ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE INTRODUCTION Work Ethics: A group of moral principles, standards of behavior, or set of values regarding proper conduct in the workplace

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 Higher prices Business Failure Fewer Jobs Unpleasant Working Conditions

ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE A. Examples of Business Abuse Stealing Merchandise Money * Shoplift *Kickback * Conflict of Interest * Unauthorized Discounts Time

ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE A. Examples of Business Abuse (Continued) Vandalism Falsify Records Break Confidentiality Ignore Safety Rules Misrepresent Merchandise

ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE A. Examples of Business Abuse (Continued) Poor Client Service Irresponsible Behavior Addictions * drugs * alcohol * tobacco

ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE A. Examples of Business Abuse (Continued) Gossip * Causes poor work environment (morale) * Lowers Productivity

ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE 11 Harassment of Co-wks or Clients *Unwelcome sexual advances * Compliance as condition of employment * Interferes w/ wk performance through intimidation

ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE How Do We Rationalize Business Abuse? Everybody does it The co. won’t miss it The co. overcharges I’m not paid enough The co. doesn’t deserve my loyalty

ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE C. How Employers Respond to Business Abuse Increase Security * loss prevention mgmt. * surveillance * Networks/Helplines * threats of prosecution

ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE C. How Employers Respond to Business Abuse (Continued) Increase Employee Loyalty * fair wages & benefits * fair/consistent treatment * recognition for good wk * foster family climate

ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE D. 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 E. If You’re Unsure - Before You Act -- ASK: Is this legal? Is it against co. policy? Could the action cause loss or harm to anyone? If everyone I knew saw me, would I feel uncomfortable?