ETHICS

A Tampa Bay WorkForce Alliance E-Course

What are Ethics?

Simply stated, ethics refers to the standards of behavior that tell us how human beings should act in the many personal and work situations in which we find ourselves - as friends, parents, children, citizens, business people, teachers, professionals, and so on.

Respect, Responsibility, Results

Who is responsible for acting ethically? You are! It isnt the company. It isnt just the business owner. It isnt only the manager. It is every person. Ultimately each of us are responsible for our own actions, including being ethical. Considering the 3Rs: Respect, Responsibility, and Results will point you and your employees in the right ethical direction.

The First R: Respect

It is an attitude that must be applied to people, organizational resources, and your environment. Respect includes behaviors such as: Treating everyone (customers, co-workers, vendors, etc.) with dignity and courtesy. Using company supplies, equipment, time, and money appropriately, efficiently, and for business use only. Protecting and improving your work environment, abiding by laws, rules, and regulations that exist to protect our world and our way of life.

The Second R: Responsibility

You have a responsibility to your customers, your co-workers, your organization, and yourself. Responsibility includes behaviors such as: Providing timely, high-quality goods and services. Working collaboratively and carrying your share of the load. Meeting all performance expectations and adding value.

The Third R: Results

What is essential in attaining results is an understanding that the way results are attained the means are every bit as important as the ultimate goals the ends. Using the phrase The ends justify the means is an excuse that is too often used to explain an emotional response or action that is not well planned or carefully considered. Obviously, you are expected to get results for your organization and for your customers. However, you are also expected to get those results legally and morally by being ethical. If you lose sight of this distinction, you will jeopardize your job, your business, and your career.

Common Excuses
Dont let the excuses listed below lead you to actions that can cause you to lose your job, harm or potentially endanger others, because you believe: Everyone else does it Theyll never miss it Nobody will care The boss does it No one will know I dont have time to do it right Thats close enough Some rules were meant to be broken Its not my job

Little Things Mean A Lot

Business ethics involves a lot more than compliance with company policies, laws, and financial regulations. Ethics violations are major concerns and they make headlines when they are not obeyed. A companys main problems are with the little things that employees do on a daily basis.

Little Things Day to Day

Seemingly small actions and behaviors by employees represent the largest area for ethics problems and they also provide the greatest opportunity for ethics improvements. The insignificant things we do daily are often forgotten by us. However, the people that we interact with daily do not forget and they can see the patterns of our behavior. Your behavior sets a pattern. So even if you are not the boss there is always someone else (co-workers, neighbors, your spouse, or children) who watches you for cues on how to act in certain situations good and bad. Ask yourself: What messages are you sending by your actions, words, and attitudes?

Examine Your Personal Ethics

When you take a look at where you stand and where you need to improve, consider the following Little white lies you dont (or do) tell Jokes you share with others The way you treat and talk about coworkers Things you say to make a sale or deal The way you handle customer complaints (including the number of people they get passed to) What you put on your billing sheets, timesheets, and expense reports Office supplies you do (or dont) take home Commitments you make and keep (or dont keep). Personal business you dont (or do) conduct at work. Unimportant work rules you follow (or break).

Things you reproduce on the copy machine.

Standards you set for yourself. Level of quality you put into whatever you do.

Credit you appropriately share (or dont share) with others.

These, and scores of behaviors like them, reflect who you are and what you stand for. When it comes to ethics and integrity, everything is important - including (and especially) the small stuff.

Know What Cannot Be Compromised

There are some areas of work that you can decide how they are done and other areas that you have to follow exactly. These are known as discretionary and nondiscretionary areas. Do you know what these areas are?

Discretionary Areas
They are those situations or aspects of your job where you can freely move within set boundaries: Compromise Bargain Make deals

Non-Discretionary Areas
These areas are topics or situations with very:

Specific rules Regulations or Guidelines

Compromise is unacceptable in these areas. There is one and only one way of acting in non-discretionary areas; do what is required. Rule of thumb, if you are ever unsure or have questions, just ask your employer.

Universal Norms
There are several universal areas where zero tolerance for ethical violations is for all organizations. These universally accepted norms include: Laws and regulations

Public and employee safety

Truthfulness of records and statements

Pause and Think

You need to think about what would happen if you do not obey laws and regulations.

Most public and employee safety rules are created because injuries occurred or are because of obvious danger.
Business is based on trust and truthfulness. If records and statements are not accurate, trust is lost.

