January 25, 2015

AN ETHICS REFLECTION
What is Ethics?

At its simplest, ethics is a system of moral principles. They affect how people make
decisions and lead their lives. Ethics is concerned with what is good for individuals and
society and is also described as moral philosophy.
1. What guides the way I live my life?
Focus on the task at hand and get it done to the best of your ability.
Kindness, treat people the way I want to be treated.
What I do and how I act determines my own happiness.
2. What is right or wrong in my personal life?
Hard work and a positive attitude goes a long way.
Empathy, being able to sympathize with those going through a hard time.
Doing the best I can, working my hardest and never giving up on my goals.
3. What is right or wrong in the business world?
Being trustworthy is a core principle of business ethics.
Hard work, doing everything you can to ensure that tasks are done to the best of
your ability.
Empathy, being able to sympathize with those going through a hard time.
4. Have you worked in an environment you considered to be unethical? If so,
explain what you considered unethical behaviour.
I have not personally worked in an unethical environment; however, I have heard
stories from family and friends about situations such as: wrongful dismissal,
favouritism, and harassment.

January 25, 2015

5. Discuss what you believe is ethical behaviour within the work environment.
Also give consideration to what you believe is not ethical behaviour.

I believe the following examples are classified as ethical behaviour in the

workplace:
Honesty - always tell the truth, even if you made a mistake, everybody makes
mistakes, owning up to it is tough but the right thing to do.
Teamwork - working well with others is a huge part of any business, without
that quality it can potentially lead to demotion or even termination.
Commitment usually in an ethical work environment employers reward
and acknowledge employee loyalty.

Examples of unethical behaviour in the workplace:

Time theft returning late from your break, personal phone calls, social
media, etc.
Not following your employers policies and procedures.
Violation of your conscience being forced to do something you know is
wrong.
Ethical Change:
I believe ethical change in the workplace is possible and is imperative to any
successful business.