What are ethics and why are they important for organizations?
Organizational ethics is a form of applied or professional ethics that scrutinizes ethical morals, values and principles that arise in a workplace. It applies to every aspect of organizational conduct and is considered relevant to both employee’s and management’s behaviour. Show
Table of Contents MeaningOrganizational ethics puts its onus on promoting non-economic social values. The concept is about what is right or wrong in an organization in terms of its relationship with stakeholders as well as the effects of services or products. Organizational ethics is a theory of moral values and the application of ethical standards under which a company is operating. Importance of Organizational EthicsThe importance of organizational ethics in a company is as follows-
Elements or Core Values of Organizational EthicsThe core ethical values or elements that have a direct influence on ethical behaviour are 1. ResponsibilityThe element of responsibility is about being accountable. It signifies the moral obligation of owning up to your mistakes if wrong, exercising self-restraint and trying to achieve excellence. In an organization, it is a desired element that signifies that the individual has a moral code and will move further in his career 2. Result-OrientedIf you are in business then it is imperative to be result-oriented. Organisational ethics factors ethics into the result and ask employees to achieve them within reasonable and ethical boundaries. 3. RespectThe element of respect puts its onus on the moral obligation to salute the dignity and worth of an individual. It is expressed as acceptance, tolerance, autonomy, dignity courtesy and civility and offers encouragement against exploitation, manipulation, humiliation and violence. In an organisation, it is essential to respect yourself and others that surround you. This will be ultimately reciprocated because others will also return the favour and respect you for your values and behaviour. It is respect and trust that helps management to avoid a scenario where it has to micromanage everything. 4. TrustworthinessThe most complicated of ethical values is trustworthiness as it is a broad concept that concerns with behaviour and qualities that makes a person worthy of loyalty, honesty, integrity and trust. In an organization, make your word your bond and stand by it no matter what. If you are wrong then admit it and if right then take a stand. Treat others the same way you want others to treat you. Trust is a strong feeling that inspires confidence hence make sure that people consider you trustworthy 5. JusticeJustice signifies being fair in all the dealings. It equates with due process, openness, impartiality, equality and equity. In an organisation, it is an essential element as it encourages management to treat every employee fairly 6. CaringAn aspect of organisational ethic is caring. It relates to a sincere concern for the wellbeing of everyone. It includes sharing, empathy, compassion, kindness and charity towards a fellow employee in the organisation. 7. HonourHonour is one of the main elements of organisational ethic that signifies the spirit of an organisation. In most companies, management recognises employs that show honour in their dealings and reward them for their exemplary behaviour. 8. PersistenceThe will to keep on working no matter what is an admirable trait to have. It is an element of organisational ethic that encourages employees to work hard and achieve favourable results. Need for Organizational EthicsThe need or necessity for organizational ethics is
Advantages of Organizational EthicsThe advantages of organisational ethics in a workplace are as follows-
Disadvantages of Organisational ethicsThe disadvantages of organisational ethics in a workplace are as follows-
Ways to Promote Organisational EthicsThe ways to boost organisational ethics include 1. Put your onus on hiring wellRecruiting is an integral part of an organisation as it decides how your workforce is going to take your company forward. Make sure that the people at the top show integrity and wisdom so that their influence can translate into an asset for the company. If the leadership is intense, then it will no doubt promote organisational ethics at all levels. Even hiring employees at mid or lower levels make sure that they are ethically sound as today’s employee at a lower level can be a leader in the coming years. 2. Educate employees about organisational ethicsEvery employee in an organisation must be aware of organisational ethics. Educate them about it if you are looking for ways to promote organisational ethic in your workplace. Unethical behaviour puts the company and every stakeholder at risk hence make sure that the company does not encourage questionable behaviour in its grounds 3. Lead the wayLeaders need to lead the way and encourage others to emulate their steps in following organisational ethics. They must explain the rationale behind it and its advantages to others so that everyone else in the organisation starts following the same ethics 4. TransparencyBe transparent about your financial deals if you are looking to encourage organisational ethics. Money is the reason why companies try to look the other way during unethical practices. When a company is upfront about its financial deals the main reason for being unethical is swept away. When a company does not sacrifice organisational ethics for profits, it sets an example for all its employees that ethics matter a great deal in their company 5. Keep an eye on group dynamicsIn an organisation, people will try to emulate the behaviour of the group to which they belong or the one that fascinates them. Some will try to push the boundaries to see how far they can get any loophole. It is essential to identify such disturbing elements that have wrong attitude and behaviour so that their negativity does not spread to the other members of the group. It is up to the management and the top leaders to reinforce positive behaviour and organisational ethics amongst the employees 6. Speak the truthCreate a corporate culture where employees from the lowest level to the highest will speak the truth no matter what. This will no doubt promote organisational ethics because the fear of expressing what is right and getting blamed for it will be swept away when everyone is practising the same conduct 7. Nip unethical practice and behaviour in the budAn vital way to encourage and promote organizational ethics is by nipping unethical behaviour and immoral practices in the bud. Remember these might start small but can engulf the whole organisation and its work culture and practices in its system. Establish a work culture where the employees will stand against it and speak out if they come across any such practice or behaviour. 8. Be ethicalThere is a difference between being legal and being ethical. Most organisations consider it as blurred lines and ignore them in favour of a healthy profit. It is imperative to identify, understand and implement the difference so that you can create a culture that will seem excellent to your competitors and fit to your clients. It is a fact that clients, customers and employees feel proud to be associated with a company that is known for its organisational ethics and values. Why is ethics important in organizations?Business ethics enhances the law by outlining acceptable behaviors beyond government control. Corporations establish business ethics to promote integrity among their employees and gain trust from key stakeholders, such as investors and consumers.
What is ethics and why is it important?Ethics are the principles that guide us to make a positive impact through our decisions and actions. Ethics play an important role not only in our personal lives but also in business. We are all encouraged to make ethical choices and apply ethics in all areas of our lives.
What is the meaning of ethics in organization?Organizational ethics express the values of an organization to its employees and/or other entities irrespective of governmental and/or regulatory laws. Ethics are the principles and values used by an individual to govern their actions and decisions.
What is ethics and why is it important in the workplace?Ethics in the workplace is defined as the moral code that guides the behavior of employees with respect to what is right and wrong in regard to conduct and decision making.
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