ENHANCING ETHICAL BEHAVIOR CHAPTER 14 ENHANCING ETHICAL BEHAVIOR
EXAMPLES OF ETHICAL REASONING Not covering up having been fired from previous job during interview. Employees reporting on each other for wrongdoing. Being honest about a delivery date. Not taking home a few office supplies. Not hiring a “hot” candidate over someone else better qualified.
EXAMPLES OF UNETHICAL REASONING Expense account cheating if employee needs the money. Conducting personal business on company time. Flirt with boss to get higher pay. Calling in sick when feeling well. Taking credit for coworker’s idea.
WHY BE CONCERNED ABOUT BUSINESS ETHICS People are motivated by both self-interest and moral commitments (so you have to watch out). A good ethics reputation can enhance business. Many unethical acts are illegal leading to financial loss and imprisonment. High ethics can increase quality of work life.
SAMPLE CLAUSES FROM COMPANY ETHICAL CODES Demonstrate courtesy, respect, honesty, and fairness. Do not use abusive language. Do not bring firearms or knives to work. Do not offer bribes. Maintain confidentially of records. Do not harass anybody in anyway.
WHY BEING ETHICAL ISN’T EASY Ethical decisions are complex. People do not always recognize the moral issues in a decision. People have different levels of moral development. The work environment could be unethical. Some people have a predisposition to be unethical (utilitarian).
EMPLOYEE REPORTS OF UNETHICAL BEHAVIOR Worker abuse or intimidation (22%) Lying to stakeholders (19%) Violations of safety regulations (16%) Misreporting of time worked (16%) Job discrimination (12%) Theft (11%) Sexual harassment (9%)
FREQUENT ETHICAL DILEMMAS Illegally copying software Treating people unfairly (only performance and qualifications should count) Sexual harassment (illegal and unethical) Conflict of interest (your judgment or objectivity is compromised)
FREQUENT ETHICAL DILEMMAS, continued Dealing with confidential information Presenting employment history (many people lie or distort information) Use of corporate resources Ethically violating computers and information technology Choosing between two rights (dealing with defining moments)
CRONYISM IN THE WORKPLACE Cronyism is giving jobs to people who have done personal favors for you. Crony is often hired instead of more qualified candidate. Widely practiced in the form of political appointments in government. In business, the owner or CEO often gives plum jobs to cronies.
COMPONENTS OF WORKPLACE VIRTUOUSNESS Rationality (take reality seriously) Honesty (the refusal to fake reality) Independence (use own rational judgment) Productivity (creating the material values your life requires) Forgiveness (if breach is not big)
A GUIDE (OR SCREEN) TO ETHICAL DECISION MAKING Gather the facts (e.g., any legal issues here?). Define the ethical issues (could involve character traits). Identify the affected parties (who might get hurt?). Identify the consequences (including the symbolic consequences).
GUIDE TO ETHICAL DECISION MAKING, continued Identify the obligations (also, why are you obliged to a given group?). Consider your character and integrity (what would others think of you?). Think creativity about potential actions (several solutions may exist). Use your intuition (how does your contemplated decision feel?).
MORE GUIDELINES FOR BEHAVIING ETHICALLY Developing strong relationships with work associates (e.g. Two people with strong ties to each other are more likely to be honest with each other.) Using corporate ethics programs (e.g. a committee that monitors ethical behavior and an ethics training program)
A FEW MORE GUIDELINES FOR BEHAVING ETHICALLY Be environmentally conscious (take steps on your own, and be an advocate for the environment). Follow an appropriate code of professional conduct (e.g., a paralegal would not betray confidences). Be ready to exert upward ethical leadership (attempt to change unethical behavior by boss).
SUSTAINING THE ENVIRONMENT Adjust thermostat down in winter, up in summer. Place a lawn on the roof. Carpool with at least three coworkers. Encourage use of mass transportation. Subsidize purchase of hybrid vehicles. Turn off machine when not in use.
SUSTAINING THE ENVIRONMENT, continued Replace incandescent bulbs with fluorescent bulbs. Recycle as many packages as possible; use old newspapers for packing material. Use mugs instead of Styrofoam cups. Get LEED certification for new buildings.
SUSTAINING THE ENVIRONMENT, concluded Provide employees bicycle racks and showers. Capture rainwater for irrigation. Grow vegetation on company premises; celebrate by planting trees. Encourage others not to drive at high speeds, or idle car while on phone. Your contribution: _______________