...“Values and Ethics in the Workplace” Many companies market their brands by creating commercials and advertisements that showcase their commitment towards values and ethics. These marketing tricks draw us in, as consumers and as people because we relate to the commitment that they show. We relate because we all have our own sets of personal values and ethics that we have adapted to our lives. Growing up, our role models, religious beliefs and other influences helped shaped our personal values and ethics. It is easy to see where we get our own values and ethics, but what shapes a company’s values and ethics? To answer this question we must define what values and ethics are. Once we understand these definitions we can determine the sources of values and ethics in a professional environment and what impact these values and ethics might have on a company’s success. There are several definitions for the word “values”. In this case, the most relevant definition indicates that: “Values refer to moral principles or other judgments of worth” (Values, 2006, para. 1). As people, we develop our systems of values and moral beliefs according to what influenced us in our early years. Our values and morals are our personal guidelines or compasses that help us make decisions about what is right and what is wrong. With an understanding of values a person can act ethically. Acting ethically involves analyzing or interpreting a situation and deciding what is the “right” way to behave...
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...Managing Ethics in the Workplace Trinidad,Loudine T. BSE-4C Marketing Prof. Rose Marie Ramos Managing Ethics in the Workplace Managing workplace ethics promotes shared values that result in better cohesion of the workforce, and play a crucial role in the success of any organization Workplace ethics are the application of morality, or concepts such as good and bad, right and wrong, justice and virtue to all activities of the business. It closely relates to corporate social responsibility, but is much wider in scope. The scope of business ethics lies in two dimensions: 1. Workplace behavior ethics, or the illegal and questionable practices of individual managers, such as wrongful use of resources, mismanagement of contracts and agreements for personal gain, conflict of interests, and the like. 2. Business ethics issues, such as ethical dilemmas when making decisions, dealing with stakeholders, and the like. The primary requirement for managing ethics in the workplace is an understanding that workplace ethics is a continuous and on-going process ingrained to management practices, and not a deliverable defined project. It influences the way the organization functions, and remains independent of profits or product range. • Ethics Policy Irrespective of the dimension of business ethics, the basic requirement for managing ethics in the workplace is to have a strong ethics policy in place that makes the company’s ethics policy transparent...
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...CORPORATE GOVERNANCE, ETHICS, AND VALUES GSGM 7253 WORKPLACE ETHICS: ISSUES AND CHALLENGES (Term Paper) by: ANWAR REDHWAN BIN LOKMAN HAKIM MD1409MD0088 (redhwan_ocean@yahoo.com) LECTURER: PN SALBIAH BINTI ABD RAHMAN (salbiah710@yahoo.com) TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE Abstract 3 1.0 Introduction 3 2.0 Literature Review 4 2.1.1 Why Ethics in Workplace is Importance 4 2.1.2 Ethic’s Issues In Workplace 5 2.1.3 Ethic’s Challenges in Workplace 7 2.1.3.1 Fair Treatment 7 2.1.3.2 Trust 7 2.1.3.3 Resources 8 2.1.3.4 Harassment 8 3.0 Case Study Based on Enron Scandal 8 3.1.1 Misleading 8 3.1.2 Embezzlement of Enron 9 4.0 Recommendation – Implementing Ethics in The Workplace 9 4.1.1 Identify and Reform Value Company 9 4.1.2 Welcome Commitment Can See From Senior Manager 10 4.1.3 Involving the Board 10 4.1.4 Developing a Code of Ethic or Code of Business Ethic 10 4.1.5 To Build Ethics Mission and Vision...
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...“Business ethics in the workplace is about prioritizing workplace moral values and ensuring that employees align their behavior with these values - its values of management. Yet there are many myths abound about business ethics and the majority of these come from a general confusion about the concept of ethics, while other myths come about from constricted or one-dimensional views of ethical predicaments”. (McNamara, n.d.). The first myth of business ethics says that it is more of a focus on religion than effective management. “Altering people’s values or souls is not the aim of an organization ethics program however managing values and conflict among them is…” (Kirrane, 1990). Business ethics should be about conflict resolution and value management. Certain other segments of people in management believe that business ethics equals corporate social responsibility. That however is not the case. In fact corporate social responsibility is only a small part of the concept of business ethics. Corporate social responsibility concerns itself with business management and society interfacing and not at all with ethics in the workplace, even though both concepts fall under the field of business ethics. “Business ethics is an application of ethics in the corporate community and also a way to determine business responsibilities. It identifies important business and social issues along with business critique”. (McNamara, n.d.). Management of practical matters of ethics in the workplace such...
