Potential Solutions and Impacts

Latoya Waters- Smith

DeVry University

ETHC 232

Dr. Jesus Ramirez

December 17, 2021.

 One would argue that what you wear is an expression of who you are and therefore you

should be entitled to wear what you want, whenever you want including work. No one wants to

be told what to wear, however, businesses implement dress policies for the safety of employees,

and it is imperative to follow them, as not doing so can lead to harm, or sexual harassment.

Inappropriate clothes can be a distraction in the office to members of the opposite sex and can

make other women feel uncomfortable. Even what is on your shirt can be a problem, knowing

what to wear to work is an issue that we face every waking day and not knowing what is

appropriate according to your job standards can lead to even bigger ethical issues such as sexual

harassment.

One solution to these ethical issues is to apply Kant’s deontological theory to them. Kant

argued that moral judgements are not expressions of feeling but imperatives (commands) and so

can be dealt with by reasoning. (Ruggiero ,2019) Using Kant’s theory we use moral law to act.

Using this theory, we simply follow the rules put into play by those in higher authority then us.

The effect that not following these rules can be detrimental to stakeholders. Let’s say you are

working on a construction site and didn’t come to work in proper shoes (steel toe boots), you

chose to wear sandals and you get hurt. As a result of not following the rules and your employer

not telling you that you needed to have on proper protection, the company may end up being hit

with a lawsuit for negligence, for failing to reasonable control or monitor the action taken by

his/her employees. Therefore, shareholders have a responsibility to provide a safe working

environment and when they see something that poses a threat to someone’s safety, they are

obligated to take actions.

The second solution to the above ethical issues as it pertains to the sexual harassment part

is to have mandatory sexual harassment training. The purpose of this training would be to
increase awareness and accuracy of recognizing sexual harassment. Even when wearing a

uniform that is not provocative sometime sexual harassment still occurs. As shareholders it is

important to assure employees feel safe at work and understand the importance of a harassment-

free environment. By setting these boundaries employees know what is acceptable and what is

not, as well as the consequences of said actions. However, when shareholders fail to maintain a

safe work environment, they are in for a long ride including but not limited to employee strikes,

walkouts, and bad publicity.

My favorite solution to this ethical dilemma is to be conscious. Using this solution to

resolve the above ethical dilemmas of inappropriate clothes at work and sexual harassment one

should be mindful that the rules are there to protect their safety and well-being. How would you

feel if someone had a controversial subject on their shirt that was offensive to you? How would

you feel if someone made unwanted sexual advances towards you? If you don’t want it done to

your or your family don’t do it. If you wouldn’t want you or a loved one in a situation, don’t put

another person in that situation. Basically, the solution to inappropriate clothes in the workplace

and sexual harassment apply Kant’s Deontological Theory, provide mandatory sexual

harassment training for all employees at all levels, and to be conscious.

 References

Kirk, A. (2021, May 27). Clothing That's Inappropriate for Work & Business. LEAFtv.

https://www.leaf.tv/articles/clothing-thats-inappropriate-for-work-business/.

Ruggiero, V. (2019). Thinking Critically About Ethical Issues. [devry]. Retrieved

from https://devry.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781260686029/

Employer negligence: What it is & common examples: Law blog. Shultz Legal. (2020, July 20).

Retrieved December 18, 2021, from https://www.shultzlegal.com/employer-negligence/

Associated Press. (n.d.). US McDonald's workers strike to protest workplace ... Retrieved
December 17, 2021, from https://www.usnews.com/news/best-
states/pennsylvania/articles/2021-10-26/us-mcdonalds-workers-strike-to-protest-
workplace-harassment