A system of Inquiry.
For this System of Inquiry assignment I had used the organization’s existing code of ethics (presented in the addendum section for your convenience). In the following essay the system of inquiry will be created and used for evaluating decision –making, problem-solving and behavior in a business setting. One will focus on the basic framework as well as the discussion based on the “4W and 1H” journalist approach. The major emphasis will be placed on the implementation of the system of inquiry, the reaction to the code from employees, and the effects of the code on the whole organization.
The proposed system of inquiry comprises the following two methods/stages of inquiry together with the questions posed. One needs to test each problem or decision against all three methods to assure the ultimate benefit for the organization:
- Empirical Inquiry. This approach makes use of pragmatic and deductive methods used in formal logic. Thus, based on the empirical inquiry, the necessity to wear uniform contributes to (a) better identification of personnel, (b) more discipline since people view each other by ranks and adhere to the established lines of command and (c) creates efficiency, since one already knows what to wear today or tomorrow (rather than spend unnecessary time philosophizing about clothes).
This method of inquiry would pose questions such as “How does a given rule contribute to the efficiency of an organization?”, “what can be done to reduce costs, work better, benefit the country and the organization?” “Who is the most efficient and productive employee?”. The rules that prohibit unprofessional relationships between the members of an organization clearly illustrate the empirical findings that such relationships reduce the organizational efficiency and clearly prevent people from doing their duties properly.
- Philosophical inquiry. This approach attempts to answer more profound questions about the good and evil and what an organization needs to do to avoid evil and adhere to good. Philosophical inquiry makes use of utilitarianism, the theory of human rights and justice. The fact that according to the organizational code of ethics a person should “Make no private promises of any kind binding upon the duties of office…” clearly illustrates the inquiry. People should not be given enough tools to get tempted to make promises that in any case be fulfilled only at the discretion of an organization. In other words, if people were allowed to make these promises, they would be lying more often than not, negatively impacting the organization and its stakeholders (society). By the same token things like “expose corruption” or “engage in no business with the government” strive to assure that people contribute to the good within an organization which is seen in loyalty, and understanding one’s duty. Doing business would tempt people to make decisions based on some financial terms rather than on the duty, loyalty and organizational mission.
One needs to understand that since I work for the government organization, the philosophical inquiry plays a more important role than it would play in a business organization that seeks to maximize profit. Our organization has different goals and mission and it strives to benefit the community and the society (adhere to the good and avoid evil) as much as possible even if it does not make money. Yet since the organization is financed with government money, it should manage its expenses properly based on the empirical enquiry. Unlike in a regular business where decisions although formally adhere to some moral norms and standards still are made based on profitability, our decisions need to be based on the morality, loyalty, duty and honesty, things the organization was created for.
The System of inquiry as illustrated above should be used in every decision-making, problem-solving or behavior managing process. This two-stage basic framework as illustrated above should be used to direct these processes to adhere to the corporate code of ethics. This given system of inquiry should be distributed to each employee of an organization together with the organizational code of ethics for personal review and understanding. Unlike the code of ethics that provides a rigid framework, system or inquiry provides flexibility that allows each employee to know in advance how their decision will be viewed by their superiors and how it impacts an organization or department.
The system of inquiry should be implemented together with the code of ethics. Employees should review both and perhaps sign a formal letter of agreement with the code of ethics and the system of inquiry prior to continuing to work for an organization. As for the reaction from the employees, I believe that it will be positive and approving. National Guard strictly enforces its code of ethics, so it employs only those people who already agree with the rules and the organizational philosophy. The system of inquiry will help them make better decisions quickly since it will serve as a guide for decision-making, problem-solving and behavior modifying processes. The superiors will also like the proposed system of inquiry since it will facilitate their judgments and will provide a clear framework regarding what is being done right or wrong.
The system of inquiry will have positive effect on the organization conducive for efficient functioning of National Guard in the USA. The system of inquiry will help most employees to clearly understand what is expected from them and how their behavior is reviewed and judged. By posing two questions (“Does it increase efficiency/effectiveness?” and “Does it contribute to the good that our organization was created to pursue?”) every one will be capable of doing what’s right on time.
This was a sample exploratory essay on the System of inquiry. For professional help with exploratory, and process essays as well as for any other academic assistance, please, place an order.