IMPORTANCE OF

ETHICS
 Understanding Ethics

The word Ethics derived from the Greek word Ethos,

which means Character.
Websters Dictionary defines Ethics as the science of
moral duty or the science of ideal human character.
Moral Principles, Codes & Postulates are considered as
Ethics.
Ethics is the adoption of the right methods and means
toward the right ends. Deals more with good than evils.
 Tracing The Roots

Ethics isnt a new concept.

It has been with us for thousands of years,

except that its importance is dawning on

us only now.
Our ancient literature: Vedas, Puranas,

Ramayanas, Gita, Bible, Guru Granth Sahib

and the Koran all are full of moral values
and ethical code of conduct.
What Sociologists Say.
Ethics is thinking in terms of the
larger picture, not ignoring or
neglecting ones own interest and
well being but not over-
emphasising ones own interests
either
What Are Work Ethics

Attitudes and frame of mind one strives to use to complete

any task.
Strong Work Ethics in all facets of our lives, is nothing more
than a positive mental attitude.
Strong positive work ethics is one of the rungs on the
ladder to success.
Whatever our mental state and who we come across, good
work and verbal expressions can determine the end
product.
All these coupled with a pat on the back to encourage
others are defined as Ethics.
 Work Ethics (contd.)
The term Ethics, used in the context of the workplace
becomes ethics that refer to the moral principle and rule of
conduct applied to the workplace and the profession.
There should be business/work ethics, means business has
to be conducted according to certain self-recognised
standards.
Business being a social organ, shall not be conducted in a
way detrimental to the society.
 Work Ethics (contd.)
Ensuring Work Ethics means :
Working with love for Labour.
Working with all the energy one has.
Working with all our hearts not just half.
Pick oneself up if we stumble and fall, pick
yourself up and go around the barrier and find
a solution to circumvent the obstacle.
Forces Influencing Ethics

Family Influences
Peer Influences

Personal Experiences

Ones own Values and Morals

Situational Factors
Variances in Defining Ethics

Variances arise because our value base may vary from

individual to individual.
Ethical behaviour in the eyes of one person may be
unethical in the eyes of another.
Societal situations also vary thus creating variances in
defining ethical behaviour.
Experts believe that ethics are not absolute, but relative.
Ethical behaviour is in the eyes of the beholder, what is
right or wrong is a personal individual matter, influenced
by societal norms.
Categories Of Ethics

WORK RELATED ETHICS

Duty Consciousness

Work Excellence

Punctuality

Frugality

SUPERIOR RELATED ETHICS

Obedience to superior

Cooperation with superior

Expert advice to superior

Accepting responsibility

Bringing credit to superior

SUBORDINATE RELATED ETHICS
Confidence in subordinates
Opportunity to subordinates for growth
Protection of subordinates legitimate interests
Supportive guidance to subordinates
Non-discrimination among subordinates
PEER RELATED ETHICS
Sense of cooperation among peers
Generosity among peers
Respect for other peers
Competitive spirit among peers
ORGANISATION RELATED ETHICS
Commitment to the organisation

Fostering institutional image

Conflict resolution through negotiation

Accepting organisational changes

COMMUNITY REALTED ETHICS

Meaningful participation

Binding oneself to decision making

Social Involvement

Spirit of Nationalism
Ethics in Practice
HUGHES SOFTWARE SYSTEMS
An American company with Indian operations,
organises a special program on Ethics for all new
employees. There is a Chief Ethics Officer
designated for handling ethical issues in the
organisation.
Unethical Practices in Practice
Sale of branded products through unauthorised dealers.
Electronic good piracy
Piracy in software, music & film industry.
Ordinary water being sold as mineral water under fake
logos and seals.
Soaps and cosmetics being sold in the empty packs of
reputed brands.
Inadequate or vague guarantees & warrantees.
Use of non-biodegradable packaging material.
 Unethical Practices

Shoplifting
Changing price tags
Abusing products and returning them as damaged goods.
Reporting lost items as stolen to insurance companies.
Lying about a childs age to get a lower price.
Moving around casually out of the office during office
hours.
Accessing private computer files without permission.
Listen to private cellular phone conversation.
Sabotage systems/data of other employees.
 Importance of Ethics

There are Tangible Benefits on following Ethical Behaviour.

Businesses are built on relationships with suppliers,
customers, employees and other groups.
The strength of these relationships is largely a function of
the amount of trust the parties in each other.
Unethical behaviour undermines trust and destroys
relationships that ultimately affect the profitability of an
organisation.
Importance of Ethics (contd.)
Studies prove that the firms which maintain ethical
standards perform better than others due to the good
relationships they share with their suppliers, customers,
employees and others.
In a nutshell, ETHICS ARE THE CORNERSTONE OF BUSINESS
SUCCESS AND SUCCESS AT THE WORKPLACE.
 Ethics With Children

DADDY SAYS DADDY IS NOT AT HOME.

Consequences that could follow.