Ethics in the Workplace
What is Ethics and why is it an important part of the workplace? Ethics or moral philosophy is the branch of philosophy that involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong conduct. (Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia) Decisions taken within an organization may be made by person or groups, but whoever makes them will be influenced by the culture of the company. A decision to behave ethically is a moral. Employees need to decide what they think is the right course of action. Ethics in the workplace are standards that consist of morals, values, character and integrity. Companies that promote ethical behavior have strong retention among employees and good ethics also means good business. It can brings significant benefits for a business. Ethical behavior in the workplace work has been proven to have statistically good benefits for a company. Employees that use good ethical behavior build customer loyalty. By, building a loyal customer base, company’s reputation for ethical behavior can help it create a more positive image in the marketplace, which can bring in new customers through word-of-mouth. Companies that promote ethical behavior in the workplace also retain good employees. Companies who are fair and open in their dealings with employees have a better chance of retaining talented people. Ethical employees help create a positive work environment. They are seen as team players rather than an individuals out for
The role of ethics in organizational behavior is the underlying factor to the success and longevity of any organization. A set of rules and guidelines focusing on promoting safety, trust, and responsible practice within the workplace must be established internally. Organizations develop code of ethics that center upon the promotion of good. Ethics are vital in developing trusting relationships between employees and administration within.
In today’s modern world managers from all companies have to take into account the works of ethical decision making, ethical decision making is an idea that will dramatically help any manager that takes this issue seriously. In the standpoint of the internal customer, ethical behavior improves the actual atmosphere at the job and helps motivate the actual employees, sets an example to the actual employees, and evokes a feeling of pride with the company and improves it is image within the eyes with the employees. From the standpoint of outer customer, ethical behavior improves the image of the company and enhances the overall progress of honourable behavior within the organization. Ethical behavior demands an atmosphere where it can be performed. Furthermore, it necessitates a knowledge about basic fundamentals of honourable behaviour. Eventually it contributes to cultural and behavioral enrichment amid internal staff with the organization.
Ethical philosophies served as guide for people in the workplace to make moral decisions in conducting business. There are classical normative ethical philosophies as well as contemporary ethical philosophies being used. They have been applied in the different levels or dimensions of the business organizations.
I firmly believe in the old rule of treating others as you wish to be treated still stands. Consequently, a company influences their ethical environment by investing or handling their employees and customers who are the most important aspect in the business justly. They are all treated honestly and fairly. Respect is shown and compassion, promises are kept. Overall, ethics is about behavior. In the face of problem, it is about doing the right thing. Ethical managerial leaders and their people take the “right” and “good” path when they arrive at ethical choice
Ethics involve an individual's moral judgments concerning what is right and/or wrong. Individuals or groups of people are responsible for making decisions in an organization (shaw, 2008). Decisions within the organization are always emanate from the company's culture. However, the decision to act ethically and morally requires an individual judgment. Thus, members of staff are obligated to make decisions that reflect their right course of action (shaw, 2008). This involves rejecting the option that could lead to the greatest short-term gain. The leadership of most organizations stresses the need to adopt ethical behaviors and corporate social responsibility. Ethical dealings can earn the organization various benefits. For instance, it may attract more clients to the business thus boosting sales; employees could be motivated to stay longer in the organization thereby reducing recruitment expenditures. Ethical behaviors could also earn the business a favorable reputation that could attract investors. Categorically, a lack of social responsibility or unethical behavior may hurt the firm's reputation and scare away investors. Sales and profits could fall in the process.
Ethics is something which is very important in today’s world as it defines a person. Ethics in business also plays an important role as it classifies the issues in a business environment. When you work for an organization following the ethics in that particular organization is very important as its all about teamwork, every person plays an important role in the organizations success.
