The Right Thing to Do

The textbook states, "Ethics are norms or standards of behavior that guide moral choices about our behavior and our relationships with others" (Capella University, 2011, p. 32). The ethical dilemma facing the young researcher is unethical not only does it damage the image reputation at Avionics, Inc., but it devalues senior management relationship with company employees.

As a researcher in this situation I can honestly say that I would not change the two key research findings. The textbook provides several examples to avoid breach of ethical standards. The first example is to avoid changing data or creating false data to meet a desired objective. In this situation it would be unethical for me to change the two key findings in order to give a false impression of Avionics, Inc. senior management because of the embarrassment it will cause them. The second example is to avoid interpreting data from a biased perspective. As a researcher it is my responsibility in this situation to present the research findings objectively and not based on senior management perspective. The third example is to avoid omitting sections of data analysis and conclusions. As a researcher in this situation I am obligated to report all findings and conclusions based on business research ethics and to prevent distorting the company's right to quality research. As a researcher professional it is my responsibility to practice business ethics and to provide best business practice to those I work for.

The most prudent decisions Avionics, Inc. can make about its responsibilities to itself and others is to recognize the quality research of the employee survey and the employee responses. If the Avionics, Inc. has hired a researcher to create an organizational employee survey then it is the company's responsibility and obligation to seek that the information gathered is accurate, analyzed, and the ability to provide solutions based on the research conclusions. It seems that senior management is more concerned with making a good presentation to avoid losing government contracts in the foreseeable future, than there are with employee satisfaction.

If there is no violation of law or regulation, Avionics, Inc. still has the responsibility to its employees. The implications of those decisions would leave senior management with poor future decision-making to address employee complaints due to the change in the original research findings. Also, employees would have a hard time trusting management to solve future problems not to mention if the researcher were to be hired as a 'full consultant' in the fall then his research findings would be questioned as whether or not it is quality research being provided.