PROFESSIONAL ETHICS REQUIRED OF OFFICE MANAGERS IN A CHANGING OFFICE ENVIRONMENT, A STUDY OF COCA-COLA COMPANY AGEGE LAGOS

PROFESSIONAL ETHICS REQUIRED OF OFFICE MANAGERS IN A CHANGING OFFICE ENVIRONMENT, A STUDY OF COCA-COLA COMPANY AGEGE LAGOS

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

​​​​​​​Background of the study

The role of office managers has evolved significantly in recent decades, driven by advances in technology, shifts in organizational structures, and changes in workplace culture. Historically, office managers were primarily responsible for administrative tasks and ensuring the smooth operation of office functions. However, the modern office manager’s role encompasses a broader spectrum of responsibilities, including leadership, strategic planning, and ethical governance (Derven, 2016). Technological advancements have had a profound impact on the office environment. The integration of digital tools, automation, and remote work technologies has transformed traditional office operations. These changes have increased efficiency and connectivity but have also introduced new ethical challenges. Office managers must now address issues related to data privacy, cybersecurity, and the ethical use of technology. For instance, ensuring the confidentiality of digital communications and protecting sensitive information from cyber threats are critical ethical concerns in the digital age (Smith & Rupp, 2002). The evolution of organizational structures has also influenced the role of office managers. Modern organizations often adopt flat or matrix structures to enhance flexibility and collaboration. These structures require office managers to navigate complex relationships and maintain ethical standards across different teams and departments. The shift from hierarchical to more decentralized models of management places greater emphasis on ethical leadership and decision-making (Drucker, 2007). Workplace culture has undergone significant changes, particularly with the increasing emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Office managers are now expected to foster an inclusive environment that respects and values diverse perspectives. This cultural shift demands a deep understanding of ethical principles related to fairness, respect, and non-discrimination. Moreover, the rise of remote work and flexible working arrangements has further complicated the ethical landscape, requiring office managers to adapt their approaches to managing and supporting a dispersed workforce (Gurchiek, 2020). Professional ethics in office management encompass a set of principles and standards that guide behavior and decision-making. These include accountability, transparency, confidentiality, and fairness. Accountability ensures that office managers take responsibility for their actions and decisions, while transparency promotes openness and honesty in communication. Confidentiality involves protecting sensitive information, and fairness requires treating all employees equitably (Ferrell & Fraedrich, 2015). The dynamic nature of the modern office environment presents numerous ethical challenges. Office managers must often balance competing interests and make difficult decisions that affect various stakeholders. For example, they may face dilemmas related to resource allocation, employee privacy, and conflict resolution. Additionally, the pressure to achieve organizational goals can sometimes lead to ethical compromises, highlighting the need for a strong ethical foundation and clear guidelines (Koh, 2002). Ethical leadership is crucial for fostering an ethical organizational culture. Office managers who demonstrate ethical behavior set a positive example for their teams and contribute to a culture of integrity. Ethical leadership involves not only adhering to ethical standards but also actively promoting ethical practices and addressing unethical behavior. This requires continuous education and training to stay informed about evolving ethical issues and best practices (Brown & Treviño, 2006). Despite the recognized importance of professional ethics for office managers, there is a lack of comprehensive research specifically focused on the ethical challenges and practices in the context of a changing office environment. Most existing studies either address general managerial ethics or focus on specific ethical issues without providing an integrated analysis of the unique ethical landscape faced by office managers today (Ciulla, 2014). This study aims to fill this gap by exploring how office managers perceive and implement professional ethics amidst evolving office dynamics. Therefore, the researcher sought to evaluate professional ethics required of office managers in a changing office environment, a study of Coca-Cola company Agege Lagos.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The contemporary office environment is undergoing rapid transformations due to technological advancements, evolving organizational structures, and shifting cultural norms. These changes pose significant challenges to office managers, who must navigate complex ethical landscapes while maintaining professional standards and organizational integrity (Ciulla, 2014). Professional ethics, which encompass principles such as accountability, transparency, confidentiality, and fairness, are crucial for office managers to effectively lead and manage their teams. Despite the critical importance of professional ethics, there is a notable gap in understanding how these principles are applied and upheld by office managers in the context of a changing office environment (Ciulla, 2014). Existing research tends to focus on general managerial ethics or specific aspects of office management, but there is limited comprehensive analysis on the ethical challenges unique to office managers amidst these transformations. Hence, the study evaluates professional ethics required of office managers in a changing office environment, a study of Coca-Cola company Agege Lagos.