The future belongs to organizations who connect better with their employees and customers. Treating employees ethically can reap long-term employee loyalty and trust, which carries an array of distinct benefits to employers. Loyal employees achieve more experience working with their employers, letting them direct production processes and completely understand the workings of the organization. This effectively increases employees ' efficiency over time and adding
Helen is facing a big problem and challenge as well. This ethical concern can be termed as a challenge rather than a problem since it has not taken a side that can be considered as a problem. The challenge is evident and if the alteration of the financial statement to suit the demands of the customers. In the case Helen changes the document then she will have gone against accounting ethical codes. If she fails to adjust the financial statement by showing that the company has more expenses so that it could not pay more taxes than she will be out of the current position (Taylor & Curtis, 2010). This cannot be considered as a problem as prior stated, yes, Helen has various
In the workplace ethics increases the chance for more positive results. Honesty is a trait that is learned and when mastered, could help benefit an individual or company. Without ethics chances are constantly taken, leaving unknown results. These results could leave a company with outstanding profit gains or bankruptcy. The reason ethics is important in the workplace is because it will allow every worker who contributes to the production of the company receive proper recognition and reward, if any, based on that workers contribution. Here is Debbie Jones’ story.
Companies are supposed to be able to achieve and demonstrate an ever increasing performance showing improvement on leading in their industries to acquire competitive advantages. Having a high level of performance could be greatest achieved with competent and motivated employees. The conduct of business in an organization with an ethical manner is of great importance to secure an increasing performance as well. Organizations functioning towards ethical standards should ensure unbiased applications of business and recall a sense of justice to stimulate motivation among their employees. Employees that are motivated through a positive ethical organizational climate and leadership do much better than a less motivated employee. This promotes the organizational achievement that causes
Ethics at work, specifically applied to employees is one of the most important tasks of the human resources team of any company. Whether it's right or wrong, good or bad, it must be communicated, explained and done from the top of the management team all the way to the employees. Situations were ethics come into play are really common in any given day at work. Are we discriminating because of sex, race, and age? Can we lie to customers just to make business? The list can go on an on. Ethical situations exist and the way we manage them will have a huge impact on the results.
Organizations should conduct themselves towards their employees in a way that their policies and regulations adhere to legal standards; this is so employees know that all of their basic legal rights are and will be protected as stated by federal and state law. When an organization is truthful to their employees, the employees will become aware of their actions and act in a positive way towards the organization and therefore will work towards maximizing productivity, maximizing profit and boosting employee morale. An organization should measure the success of their ethical policies by acknowledging that they have done everything according to the law, the benefit of the organization and the success and happiness of their employees.
We as individuals come across situations in our daily lives that force us to make decisions that we may always agree with morally as well as decisions that may push our moral compasses to their limits. If you are a working professional no matter what the field, these decisions can come with big ramifications, good or bad. I have come to find that with every individual there comes a different set of beliefs, attitude, boundaries and ethical views. We do not all share the same brain so I find it hard to digest that we all think the same way during the same situations. We may not all see eye to eye on these topics but when you work for an employer whether it be a fortune 500 company or just a small mom and pops you have to adhere to their companies set of values and beliefs. Many large companies have policies and trainings in place to project these values to their employees. Business Ethics is defined as the application of a moral code of conduct to the strategic and operational management of a business (Applied Corporate Goverenance.com). As many large companies do provide the training on Business Ethics and what they expect from their employees many of the smaller companies do not. I have worked on both ends of the spectrum and while the training was very beneficial in my eyes I ultimately think that it is up to the individual to uphold these moral standards not just for the company but themselves as well. Companies may have variations on
Creating and sustaining an ethical workplace can be a daunting task. Could it be that culture, race, and creed have a responsibility when trying execute such a major assignment? Company’s thrive off of making profit and ensuring their shareholders are well pleased. However, there seems to be an underlining issue that has capsized or created an unbalanced work environment. Creating a climate of ethical behaviors will create a healthy company.
In addition, when employees trust their organization, they are committed to their jobs and perform better. They also avoid counterproductive behaviors that could increase costs of production. Consequently, ethics permits the company to have loyal customers, loyal employees and this decreases costs, and increases profits for the organization.