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...Business Ethics: The Responsibilities of Employees and Employers Debra J. Scott Columbia Southern University Business Ethics: The Responsibilities of Employees and Employers Ethics are an extremely important aspect of every successful business; they are crucial on the end of the employer as well as every employee. Employees and executives need a clear definition of business ethics and a clear explanation of the significance of ethics in relation to the position and to the business as well. It is shown to be beneficial to employees and executives to use a decision making process in the development of making important decisions; there are many approaches as well as many consequences to making ethical decisions. Good ethics start with the employer and how they handle and execute their ethics and provide a good working example for their employees. There are many viewpoints on what ethics are, especially in relation to business, “Ethical obligations are a set of “ought to” standards that define a moral course of action and draw a line between right and wrong” (Lohrey). Business ethics can be comprised of written and formal guidelines in relation to an organization’s morals. Many businesses use their code of conduct or credo as their guidelines to communicating their organizational ethics, “Business ethics manifests both as written and unwritten codes of moral standards that are critical to the current activities and future aspirations of a business organization. They can differ...
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...Business Ethics: The Role of Culture and Values for an Ethical Workplace FOURTH QUARTER–2009 Whether in domestic or global companies, ultimately, the commitment to business ethics and the foundation is built through organizational culture, with ethical values reflected in the workplace. Business Ethics: The Role of Culture and Values for an Ethical Workplace Abstract An ethical workplace is established through an organization’s culture, values and leadership. To promote ethical behavior, human resource professionals, people managers and senior management need to be knowledgeable about business ethics—from leadership, codes of conduct and related legislation to compliance training, ethical decisionmaking, and cultural and generational differences around ethics. Transparency, fairness and communication are key for establishing and maintaining an ethical workplace. Introduction In the business world today, issues of trust, respect, fairness, equity and transparency are gaining more attention. Business ethics includes organizational values, guidelines and codes, legal compliance, risk management, and individual and group behavior within the workplace. Effective leadership, with open dialogue and thoughtful deliberation, develops the foundation of an ethical workplace, is woven into the fabric of the organizational culture and is mirrored in ethical decision-making. Toward this end, all organizational leaders have a key role in establishing corporate values and modeling...
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...Ethical Decision Making in the Workplace James E. Gleason BUS 275-H01 Calhoun Community College Abstract Business leaders struggle to balance the desire for profit and maximum shareholder return with corporate ethics and social responsibility. Unfortunately, short-term financial bottom line has taken the place of maintaining strong moral character in today’s business practices. In the United States alone, about two-thirds of the top corporations have been guilty of some type of corporate malfeasance. In the face of both damaging and publicly embarrassing litigation, business leaders now recognize the need for sound, straightforward ethics management programs in their companies that makes ethical business practices a top priority at all times. Top executives must lead by example and actively and willingly encourage ethical behavior in their peers as well as employees. The need for stronger ethics in business has prompted business schools to critically examine their business curricula and place greater teaching emphasis on ethics and social responsibility to ensure future generations of new business graduates enter the workforce with the highest moral standards. Keywords: ethics, social responsibility, malfeasance, business schools, business curricula Managing Ethical Decision Making in the Workplace Introduction Ensuring that the necessary steps are taken to create and foster a high level of ethics in the business practices of the workplace is critically important regardless...
