Which of the following is one of the three key factors that can influence ethical behavior?
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Ethics can be defined as the well-founded standards and fundamental principles of an individual. Ethics are used to determine what is right and wrong, and usually dictate our course of action in our daily lives. Good work ethics play an important role in bringing benefits to a business in many ways. Generally, strong ethics attract customers/clients who appreciate honest services that will then boost the sales and profits of your company. Having a respectable reputation also helps to attract new customers and builds higher loyalty among customers. For public-listed companies, having a strong ethical behaviour and corporate social responsibility would bring confidence in investors, thereby maintaining the high value of the company’s position in the marketplace. At the workplace, HR plays an important part in hiring professionals with good ethics right from the start. Having an honest, hardworking workforce with high values in integrity will not only improve the company’s business and reputation but also lift the overall morale of the employees. A strong ethical culture will then undoubtedly attract more talents who share the same ethics and values, reducing the costs of recruitment and enable the company to obtain a pool of talented employees in its workforce. So, what are the common work ethics and how are these ethical behaviours valuable to an organisation? 1. Integrity One of the most important workplace ethics is integrity. By definition, integrity is the “quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, a personal code of conduct that goes above the level of good conduct and encompasses the spirit of good conduct.” Employees with integrity are usually the ones you can count on, the ones with the highest moral values and the ones who are bent on doing the right thing at all times. 2. Honesty Being an honest individual means you do not deceive others by giving out misleading information. This includes the truthful way of conduct that is usually without the intention of lying, cheating or any form of falsification. Customers typically only deal with a business or a service provider whom they trust. In a workplace, an honest employee is the one you can rely on to continue doing their best in their jobs for the company’s benefits. 3. Discipline At times, an employee may be talented in his line of work but lacks the commitment and dedication to complete the tasks given. It requires a certain level of discipline to not only complete the tasks within a certain time frame but to also execute them well, instead of doing just the bare minimum at the very last minute. Disciplined employees are extremely important as they ensure that all assignments and projects are delivered and executed in a timely manner. 4. Fair and respect Achieving an ethically strong workplace involves the cooperation of every employee, from top decision-makers/leaders to entry-level employees. No matter which level you are at, you need to ensure that all your actions are fair and just, particularly if you are entrusted with a position to lead. This will ensure a positive work culture in your organisation. Always remember that every one of your staff deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of who they are or which position they are at. 5. Responsible and accountable If an employee has a strong sense of responsibility, he or she would undoubtedly turn up for work on time and complete the tasks given with the best effort that he or she can offer. Nevertheless, there will be a time when an employee may make a mistake, hence it is important to also be able to acknowledge these mistakes, be accountable for it and accept any consequences. In certain scenarios, an ethical manager will take accountability for their staff or colleagues for reasons that are not for self-interest but for the well-being of all parties involved. What may seem like something that was previously swept aside in previous generations now plays an important part for a business to succeed. Furthermore, a lack of business ethics can easily tarnish your reputation given the easy access to social media platforms where your company reputation is being readily monitored and exposed to issues at all times. Ultimately, maintaining a strong ethical culture within your organisation is key in building trust among your workforce and preserving credibility of your business. Last Updated: February 3, 2022 3:30:12 PM PST Learn why ethics awareness is important to you and to UCSD. Acting ethically is the right thing to do, but it's not always easy. Often, conforming to a high standard of conduct is not about clear-cut right and wrong decisions, but choosing the "lesser of two evils." Some decisions require that you prioritize and choose between
competing ethical values and principles. Ethical decision-making is based on core character values like trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. Ethical decisions generate ethical behaviors and provide a foundation for good business practices. See a model for making ethical decisions. It will provide you with a framework and practical strategies as
you make decisions. Public employees are expected to
be examples of responsible citizenship. Employees of the University have a responsibility to make all professional decisions based on merit, unimpeded by conflicting personal interests. We are expected to avoid even the appearance of impropriety. Our reputation is important because it affects the University's ability to attract students, faculty, and staff. Our reputation also impacts the quality of research performed, the community's perception of us, and our standing as a renowned public
institution. Below are some consequences of unethical behavior: How Do We Cultivate An Ethical Institution?
ResourcesUniversity of California Ethics ProgramThe Office of the President has created the University of California Ethics Program. Key elements include:
For background information, see:
Helpful Links
Making Ethical DecisionsCore Ethical ValuesSix key ethical values can help you build character in yourself and others. TrustworthinessDo what you say you'll do. A person who is trustworthy exhibits the following behaviors:
RespectTreat others better than they treat you. A person who is respectful exhibits the following behaviors:
ResponsibilityDo what you are supposed to do. A person who is responsible exhibits the following behaviors:
FairnessPlay by the rules. A person who is fair exhibits the following behaviors:
CaringShow you care. A person who is caring exhibits the following behaviors:
CitizenshipDo your share. A person who is a good citizen exhibits the following behaviors:
Copyright 2000 Josephson Institute of Ethics The Decision Making ModelThe "Character-Based Decision-Making Model" model, developed by the Josephson Institute of Ethics, can be applied to many common problems and can also be used by most individuals facing ethical dilemmas. It involves three steps:
ProcessEthical decision-making refers to the process of evaluating and choosing among alternatives in a manner consistent with ethical principles. In making ethical decisions, it is necessary to perceive and eliminate unethical options and select the best ethical alternative. The process of making ethical decisions requires:
Good decisions are both ethical and effective:
Copyright 2002 Josephson Institute of Ethics Obstacles
Source: Josephson Institute of Ethics A 7-Step PathMaking ethical choices requires the ability to make distinctions between competing options. Here are seven steps to help you make better decisions:
Copyright 2002 Josephson Institute of Ethics Questions To Ask YourselfBefore making a difficult decision, consider asking yourself the following questions to see if you are on ethical thin ice.
Copyright 2000 Josephson Institute of Ethics What are the three key factors that can influence ethical behavior?Individual, social, and opportunity factors all affect the level of ethical behavior in an organization.
What are the 3 ethical behaviors?Ethical behavior includes honesty, fairness, integrity and understanding.
What are the three 3 basic levels of ethical issues?While public relations is commonly known for its unethical conduct, unethical behaviors should be understood at three levels: individual, organizational and national.
What are the 3 steps to ethical decision making?Ethical reflection and decision making: A three step process. Awareness of ethical issues.. Application of ethical standards or principles.. Practical implementation.. |