Company Specific Standards

Every company has a list of specific policies and procedures they wish to enforce for performance of the company, or to set them apart from the competition. Some of these are standards for areas that cannot be compromised. As an employee, you need to find out what they are, and follow them.

Doing What is Right: Check Before You Act

You are responsible for your actions and you decide if you should act ethically.

You need to figure out what is ethical in your own mind because it is essential.
Doing the right thing is not always easy, but it is always right. It is essential for long-term success in all aspects of your life. Keep in mind that acting ethically is not something that you switch on and off. It is a part of everything that you do all the time.

Check Before You Act Test

Is it legal? Does it comply with company rules and regulations? Is it in sync with organizational values? Will you be comfortable and guilt-free if you do it? Does it match stated commitments and guarantees? Would I do it to family or friends? Would it be okay for someone to do it me? Would the most ethical person you know do it? If you answer no to any one of these, you should develop an alternate plan of action or seek counsel and advice from a trustworthy source.

How to Say No With Tact

You may be faced with a situation in which someone (supervisor, coworker, friend, or family member) proposes an action that you believe is not ethical or just outright wrong. No Thank You What do you do? What do you say? You may be tempted to do what is asked because you know the person or you feel obligated for some other reason. Are you looking at doing the questionable action simply to go along to get along? If you are, you would be knowingly doing what you believe is unethical. This makes you as wrong as the other person.

4 Ways to Handle Saying No

Fighting temptation is not easy, but you need to take a stand and say No with tact. You can do so by using one of the options below: State your objections and concerns without indictment. Propose an alternative action that you feel is ethical. Ask for the persons help and agreement. Seek assistance from higher authority or someone trustworthy.

I Statements
On the next slides, review some I statements that will help you describe your feelings on things that are unethical; and do not accuse the other person of being less than ethical.

State Your Objection and Concern Without Indictment

I have serious concerns about that, and I need your understanding I honestly believe it is wrong because I cannot do what I feel is wrong

Propose an Alternative Action That You Feel is Ethical

I think I know what you want to accomplish, and I feel theres a better way to do it. How about

Ask For the Persons Help and Agreement

I really need your help. I want to make sure we both do the right thing. Will you go with me on this one?

Higher Authority
You can consult with whomever you think is a high authority on ethical matters. If you dont have someone to turn to review the words of wisdom from some well-known individuals: Keep true, never be ashamed of doing right, decide on what you think is right and stick to it. George Eliot

If you dont stand for something, you will fall for anything. Multiple Sources
To know what is right and not do it is the worst cowardice. Confucius

Honesty is the cornerstone of all success, without which confidence and ability to perform cease to exist. Mary Kay Ash
It is not who is right, but what is right, that is of importance. Thomas H. Huxley

Set the Standard

Acting ethically sets a positive example. Others will see your actions and follow. Once the ethical barrier has been breached, others may assume it is appropriate to act unethically and improperly in many more situations.

When in Doubt About Ethics Questions - Ask

Why? The reason is that one decision may impact a lot of people. It is better to ask for permission before you act.

Whenever you are unsure if an action is appropriate or not, ask a proper authority such as your boss, a senior manager, a mentor, the owner, someone in human resources or the legal department. Keep asking until you get an answer.
If you are not sure who to ask, then ask whom you should ask.

How to Make Ethical Decisions

Ask: Is it an ethical issue?

Get the facts

Evaluate alternative actions

Test your decision

Just do it but what did you learn

Ask: Is It An Ethical Issue?

Being ethical does not always mean following the law. And just because something is possible doesnt mean it is ethical. For example, in the global debates about cloning, Ethics and Religion do not always concur. This is perhaps the trickiest stage in ethical decision making, as sometimes the sensitivity of the issues are above and beyond our knowledge and experience. Listen to your instincts if it feels uncomfortable making the decision on your own, get others involved and use their collective knowledge and experience to make a more considered decision.

Get the Facts

By having the facts, you can make better decisions without compromising your integrity. Start by asking yourself: What do you know? What dont you know? Who are the people affected by your decision? Have they been consulted? What are your options? Have you reviewed your options with someone you respect?

Evaluate Alternative Actions

There are different ethical approaches which may help you make the most ethical decision. Utilitarian Approach which action results in the most good and the least harm? Rights Based on Approach which action respects the rights of everyone involved? Fairness or Justice Approach which action treats people fairly? Common Good Approach which action contributes most to the quality of life of the people affected? Virtue Approach which action embodies the character strengths you value?