1.3 Objective of the study

Generally, the study evaluates professional ethics required of office managers in a changing office environment, a study of coca-cola company agege Lagos. The specific objectives is as follows

1. To identify the ethical principles that are essential for office managers in contemporary office environments.

2. To examine the ethical challenges faced by office managers in a changing office environment

3. To evaluate whether technological advancements influences the ethical responsibilities of office managers

1.4 Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared to guide the study

1. What are the ethical principles that are essential for office managers in contemporary office environments.

2. What are the ethical challenges faced by office managers in a changing office environment?

3. Does technological advancements influences the ethical responsibilities of office managers?

1.5 Research hypotheses

The hypotheses have been formulated to further guide the study

H0:  Professional ethics is not required of office managers in a changing office environment

Ha:Professional ethics is required of office managers in a changing office environment

1.6 Significance of the study

Business organization: Ethical leadership and managerial behavior significantly influence the organizational climate and workplace culture. Office managers who uphold ethical principles create a supportive work environment characterized by fairness, transparency, and respect. This promotes employee morale, engagement, and productivity. Moreover, a positive work environment reduces turnover rates, attracts talent, and fosters collaboration among team members. By studying the ethical challenges faced by office managers, organizations can implement practices that nurture a culture of trust and accountability, benefiting both employees and the organization as a whole.

Contributing to Academic Knowledge: Research on professional ethics in office management contributes to the academic discourse on business ethics, organizational behavior, and leadership studies. By generating empirical evidence and theoretical insights, this study enriches the body of knowledge on ethical decision-making processes within organizational contexts. Practical implications derived from the study can inform curriculum development in management education programs and serve as a resource for professional development initiatives aimed at enhancing ethical competencies among office managers.

1.7 Scope of the study

The study focus on professional ethics required of office managers in a changing office environment, a study of coca-cola company agege Lagos.  Hence, the study will  identify the ethical principles that are essential for office managers in contemporary office environments,  examine the ethical challenges faced by office managers in a changing office environment and evaluate whether technological advancements influences the ethical responsibilities of office managers. Therefore, the study is delimited to  Coca-Cola company Agege Lagos

1.8 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint are:

Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research along side other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.

Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.

Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study.

1.9 Definition of terms

Professional Ethics: A set of principles and standards that govern the behavior and decision-making processes of professionals in their respective fields. For office managers, this includes accountability, transparency, confidentiality, and fairness .

Office Manager: An individual responsible for overseeing the daily operations of an office, including administrative tasks, staff supervision, and ensuring efficient office functions. Their role has expanded to include leadership, strategic planning, and ethical governance.

Changing Office Environment: The dynamic and evolving nature of office settings influenced by technological advancements, shifts in organizational structures, and changes in workplace culture. This encompasses the integration of digital tools, remote work, and new management models .

Ethical Dilemma: A situation in which an individual must choose between two or more conflicting ethical principles or values, often involving complex decision-making where the right course of action is not immediately clear .

Accountability: The obligation of office managers to take responsibility for their actions, decisions, and their consequences. This includes being answerable to stakeholders and maintaining integrity in their professional conduct.

Transparency: The practice of being open, honest, and clear in communication and operations. For office managers, transparency involves providing stakeholders with accurate information and ensuring that processes are visible and understandable .

Confidentiality: The ethical principle of protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access or disclosure. Office managers must ensure that personal and organizational information is kept secure and shared only with those who have legitimate access.

Fairness: The principle of treating all individuals equitably and justly, without favoritism or bias. Office managers are responsible for ensuring that policies and practices are applied consistently and fairly to all employees .

Technological Advancements: Innovations and developments in technology that affect how office tasks are performed. This includes the adoption of digital tools, automation, and remote work technologies, which impact the ethical responsibilities of office managers.

Workplace Culture: The shared values, beliefs, and practices within an organization that influence how employees interact and work together. Changes in workplace culture, such as an emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), affect the ethical landscape for office managers.

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