Ethical Problems Faced by GB Members and Their Effect on Those Indirectly Involved
Fundamentally, some of the ethical problems that managers and governing boards (GB) face in the healthcare facility include conflict of interest and absence of professionalism. Using staff from organizations to fulfill personal initiatives is unethical, unprofessional, and is a violation of the code of conduct provided by bodies like the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). In relation to ethical behavior, using company resources that include the employees in other engagements, which are not in tandem with their job description, is a violation of their rights. According to Gopee and Galloway (2013), the exploitation of employees in organizations is unethical and unprofessional. While trying to undertake his mandate as the manager, Rine faces the ethical challenge of staying silent on the challenge and retaining his job or voicing his opinion and conflicting with his governing board. Apparently, the board deems that the act is legal and morally right, a perspective that is not correct. The problem is also a challenge to others, who are indirectly involved. Challenges such as reduced quality of services and lowered productivity from exploited employees eventually affect those individuals, who are not directly involved.
Ethical Difference Associated with Exploitation of Grounds Maintenance, Sale of Reagents, Supplies, and Equipment to Laboratories and the Distinction in the Real World
Although it is in order for hospital staff to engage in other ventures, it is unethical for them to sell the products to the facility and at high prices. Selling products such as reagents and supplies to the facility is ethically different. The difference emanates from the essence of doing business as well as the exploitation of the facility. It is in order for members of the governing board to sell their products to organizations. However, it is unethical for them to sell the products at prices, which are higher in relation to market prices. In addition, the ethical perspective that governs the act of undertaking business is the right of all individuals. Conversely, it is unethical for GB members to sell the products at higher prices within and outside the organization. In the words of Goodwin (2013), governing boards and employees working in particular organizations need to minimize their interaction and the extent of involvement in aspects that regard the supply of raw materials. In the real world, the distinction is minimal because the exploitation of employees and sale of products at high prices takes effect in the absence of effective management strategies.
Steps Taken by Managers if they Are Courageous Enough to Risk Their Jobs and Alternatives Taken to Avert the Risk of Losing Their Jobs
If Rine is courageous enough and can risk losing his job in trying to solve the ethical problem, then he can face the problem using organizations that address healthcare management and legal frameworks provided by the state. By engaging the organizations, which include ACHE, Rine initiates a process, which ensures that individuals in the governing board face the requisite legal procedures that relate to their unethical acts. In the context of engaging healthcare organizations and legal frameworks instituted by the state, Rine risks losing his job, especially in the event that the cases fail to materialize. However, it is very important to initiate such procedures because the eventuality leads to more improved service delivery and management of resources. The exploitation of employees diminishes in the aftermath of the engagement because the governing board and the senior management will be more cautious. Besides engagements that can lead to the loss of his job, Rine can also undertake all-inclusive initiatives.
Sources of Assistance outside the Organization and Their Involvement
All-inclusive engagements include dialogue and incorporation of bodies that strive to correct unethical behaviors using amicable strategies. Gopee and Galloway (2013) elucidate that ACHE and American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) are among the organizations that can facilitate increased awareness and persuade the GB to refrain from unethical activities such as exploitation of employees. The organizations have codes, which define the roles of managers and leaders of healthcare facilities. These codes define what is right and what is not ethical in relation to operations in healthcare facilities. Although applying the codes and implementing the process of dialogue will be challenging, the results are satisfying and focus on improved service delivery. As such, it is vital to elucidate that involvement of outside sources such as ACHE should follow an all-inclusive format.
References
Goodwin, N. (2013). Leadership in Health Care: A European Perspective. New York, NY: Routledge.
Gopee, N., & Galloway, J. (2013). Leadership and Management in Healthcare. London, England: SAGE Publications.