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...paper, I will discuss how social responsibility and ethics interacts with the business world. I will discuss different styles to management ethics, the benefits companies will find from acting ethical and socially responsibly and some examples of unethical behavior in the workplace. I will also look at social responsibly and its benefits, as well as give my opinion on both topics. Businesses have always been known to shoot for maximum profits in order to please both those inside and outside their company. However, the concept of business ethics and social responsibility has put principled boundaries on organizations so that they cannot achieve their profit goals in any way they please. In order for a company to function within today’s global business society, they must be able to take a strong stance ethically on how they are going to sell their products and conduct their everyday work activities. Alongside being ethical, companies must also take on social responsibility; showing their community that they are involved, alert and willing to be philanthropists even in tough times. Corporate ethics and social responsible, if overlooked, can be detrimental to an organizations outward appearance and customer base. It is not only the right thing to do, but it has always been seen as good business. Both business ethics and social responsibly, although different, play fundamental roles in an organization’s successes. Ethics can be defined as the study of standards of behavior...
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...correct decisions or solutions to the situation, which is why a code of ethics is established in the workplace. The code of ethics in the workplace was established to assist with the process of a company analyzing the behavioral practices within the company procedures. Code of ethics in the workplace is used in defining, requiring, encouraging, and engaging employees in the direction of the correct behavior. The purpose is to correct the unethical behavior and avoid serious consequences such as lawsuits. In the workplace, conflicts with personal values may become a struggle in an organized business structure with ethical decision-making. Often individuals find it difficult to differentiate personal values from the corporate world, in those instances one must resolve and modify their behavior into a course of action and acceptance while maintaining balance and integrity. Many individuals view ethics as a personal value and do not see the value of ethics in the workplace. Individuals view corporations as an institution with one purpose, getting, and making a monetary profit, which gives ethics in the workplace a negative perspective. Ethics is influenced as a moral code of intensity, sensitivity, and situational influence, in the workplace it is designed to benefit the company as well as the employees offering practical solutions to ethical dilemmas as they may occur. Ethics are...
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...Ethics and Values: Good Guides Toward Occupational and Educational Success Learning Team C: Names of team members Axia College of University of Phoenix Abstract What are ethics and values? Values are what a person or society hold as important and a desired behavior. Ethics are sometimes based on a collection or one value. Ethics are what is considered morally right to one or more individuals. Upholding to good values and good ethical beliefs will greatly aid us in our lives, at our jobs, and in our schools. They effect the decisions that we make our successes or failures. Some of the important values to businesses, schools, and colleges are education, safety, a friendly and professional attitude, integrity, and honesty. Displaying integrity in a professional working environment will greatly benefit anyone. Integrity is a constant devotion to following guidelines based on good morals, ethics, and standards. Integrity will provide a safe and stable environment. Good integrity is found in all good managers. It is the key to leading by example. Ethics and values are the key to all good students, teachers, leaders, mentors, and all professionals. They are our guide through life, help us make good choices, and lead us to many life successes. What are values and ethics? What do they have in common? How can they effect our everyday lives? Because we are all diverse and have different beliefs toward different situations and concepts, we are forced to overcome...
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...Perspectives Sydney Week 5 3/21/2016 Organisational Diversity 3/21/2016 Diversity What does “diversity” mean to you? How does it apply in the workplace? 3/21/2016 Introduction • Diversity is always a sensitive issue. • People who belong to a “minority” group often feel labelled, stereotyped, and marginalised in the workplace; • People who belong to the “majority” group are often unaware of the consequences of the collective action of the majority. 3/21/2016 Introduction • We all hold bias and prejudices simply because we notice difference and it is important not to try to obliterate difference and diversity in an attempt to redress prejudice. • Ignoring difference, for example, can be as damaging as highlighting it in a negative manner. 3/21/2016 Introduction • The literature around inclusiveness is the direction in which this field of study and practice is going. • The idea that we work towards an inclusive workplace for everyone, recognising everyone as a diverse member of the organisation is important, and leverages the strengths that differences bring in to the workplace rather than squashes them. 3/21/2016 What We Cover • The concepts of diversity, exclusion and inclusion • Different roots of diversity in the workplace • The experience of prejudice in the workplace and the limitations it places on organisational performance 3/21/2016 Objectives By the end of this module you should be able to: • Understand...
