals. Therefore, allowing proper allocation of resources among the department, better performances, and setting of realistic goals. Ethics enables employees to focus on the set goals rather than randomly conducting activities that may result in delays or failure to meet the client’s need. In an ethical organization, leaders are viewed as being aggressive and humble in their work to do what is necessary to bear an ethical compass. Also, ethical culture enables an organization to secure its assets. Ethics provides guidelines in which assets are to be insured. Therefore, protecting the products in case of an emergency. Without ethics, it is impossible to have an understanding with the insurance companies on the rates of insurance (Lozupone, 2020). Finally, ethical cultures contribute to success in business as a set of guidelines are followed.

Role of Paradigm Toys’ Leadership in Fostering Ethical Culture

            Paradigm Toys’ can foster ethical consideration by setting up effective ethical rules which influence staff to follow their lead. Setting an example for them to follow is the best illustration to be used as employees will see that it is possible to achieve. Facilitating ethical training to all new employees to nurture the company’s ethical culture. Also, annual training allows all employees to remind them of the company’s ethics and correct the set rules that are not functional (Lozupone, 2020). The ethical audit enables a strategic process of the hiring of employees.  Strategic hiring ensures that all workers have the capabilities that align with the company’s ethical standards.

Purpose of Ethics Audit

            Ethics Audit’s purpose is to hold the company accountable by making sure they uphold its ethics. The audit oversees all company’s activities and confirms everything is running smoothly based on the ethics put in place (Lozupone, 2020). Also, ethics audits overlook how the company deals with complaints, financial disclosure, business handlings, and critics from other people. Their goal of looking into the matter ensures that the company is keen on how they deal with their issues as any error will result in questioning. Ethics edit enables the company to be transparent with their dealings to avoid penalties.

Values that an Ethics Audit could bring to Paradigm Toys

            Ethics Audit allows the company to identify areas where they need improvements and acknowledge areas they have performed well. The knowledge of areas that require improvement allows the company to improve its performance. Audit aids the company to improve their ethical standards and provision of future opportunities to motivate their workers (Lozupone, 2020). Employees are encouraged to be ethical when an issue is recognized. Ethical audits steer the company to work hard towards attaining its ethical expectations. Ethical expectations are the goals that will enable the company to achieve its goal by carrying out activities that promote the company’s growth.

Ethical Dilemma in a Business Setting

            I was once employed in a business manufacturing firm located in the US. One of the ethical dilemmas experienced in the firm included that of employee health and safety. Despite the fact that the management was aware of the associated workplace risks and environment, the firm failed to invest in safety measures to safeguard the employees. As a result, most ended up being seriously injured on a daily basis with at least two fatalities being recorded after three months. This was regarded as an ethical dilemma since the business was tied between generating profits and investing in safety measures which were going to ensure the health of the members of the workforce is observed.

            Offering a safe working environment is the duty of the management to its employees. Therefore, one of the solutions to addressing the health and safety issue in the manufacturing sector is to offer the employees with protective gear which they can put on as a safeguard while in the workplace. This can include quality facemasks and protective gear to keep off acidic chemicals which the employees interact with while on duty (Fang & Shu, 2014). The second solution involves investing in comprehensive medical covers for the members of the workforce to ensure that they can access quality medical care in a timely way in the event of any accidents while in the workplace. With desirable covers, the employees will find it simpler to visit a medical facility whenever they are exposed to serious chemicals. This shows that even when the firm is focused on generating profits, it also considers following the law and exercising fairness by considering the interests of the people.

            The most effective solution to be considered includes investing in protective gear for the members of the workforce. This solution is regarded as the most effective one since it considers the value which the firm’s actions have on the people. Moreover, the solution relies on the consequentialist ethics principle which indicates that the central principle of conformity is founded on some rule of the law (Heath, 2017). In this case, the solution is guided by the OSHA law which makes it the duty of the management to uphold the safety of the employees while in the workplace (Fang & Shu, 2014).

Implementing an Ethics Training Program

            There are three main elements to be considered when implementing an ethics-training program at Paradigm Toys. The first element is to reconsider the company’s code of conduct. The code of conduct is a desirable element to be included in the training since it outlines the factors which are acceptable or not to the company. Educating the employees on the elements of the code of conduct are effective in unveiling the information required by the management to the staff to guarantee an ethical behavior (Fang & Shu, 2014). The second element to be included includes a topic on the consequences of violating the Code of Conduct. This is a fundamental move towards the elimination of the employee’s ignorance from the start. That way, they can know exactly where the boundaries are and what happens when they fail to abide by the requirements of the code.  The third aspect of this training is to cover the roles of the employees in reporting instances of misconduct and the protection measures set aside by the management to encourage this action. This will be effective in encouraging the members of the workforce to behave ethically and also encourage the staff to report instances of misconduct without fear.

