Written Assignment Unit 3

University of the People

PHIL 1404-01 Ethics and Social Responsibility

Kristen Hester (Instructor)

September 23, 2024

The saying "Don't judge a book by its cover" suggests that appearances are superficial, yet

appearances—especially clothing—often significantly impact the business world. How we dress

may influence how others see us and our professional relationships and even create ethical

concerns. In business environments, clothing is not just a personal preference but is often tied to

workplace culture, professionalism, and ethics. This is particularly true in today's globalized

economy, where cultural differences and evolving dress codes create a complex landscape for

businesses to navigate.

This essay will analyze the influence of clothing on business interactions, focusing on the

"Tucked In, Tucked Out" case study from Chapter 5 of the "Business Ethics" textbook.
The Case of "Tucked In, Tucked Out"

The case study examines corporate clothing in the context of changing cultural standards.

Traditionally, formal attire was anticipated in professional settings; nevertheless, evolving times

have altered the expectations of dress codes. The film "The Intern" comically illustrates this

transition as Robert De Niro's character, attired in formal suits, is bewildered by the informal

dress code of the younger employees at a fashion company (Byars & Stanberry, 2018). This

alteration signifies broader cultural transformations, particularly in sectors such as technology,

where jeans and t-shirts are increasingly deemed professional attire.

Employers have the right to set dress rules, and while more casual wear is allowed in e-

commerce and tech, professionalism is still valued. Numerous studies indicate that employees

who dress more professionally are perceived more favorably and may receive better

compensation than their informally attired counterparts (Sotak et al., 2023).

1.

Clothing choices significantly influence how we build relationships in professional settings. As

highlighted in the case study, different industries and company cultures have varying

expectations around dress (Byars & Stanberry, 2018). For example, a professional wearing a

formal suit might be considered more competent and reliable in a corporate setting. In contrast,

someone dressed casually in a more creative industry may blend in better with the culture. This

aligns with studies showing that well-dressed employees are often viewed favorably and can earn

more(Byars & Stanberry, 2018).

Moreover, how we dress can reflect shared values and create a sense of belonging within the

company (Wijnants, 2023). In organizations where formal attire is the norm, employees who
adhere to the dress code may be perceived as more aligned with the company's values and

culture, helping to build stronger professional relationships. On the other hand, if someone's

appearance is perceived as out of step with the company's culture, it can create friction or

misunderstandings.

2.

I believe that dress codes are necessary, but they should also reflect the industry's nature and the

company's values. While employers have the right to set dress standards, these should not be too

rigid. Modern workplaces, especially in industries like tech, are moving toward more casual

attire to foster creativity and innovation, which is a positive shift. However, formal attire may

still be necessary to project professionalism in more traditional industries, like finance or law.

Employers should strive for a balance—providing guidelines ensuring employees project a

professional image while allowing personal expression. For instance, allowing flexibility on

certain days or giving employees options within the dress code can make people feel more

comfortable without sacrificing the company's professional image.

3.

Ethically, dress codes must be crafted carefully to avoid discrimination. They should not favor

one gender, culture, or group over another. For example, prohibiting tattoos or piercings might

alienate individuals from cultures where these are common forms of expression. As discussed in

the case study, dress codes are part of the larger conversation about workplace standards, and

they need to be inclusive and fair to all employees (Byars & Stanberry, 2018).
Furthermore, enforcing overly strict dress codes might suppress individuality and create an

oppressive workplace. Ethically, companies should enable freedom of speech within certain

boundaries, balancing the company's image with respect for its workers' different origins (Byars

& Stanberry, 2018).

4.

Companies operating in conservative regions might need to adjust their dress codes to respect

local customs while ensuring inclusivity for employees from diverse backgrounds. Adapting to

local customs extends beyond mere attire; it reflects a company's respect for cultural values,

which is crucial for building trust in international markets. However, companies must remain

vigilant against appropriating cultural symbols or attire without understanding their significance,

as this can be perceived as disrespectful or exploitative (Byars & Stanberry, 2018).

In conclusion, the "Tucked In, Tucked Out" case study highlights the changing norms about

professional clothing and its ethical ramifications. Although conventional corporate dress rules

remain significant in several sectors, contemporary workplaces are adopting more informal

clothing. Employers must reconcile professionalism with personal expression while remaining

aware of cultural sensitivities, particularly in multinational contexts. Organizations may cultivate

a comfortable and courteous workplace that benefits employees and the enterprise by

establishing equitable and inclusive dress standards.

Byars, S. M., & Stanberry, K. (2018, September 24). 5.3 the influence of geography and religion

- business ethics. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/business-ethics/pages/5-3-the-influence-

of-geography-and-religion

Sotak, K. L., Serban, A., Friedman, B. A., & Palanski, M. (2023, February 11). Perceptions of

ethicality: The role of attire style, attire appropriateness, and context. Journal of business ethics :

JBE. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9918841/

Wijnants, F. (2023, August 9). The impact of corporate clothing on company culture: Creating a

professional image. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/impact-corporate-clothing-

company-culture-creating-image-wijnants