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
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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
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C. How Employers
Respond to Business
Abuse
 Increase Security
* loss prevention mgmt.
* surveillance
* Networks/Helplines
* threats of prosecution
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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!
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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?