ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE

Work Ethics: A group of moral principles, standards of behavior,

or set of values regarding proper conduct in the workplace

Fist let us watch this short video

ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE

Relationships at Work

– Management/owner toward client/customer– Management/owner toward employees– Employee toward Employer, Co-workers, Customers

ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE

Business Abuse Any :– illegal– Unethical– irresponsible

Act done against an Employer

ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE

Results of Business Abuse

• Business Failure• Fewer Jobs• Unpleasant Working Conditions

ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE

Examples of Business Abuse• Stealing valuables and Money• Shoplift • Kickback• Conflict of Interest• Unauthorized Discounts• Vandalism• Falsify Records• Break Confidentiality

ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE

Examples of Business Abuse (Continued)• Ignore Safety Rules• Poor Client Service• Irresponsible Behavior• Addictions

– drugs – alcohol – Tobacco

• Gossip– Causes poor work environment (morale)– Lowers Productivity

ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE

Examples of business abuse (cont’d)• Harassment of Co-workers or Clients• Unwelcome sexual advances• Compliance as condition of employment• Interferes performance through intimidation

ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE

How do we wrongly justify Business Abuse?• Everybody does it• The organisation will not miss it• The products are overcharged• I’m not paid enough• The organisation doesn’t deserve my loyalty

ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACEHow Employers Respond to Business Abuse• Preventive measures

• Increase Security• loss prevention mgmt.• Surveillance

Beneficial measures• Networks/Helplines• Fair wages & benefits• Fair/consistent treatment• Increase Employee Loyalty• Recognition for good work• Foster family climate

Punitive measures– Threats of prosecution

ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE

As Employees, What Are Our Choices? • Ignore Business Abuse• Rationalize it away• Speak Up• Discuss to Clarify Issues• Blow the Whistle!

ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE

If you are Unsure - Before You Act; Ask:• Is this legal?• Is it against organisation’s policy?• Could the action cause loss or harm to anyone?• If everyone I knew saw me, would I feel

uncomfortable?

Thank you