WORK

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 isn’t 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.
Shoplifting
Changing price tags
Abusing products and returning them as
damaged goods.
Reporting lost items as stolen to insurance
companies.
Lying about a child’s 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.