            Engaging in a face-to-face training session or workshop is the most effective method of delivery to be considered. This training strategy is desirable since employees can ask questions or participate in real-time discussions. This makes it easier to understand their mastery on the topics being taught and the areas which require further development. It is fundamental that all employees should participate in the workshop after being enrolled to be a part of the team.

Task 3: Code of Ethics and Legal Responsibility Analysis

            A code of ethics refers to a guide of principles which are designed to assist the professionals to conduct their business with integrity and honesty. A code of ethic document has the ability to outline the values and missions of a firm, and how the professionals are required to approach their ethical concerns in the workplace environment based on the firm’s core values (Trevino & Nelson, 2014). This essay seeks to analyze Target’s Code of ethics while looking at other factors such as the ethical factors which can raise concerns within the workplace.

Target’s Code of Ethics

            Target’s Corporate Social Responsibility is effective since it emphasizes for the need of several aspects such as the achievement of environmental sustainability, social and business responsibility. The focus is to enhance ad protect the reputation of the people. Additionally, through its CSR, the business believes that it has the power to enhance the lives of the member of the community, and ensure that a sustainable difference is established within the world (Target Corporation Code of Ethics., 2019). Evidently, it is a fact that the business has allocated its efforts towards caring for the world by advocating for the moves which focused on respecting human dignity and rights as well as investing in the community. Additionally, through it services, Target has focused on health and safety promotion and the delivery of quality food products to maintain the services trust and honesty. Target has allocated its efforts towards accomplishing its business fairly and in a way that it follows all the established rules and regulation such as that of a fair competition (Target Corporation Code of Ethics., 2019).

            Target has effectively covered the issue of compliance with legal mandates. Notably, the business is committed towards showing its compliance with the law as well as engaging in an ethical business performance. Each of the members within the Target Corporation has the responsibility of following the law as well as the policies and the Code of Ethics provided by the firm. The members of the team has a duty of reporting any suspected or actual violations experienced within the business’ set-up. The firm’s CSR offer expectations for the members of the team on the conducts and guides of the ethical decision making despite the fact that it is not possible for the CSR to cover all the policies and law, the document offers a guide on the expectations needed to guide the ethical process of decision making (Target Corporation Code of Ethics., 2019).

            In the events whereby the business is noncompliant with the set legal mandates, the business exposes itself to penalties, associated with a reduced public trust and investor relations which can negatively affect the firm’s functioning and profitability.

            Target Corporation has several safeguards in place focused on protecting the business from unethical activities and illegal dealings. Records management is one of the safeguards put in place by the business. The firm has focused its efforts towards delegating the records management responsibilities to all the members of the workforce and clearly documented this within its Code of Ethics. It is the employee’s responsibility to comply with all legal requirements and company management policies. Target has gone through lengths to ensure that the employees are guided on how to handle the specific information you may come across (Target Corporation Code of Ethics., 2019). Asset security is the second safeguard in place. In the company’s COE, there is a section that clearly defines what should be considered a physical asset. It provides clear and simple instructions on how to effectively manage and maintain these assets. This is a move which safeguards the assets as it prevents their loss, theft, and / or vandalism.

            The company’s code of ethics is effective in the development of an ethical culture. Target has focused on the establishment of an ethical culture through the process of establishing specific examples of actions deemed as unethical. Moreover, the firm has offered a real-life scenario which acts as a guide of what the staff should expect whenever they are faced with the same situation (Target Corporation Code of Ethics., 2019).

            Target Company has gone through their way to ensure that the members of the workforce can easily report concerns associated with ethical behaviors. Several resources are made available to ensure this functionality. First, workers can contact their management or HR managers when suspecting or experiencing instances of misconduct while in the workplace. Second, the employees are provided with a telephone number (1-800-541-6838) which will connect directly to the security line allowing them to provide information about any wrongdoing. Third, the workers are provided with an opportunity where they raise their concerns through an email. Notably, the people are allowed to send concerns using the email, mailto:[email protected] or send a letter of concern to: Target Corporation 33 South 6th Street Minneapolis, MN55402 (Target Corporation Code of Ethics., 2019).

            The situation will determine how I report an ethical conduct. However, in most cases I would prefer the hotline to ensure that my anonymity is observed to avoid any drastic consequences such as retaliation in the workplace.

Policy to Address the Unethical Conduct

            Before a staff member considers to expresses concern about unethical behavior in the workplace, he/she should question if someone else would also maintain the same stand that the action is inappropriate and unethical.  Just because someone can take something immoral does not always suggest that it is.  Employees must consider the impact on themselves and the company, as well as those suspected of violating the law if they opt to blow the whistle on unethical conduct.  Moreover, it is advisable to consider the associated consequences of the whistle blowing efforts and if they are prepared to face the repercussions (Trevino & Nelson, 2014). 