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...Role of Ethics in the Workplace Xxxxxxxxxx STR/581 12/10/2012 Abstract The individual assignment this week was titled Ethics Reflection Paper. The focus of the paper was the role of ethics in the workplace as well as awareness of personal views regarding ethical behavior. Students were given the opportunity to participate in the Williams Institute: Ethics Awareness Inventory and the Williams Institute: Ethical Choices in the Workplace and discuss my results. This information was reflected in the paper. Furthermore, the focus was the importance of ethics in Strategy Management and the values of First Solar, Inc. The Role of Ethics in the Workplace Individual ethical standards reflect the importance of character, results, and equity and the ineffectiveness of obligation and rules. The individual rating was above the mean. Character, results, and equity are an integral component to ethical behavior in the workplace. Conversely, the personal rating is below the mean in regard to obligation. Ethical behavior is not a requirement. Obligation implies coercion to comply due to cultural norms and standards. Morality is an option. In order for a firm to ensure that ethical behavior is practiced by employees, the strategy plan must delineate the importance of individual decisions in ethical behavior. “A focus on the rules alone can cause a person to lose sight of the role ethical principles play when individuals are faced with ethical decisions” (University...
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...to meet ethical standards in the workplace EST1 – Task 2 MISSION STATEMENT: The company’s main goal in obtaining business growth, remaining competitive and providing job security is to create a working relationship of trust, confidence, and mutual respect between and among management and/or the hourly workforce. Only by working together and developing a strong partnership based on mutual trust and teamwork, will allow or company to maintain its success. We are committed to developing a culture based on team efforts and shared responsibilities in decision making processes. We also work towards achieving the key variables needed to be successful in our company and as a Management Consultant. We encourage all employees to give us suggestions or opinions on how our company can be more productive, competitive, safe, and a better place to work for everyone. We want everyone to feel proud about ones contributions to the company, and feel proud you work for our company. ETHICS AND CONDUCT: The company’s reputation for ethical business practices is one of its most valued assets. This reputation was achieved and maintained through the efforts of its employees and the avoidance of any activity or interest that might reflect as unfavorable upon their own or the company’s integrity. Maintaining the highest standard of ethics in the conduct of our business is our corporate policy and has always been an integral part of our company. Values exert influence over our attitudes...
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...Business Ethics in the Workplace Jamie J. Lear MT3250 – Organizational Behavior Dr. Carl W. Proehl, Jr. November 10, 2013 Abstract Work ethics is a group of moral principles, standards of behavior or set of values regarding proper conduct in the workplace. This is something organizations need to focus on in order for them to succeed and strive to remain on top while the competition in the marketplace is so high. Ensuring your employees know and practice work ethics is important so employees remain loyal to the organization as well as knowing when and how to report an incident no matter how big or small. Companies should always have this information available and periodically have training in this area to keep current with the times and create an environment where employees feel they can talk to their supervisors or managers without fear of retaliation or retribution. In this paper, I will discuss in detail what work ethics are and what organizations can do to help this process. Businesses and corporations that stand and uphold ethics in the workplace tend to show more productivity and less job turnover than companies that don’t support ethics in the workplace. The need for this is essential. In a market where competition runs rampid, companies that practice dirty ethics and customer distrust are on the rise, a company that has integrity and shows promise is the companies that customers tend to favor...
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...Professional Values and Ethics Paper GEN/200 Professional Values and Ethics Paper Corporations demand an exceptional quality of characteristics and traits when hiring employees. Individuals who illustrate good work ethics and values will persevere. Identifying what is wrong or right and applying it to one’s choice will lead to making the right decision. In some cases; however, there may be gray areas not as straightforward as there are various personal values and ethics one may follow. Numerous sources identify these traits each person possesses that will help accomplish professional success. The following paper will define professional values and ethics, identify sources of each as well as describe how both affect career success. Values and Ethics The importance of values in one’s life will determine how a decision will be made. Following rules set forth and knowing the difference of right or wrong and good or bad define values; it also advises what is more important in life. Each individual has his or her own sets of morals and values one abides by. Decisions made in the workplace directly affect future career opportunities and success. Choosing to make the right decision in any given situation at the workplace will demonstrate excellent employee values and ethical skills. Ethics fuel the human condition. According to Dictionary.com, ethics is a system of moral principles; the antithesis of right and wrong, good, and evil. ...
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