Test Your Decision

Could you comfortably explain your decision to your mother? Could you comfortably explain your decision to a stranger on the street? Could you comfortably explain your decision on television?

If not, you may have to re-think your decision before you take action.

Just Do It But What Did You Learn?

Once youve made the decision, then dont waste time in implementing it.

Set a date to review your decision and make adjustments if necessary.

Often decisions are made based on the information in hand at the time; but things change, and your decision making needs to be flexible enough to change too. Even a complete about face may be the most appropriate action further down the track.

Maintain Integrity
Take personal responsibility for integrity. Guessing about ethical issues isnt good enough in todays world. You need to hold yourself personally responsible for knowing and following all the company policies and guidelines that apply to your job. Read any polices you are sent, and complete all trainings youre assigned. Your company has established structures that are designed to protect the company and its employees for the risk of an ethical or legal violation. You need to make the commitment to do what is right 24/7.

The Ethics of Work-Life Balance

It may seem misplaced to discuss worklife balance in a presentation on ethics. However, there are times that where your work ethics may or will clash with your life ethics.

You need to learn how to manage your time wisely among different projects or tasks when youre at work.

As an employee it is important to know how to balance professional and personal.

This holds true for your personal life, your time should be wisely used to give time to your family, friends, community, self and spirit.

Ethics Beyond the Cubicle

Ethics isnt just about how you treat others. Its also about how you treat yourself at work and beyond. Think about it like this, you are not acting ethically towards others and yourself if you havent had a vacation in a long time, or you force yourself to work when you are ill.

Take a Breather
Being exhausted and/or over-worked can cause many aspects of your life to fall apart.

Basically, when you dont have down time you become a liability and cannot benefit anyone at work or home.
The time you spend away from the other meaningful relationships in your life is time you can never get back.

Popular Excuses for Working Too Much

1. I want to make sure I keep my job 2. I need to work to make what I did last year 3. I have a demanding job 4. I just love to work On the next few slides we will explore these excuses.

Excuse #1: I Want To Make Sure I Keep My Job

What could be wrong with working all the time in such a climate if it will mean hanging onto your job? While it is important to remain an employee in good standing and it may mean some long hours. Keep in mind that the amount of hours you put in will not mean much if the quality of your work is below what is expected because youre tired. Your boss could start to think that you do not have the skills to get the job done during regular business hours.

Excuse #2: I Need to Work More to Make What I Did Last Year
Many of the recently downsized are taking lower-paying jobs because that is all available. Some are even taking on second jobs and still not making what they did a year ago Is it better to live the way you are use to or accustomed or to live within the means you are presently in? Meaning, it is one thing to work 80 or more hours to pay the mortgage and put food on your table; and it is another to work for expensive things you dont have enough time and energy to enjoy. You should instead, shift your priorities so that you are able to spend more time with family and friends, exercise, volunteer, or even just relax.

Excuse #3: I Have a Demanding Job

Gone are the days when leaving your office meant leaving work behind, because we have electronics that keep us connected like a tether ball to our bosses, clients, and colleagues. Truly it is flattering to believe that you are indispensable to your company and that you are the only one who can do what you do well. Be honest with yourself: are you spending so much time on the job because you must or because of habit, ego, or some other reason? Be careful that you dont let your need to work get out of control to the point of causing relationship rifts. We owe it to ourselves and the people we care about (and who care about us) to work smarter, not harder.

Excuse #4: I Just Love to Work

You are truly blessed if you can say this about any job or career you have had or will have.

Try to remember all passions should have limits.

You should not combine or fuse work-life and personal life together tightly, because it will throw your whole life off balance.

There is a time to work and a time to leave work behind. A good employee leaves time to do both.
Bruce Weinstein, PhD

Walk the Talk

5 principles are important when you are trying to work on your ethic standards and beliefs: 1. Words to live by are just words unless you actually live by them. 2. You are what you do. 3. Everything that you do counts. 4. The Golden Rule is still pure gold. 5. Character is the key.

Having ethics is essential to establishing strong values, but it is even more important, to live the values, from family and faith, to sports and politics, to our jobs and our communities we all need to learn to "Walk the Talk".

Ethics Everyday
We all share the responsibility for creating the ethical world around us everyday by projecting either happiness or misery on everyone. We can choose to project either hope or despair... We have a choice about what we are going to project, and in that choice we help create the world that is.

Thank you for participating in this Tampa Bay WorkForce Alliance E-course.