            Different internal steps can be followed by an employee who decides to blow the whistle. The staff member should first consult with a manager or the supervisor in the firm to ensure that an individual with authority is informed about who was the complainant. This is regarded as an effective step to eliminate the employer’s deniability of not being aware of the complainant. The second step involves ensuring that the worker follows all the stated workplace policies when completing a report on the unethical conduct. Failure to this can provide the employer with the power and reason to punish the employee for the failure to abide by the stated policy procedures. The third step including storing all the evidence associated with the unethical conduct reported (Target Corporation Code of Ethics., 2019).

            Different external processes should also be considered when blowing the whistle. The first one includes seeking the help of an external source after filing the complaint internally. The second step entails having the report filed with proper authorities within the required 30 days. The final step includes a fast and quick documentation of all the possible attempts of retaliation by those in the leadership position (Trevino & Nelson, 2014).

Advantages and Disadvantages of Whistle-blowers Receiving Payment

Advantages

            False claim act allows whistleblowers to file a lawsuit under seal. The complaint they bring forward will be confidential where their identity remains hidden during the investigation but it will eventually be revealed (Exmeyer & Jeon, 2020). The problem is that the whistleblower is still working for their employer and it might not be easy to air their grievances to them. The employer might retaliate if the employer brings up a lawsuit without hiding their identity and might result in them losing their job. However, it is better because the whistleblower’s identity is undisclosed most of the time the lawsuit is underway. Allowing a smooth run in the lawsuit as their identity is still concealed.

            The act gives whistleblowers access to resources from both the government and private lawyers (Teichmann & Falker, 2020). The lawyers under the act will help in investigating and prosecuting the violations. Private lawyers work hand in hand with the government prosecutors to identify and conclude the nature of the wrongdoings that have been witnessed. Doing so helps to gather enough evidence required to prosecute the organization that is at fault. Making the accusations from the whistleblower be verified. In addition, the whistleblower had the opportunity of someone representing their interests (Teichmann & Falker, 2020). As someone will have to pay attention to the misconduct they have reported. Unlike the employer, who might attempt to ignore the complaints and even threaten to suck them for their efforts. A skilled qui tam lawyer will ensure that the whistleblower to have a careful evaluation of the evidence they have provided and the nature of the violations committed.

            Also, the act allows the representatives to effectively evaluate the whistleblower case on a contingency basis unless the lawsuit becomes successful. The whistleblower has the potential of receiving a financial reward from the government if the trial is successful. The award received will range between 15%-30% of the total money the government recuperates (Teichmann & Falker, 2020). The amount can be tens or hundreds of millions based on the kind of fraud committed.  Whistleblowers receive recognition from the government for their honesty and are awarded for their efforts.

Disadvantages

            The False Claim Act puts the whistleblowers at risk of facing retaliation by their employers despite such behavior being prohibited (Heese & Pérez-Cavazos, 2020). On the realization of the whistleblower’s identity, there is a probability that they will be demoted or even fired even though they are under legal protection. The possibility of such an occurrence gives the whistleblower the right to sue the employer. However, the suing process can take a long time and result in them having a hard time securing employment in another organization. Since the lawsuit is under a seal, the whistleblower will have the burden of not telling confiding in anyone. In case of job termination, it will be impossible for them to explain to others the cause of them being fired. All these give the whistleblower a hard time coping in the organization as they have to keep it a secret.

            Whistleblowers are at risk of receiving negative reactions from colleagues, friends, or family members. Different people respond differently when they realize who the whistleblower is at the office. People react differently as some of their friends may be involved in the violation putting them at risk of being fired. On the contrary, they might simply regard them as being disloyal. Some might hate them for receiving a reward for being honest. Family members may fail to support them financially during the lawsuit as they resent the financial hardship. Also, there is a possibility that the lawsuit will be unsuccessful (Heese & Pérez-Cavazos, 2020). Finding the best lawyer is difficult as most firms turn down most cases that are brought to them. Consequently, the law firm can file the case but the government fails to intervene making it a fail. Failure to the government joining the case makes it more expensive, strenuous and reduced the chances of a successful case (Exmeyer & Jeon, 2020). 

US Sentencing Guidelines

            The sentencing guidelines in the US has positively transformed how businesses operate. Notably, the efforts of the government to implement the corporate liability within the guidelines in 1991 included a sense of urgency for business, thus ensuring that they comply with all the laws, policies and procedures. This also ensured that the firms establish their ethic programs that guarantee that all stakeholders remain compliant to the internal policies and guidelines.

            One of the culpability factors includes having knowledge of the criminal activity occurrence in the firm and failing to do nothing about it. The second factor entails the prior history of the corporation in relation to instances of misconduct. The third factor to be considered includes the potential of the firm to violate any potential court orders.

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