Work Ethics

Introduction

We all make decisions - every day. In addition, individuals in our workplace make decisions - many that impact us. Whether or not these decisions are ethical is an important question to ask. In this microlesson, we will look closely and define ethics - in general and in the workplace.

So What Is Ethics?

Ethics is the study of the general nature of morals, or a society’s code of conduct. Ethics refers to the specific moral choices we make in relationship to others. Societies have helped to establish standards for the actions and behaviors of its members and we practice those through our personal lives.

Ethics are also relevant in the business world.

Ethical beliefs are not only held by individuals, but are also reflected in the values, practices, and policies through the choices made by decision makers on behalf of their organizations. The application of ethical values in business activities is sometimes referred to as business ethics or corporate ethics. Ethics applies to all aspects of conduct whether through the actions of individuals, groups, and organizations.

In addition to individual ethics and corporate ethics there are professional ethics. Professionals such as managers, lawyers, and accountants are individuals who exercise specialized knowledge and skills when providing services to customers or to the public. By virtue of their profession, professionals have obligations to those they serve. For example, lawyers must hold client conversations confidential and accountants must display the highest levels of honesty and integrity in their record keeping and financial analysis. Professional organizations, such as the American Medical Association, and licensing authorities, such as state governments, set and enforce ethical standards. Employers want workers with a sense of professionalism – part of which is being ethical. Individuals as well as businesses and professionals should continually strive to act and respond ethically.

Explore

Ethics refer to a practice of deciding what is right or wrong in a reasoned, impartial manner. Ethical decisions must affect you or another in a significant way.

An ethical decision is one that is reasoned out typically by referring to a written authority – such as a code of ethics or a set of laws.

To make ethical decisions we usually must base our decision on reason, not emotion. Ethical decisions should be impartial in which the same applies to everyone. Business ethics are ethical principles used in making business decisions. Often in making business decisions ethics are not considered due to the potential for profit maximization. Ethical reasoning is determining right and wrong, and generally takes two forms. One form is based on consequences, where right and wrong is based only on the results of the action. The second form is the form of moral reasoning, based on ethical rules – acts are either right or wrong and consequences are not considered.

There is a saying that a good person is one who does good deeds when no one is looking.

This is also true with ethical decisions. People who are ethical follow their beliefs even when they believe no one will find out about what they have done. In many cases of unethical actions in organizations, those who acted unethically likely believed that they would not be caught. Others may have thought that if the issues were discovered, the actions would not be traced back to them. They had the opportunity to be ethical but chose not to be.

Ethical choices involve judgment because they involve weighing the potential consequences of a person’s actions for other people.

You can address an ethical dilemma by asking questions such as:

What are the ethical issues?
What are the alternatives?
Who are the affected parties?
How do the alternatives affect each party?
What is the decision?

The answers are not always clear cut.

Take a look at the following presentation on Ethics.

Challenge

Complete the Work Ethics Activity challenge below

Takeaway

Ethics are the set of moral principles that guide a person’s behavior. These morals are shaped by social norms, cultural practices, and religious influences. Ethics reflect beliefs about what is right, what is wrong, what is just, what is unjust, what is good, and what is bad in terms of human behavior.

Ethics serve as a compass to direct how people should behave toward each other, understand and fulfill their obligations to society, and live their lives.

For a strong, productive society, we as individuals and businesses alike must practice ethical behavior. Throughout your life, you will face many ethical problems and decisions. Adopting a consistent ethical standard can help you deal with the large or small moral problems that come your way.

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