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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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. wont miss it
The co. overcharges
Im not paid enough
The co. doesnt deserve
my loyalty

ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE

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!

ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACE

E. If Youre 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?