ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE 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 illegal unethical irresponsible Act done against an Employeral -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: 1. Merchandise Shoplifting 2. Money - Kickback - Conflict of Interest - Unauthorized Discounts 3. Time
ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE A. Examples of Business Abuse (Continued) 4. Vandalism 5. Falsify Records 6. Ignore Safety Rules 7. Misrepresenting Merchandise
ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE A. Examples of Business Abuse (Continued) 8. Poor Client Service 9. Irresponsible Behavior: Addictions -drugs -alcohol -tobacco
ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE A. Examples of Business Abuse (Continued) 10. 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 with work performance through intimidation
ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE How Do We Rationalize Business Abuse? -Everybody does it -The company won’t miss it -The company overcharges -I’m not paid enough -The company doesn’t deserve my loyalty
ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE How Employers Respond to Business Abuse 1. Increased Security: -Surveillance cameras -Networks/Helplines -Threats of prosecution
ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE How Employers Respond to Business Abuse (Continued) 2. Increase Employee Loyalty -fair wages & benefits - fair/consistent treatment -recognition for good work -foster family climate
ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE As Employees, What Are Our Choices? -Ignore Business Abuse -Rationalize it away -Speak Up -Discuss to Clarify Issues
ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE If You’re Unsure, Before You Act -- ASK: 1. Is this legal? 2. Is it against co. policy? 3. Could the action cause loss or harm to anyone? 4. If everyone I knew saw me,would I feel uncomfortable?