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

What Sociologists Say. Ethics is thinking in terms of the larger picture, not ignoring or neglecting ones own interest and well being but not overemphasising 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 Sense of cooperation among peers Generosity among peers Respect for other peers

PEER RELATED ETHICS

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.

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.