How Ethical are You...Really?
Let's talk ethics...Throughout a person’s
lifetime many ethical issues will arise that make it difficult to know what
decision is best for the given situation. Sometimes that decision affects a
person’s morals or other beliefs and sometimes the decision affects those
around us. In business, the decisions we make ultimately affect us, our
co-workers, customers, and potentially our respective families. Businesses usually
implement a code of ethics that is expected to be followed so all
those directly and indirectly involved in the business can feel comfortable
knowing management has taken the time to make sure people are treated
fairly, and the business is run with honesty and integrity. This is shown through actions, not words. Some people "say" they act with integrity, but it's just because it sounds good, they would never admit their true beliefs, thoughts, or fears as the case may be. Regardless of what's said, if people act in a contradictory way, clearly their words were not a reflection of truth, not true integrity. Knowing a code
of ethics exists makes customers and employees feel more comfortable knowing they will be treated fairly and their individualism will be recognized...that is, as long as the code is followed.
When faced with an ethical issue it is best to use the
eight steps of sound ethical decision making to arrive at an outcome that is
well thought out and comfortable for all parties involved. It can be difficult to provide an unbiased decision based on the relationships formed in the workplace, where we spend the majority of our day. Many consider their co-workers extended family. These are good guidelines for any situation.
Making sure to
gather the facts is important because many times the facts are simply
overlooked and can shed light on an easier decision in the end. Way too many managers THINK they know the facts, when indeed they have no clue what's going on in their own business. Too proud to simply ask, these types tend to act on hearsay...bad business! Get the facts! You will thank yourself later and save tons of headache chasing your tail.
Defining the
ethical issue is also critical because then the issue at hand is understood and
has been given detailed thought as to the possible ramifications. You cannot attempt to "fix" something if you have no idea what you are fixing. If I tell you to get in the kitchen and get to work, do you go in and start cooking or start on my remodeling project? CLEARLY define your issue and it's root; combined with clear expectations you can rarely lose.
Identifying
the stakeholders makes it possible to envision all the possible avenues that may be taken to solve the problem. Let's face it, every situation is different and should be handled as such. The needs, wants, and desires of the various stakeholders will be at the forefront in this process.
Possible consequences that may come from one’s decision are an important focus when trying to do what's "right." Sometimes when we see that the consequences may be unpleasant for ourselves or others we may be inclined to not take a certain route during the discovery phase, because we know what the outcome will be and want to sway in a different direction. Is it ethical? Maybe...
Being creative in this process helps to identify other possible outcomes that may have been previously overlooked. When you come to a decision, are you satisfied or do you think there could be other avenues to pursue? Get creative there is often more than one way to solve a problem.
Knowing the obligations and why they exist is useful to identify with one’s own values, principles, and character traits. Identify your ethical obligations and hold true to them. What are ethical obligations you might ask? Well, simply put it is something you do because it is the right thing to do and because if you didn't do it, you would be wrong. For example, feeding your pet (this is only a no-brainer for some people).
Considering one’s own character and integrity is important to keep in mind because it makes people think about what would happen if their decision were to be broadcast for all to see. This makes them question whether or not they would be able to stand by their decision with dignity. Are your proud of yourself for doing the right thing?
Finally, it's that gut feeling that will either make or break the final decision. Business owners today have to deal with such ethical issues as which employees they will have to lay off due to cutbacks because of the current economic crisis. Some managers have to deal with issues like which tenants they might have to evict from their properties because of non-payment or other ramifications stemming from the current economic condition as well. There are also times when management must make decisions within the company that require even the best employees to be unhappy like policy changes or changes to benefits. These and many other ethical dilemmas show their face to management almost daily and must be dealt with appropriately in order to maintain good working relationships, customer confidence, and company reputations. Managers struggle daily with the issues that come up and must take action that will eventually maintain their personal beliefs and uphold the company’s policies at the same time. This is quite a balancing act and does require some skill. With the economy being as bad off as it currently is there are many instances that arise where ethics can be in question and following the above steps can help make a more informed decision that considers all parties equally. Thanks for reading!
Possible consequences that may come from one’s decision are an important focus when trying to do what's "right." Sometimes when we see that the consequences may be unpleasant for ourselves or others we may be inclined to not take a certain route during the discovery phase, because we know what the outcome will be and want to sway in a different direction. Is it ethical? Maybe...
Being creative in this process helps to identify other possible outcomes that may have been previously overlooked. When you come to a decision, are you satisfied or do you think there could be other avenues to pursue? Get creative there is often more than one way to solve a problem.
Knowing the obligations and why they exist is useful to identify with one’s own values, principles, and character traits. Identify your ethical obligations and hold true to them. What are ethical obligations you might ask? Well, simply put it is something you do because it is the right thing to do and because if you didn't do it, you would be wrong. For example, feeding your pet (this is only a no-brainer for some people).
Considering one’s own character and integrity is important to keep in mind because it makes people think about what would happen if their decision were to be broadcast for all to see. This makes them question whether or not they would be able to stand by their decision with dignity. Are your proud of yourself for doing the right thing?
Finally, it's that gut feeling that will either make or break the final decision. Business owners today have to deal with such ethical issues as which employees they will have to lay off due to cutbacks because of the current economic crisis. Some managers have to deal with issues like which tenants they might have to evict from their properties because of non-payment or other ramifications stemming from the current economic condition as well. There are also times when management must make decisions within the company that require even the best employees to be unhappy like policy changes or changes to benefits. These and many other ethical dilemmas show their face to management almost daily and must be dealt with appropriately in order to maintain good working relationships, customer confidence, and company reputations. Managers struggle daily with the issues that come up and must take action that will eventually maintain their personal beliefs and uphold the company’s policies at the same time. This is quite a balancing act and does require some skill. With the economy being as bad off as it currently is there are many instances that arise where ethics can be in question and following the above steps can help make a more informed decision that considers all parties equally. Thanks for reading!
