Provide ongoing ethics training, and develop the skills employees need to perform efficiently without cutting corners. Therefore, managers need to consider the company’s decisions to hire, train, promote, and pay employees. If management is emphasizing the importance of ethics at work but doesn’t treat its own employees fairly, it becomes hypocritical. By using our site, you agree to our. Overall, although grouped in different ways, the existing literature sorts the effects and actions of leaders in relation to ethics into two groups: those emanating from the nature and behavior of the leader as a person, encouraging emulation, and those arising from the systems and practices that they set up to regulate conduct on their behalf. It’s important to create ethical standards of excellence and reward employees who follow these standards. If the head of sales fudges numbers and misleads customers to exceed quotas, your entire sales team will follow their example. influencing employees’ ethical behavior at the workplace. Ethics are important within any industry, but the practice of law requires an extremely high standard of ethical behavior from its members. You measure employee performance and sales. It should state the organization’s primary values and the ethical rules that employees are expected to follow. One ethics activity involves having employees match various scenarios on one set of cards with the possible responses on another set of cards. Those who supervise others must consistently demonstrate all four categories of ethical behavior. If employees in a company make an agreement to treat each other more ethically, such as by refraining from certain kinds of office politics, the workplace will not only be a more amicable place, but also will, in most cases, be more productive. There are certain ways of encouraging ethical behavior among employees. Effective internal communications can boost a company’s revenue and enhance employee engagement by bringing personnel real time information about their company’s goals and strategies. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. 2. Encouraging ethical behavior is always easier than confronting unethical behavior. Ethical culture may influence intention to report unethical behavior (i.e., internal whistleblowing) of employees and managers. What Does Ethical Behavior Mean? Create a corporate culture in which employees feel free to … 6 Ways to Encourage Your Employees to Report Misconduct. Definition: An ethical behavior is the application of moral principles in a given situation. Employees can more easily determine and adopt acceptable behavior when companies provide them with a "code of ethics." If managers want their staff to behave ethically then they must understand that it starts with them. What are going to be the standards for the course, the workload and ethical expectations? This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Communicating the code of ethics: The preliminary step to promote ethical behavior among employees is by establishing a code of ethics. Expectations Ensure that your company states its values in the employee handbook and that these values are talked about and implemented in everyday business matters by all employees in a supervisory capacity. Aug 12th 2013. It means to behave according to the moral standards set by the society which we live in. How Ethical Behavior is Encouraged There are certain ways of encouraging ethical behavior among employees. Email* Last Name* Your employees look to the behavior of top management as a model of what’s acceptable behavior in the workplace. They also need to make sure that what they are asking of their employees is reasonable. 6. These are the following: Adaption of a code of ethics; Institution of rewards and punishments concerning ethical behavior; Adaption of internal programs of resolving conflicts; Creation of ethics review committees; Provision of training in ethics for employees; and Top management support. If you have to address misconduct, discipline violators promptly and consistently, regardless of seniority. The more you train employees and place an emphasis on the importance of ethical behavior the more your staff will understand what is expected in the workplace. The code of ethics provides the direction and guidelines for employees’ ethical behavior. b. d. Rites and rituals. Invite a … Management should lead by example Managers are often the role models for their employees and should set an example of honesty and openness. Ways Managers Can Encourage Ethical Behavior. When hiring new employees, evaluate their value system, and educate new hires about the company’s policies during orientation. Performance targets of any type – including ethics targets – can create pressures to cut corners and aggressively pursue goals. Always be ethical; ethical behavior is acting within certain moral codes in accordance with the generally accepted code of conduct or rules. Treviño et al., 1999), affect ethical behavior, leaders should be a key source of ethical guidance due to the authority role they play. Ethics programs often involve activities that encourage ethical behavior and reinforce a company’s ethics code/policies. One may cherish ethical choices, and yet he/she can act in unethical ways, against his/her better judgment, due to the influence of organismic lust. Employees observe and copy the behavior of their team leaders, managers and organizational leadership. Distribute responsibilities across employees and departments, creating a system of checks and balances that reduce the risk of unethical behavior. Here are a few ways managers can promote ethical conduct among their staff. The employees of Fizzy Soda are out of control. Look online for newspaper articles or other accounts of actual misconduct. It means to behave according to the moral standards set by the society which we live in. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Foster ethical behavior. It helps an organisation maintain a reputation for strong values that directly align with its mission. Here are some ways for organizations to encourage ethical behavior. Ethical Behavior Differs Among Generations. You can’t expect your employees to follow your code of ethics if they don’t know what it is. Fair Allocation of Resources. Ethical behavior is acting in ways that are consistent with how the business world views moral principles and values. Use examples and role play to give employees opportunities to work through various dilemmas. As part of the onboarding process employees should be educated on your code of ethics and why it’s important. Employees generally follow the examples set forth for them by management. For example, present specific examples of sexual harassment, hostile behavior, fraud, and other unethical conduct. Every scenario will have appro… Many employees … Learn more... Clear, specific standards of conduct are the foundation of an ethical workplace. Both are required in order to enforce the company's ethical standards. A code of ethics is a written guide to acceptable and ethical behavior that outlines uniform policies, standards and punishments for violations. Ethical behaviors can be identified in both individual relationships and work relationships. Putting these values into practice starts at the top, and executive officers must set the tone for the rest of the company. Trying to handle […] While these challenges must all be met by organiza tions and managers concerned about survival and competitiveness in the future, this paper will focus on the challenge of ethical behavior. • 1. Second, the group dynamics in the organization’s culture such as member interactions, leader’s role modeling and training interventions are vital to encouraging and making significant changes in employees’ ethical behavior. Communicate ethical expectations. Ethical behaviors can be identified in both individual relationships and work relationships. Overall, although grouped in different ways, the existing literature sorts the effects and actions of leaders in relation to ethics into two groups: those emanating from the nature and behavior of the leader as a person, encouraging emulation, and those arising from the systems and practices that they set up to regulate conduct on their behalf. wikiHow's. Their interests need to be given importance. Five ways to promote ethics in your organization . Staff will come forward if they know the company is committed to protecting more than just its assets. Those who supervise others must consistently demonstrate all four categories of ethical behavior. Ethical conduct will ensure that your business maintains a reputation of professional principles and values. First Name* wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. Company*, Check out our new book Managing from the Inside Out written by Jim Hornickel, PMI Project Management Professional (PMP)®, How to Manage Millennials and Intergenerational Teams, Teaching Employees Better Time Management, Five Benefits of Being Flexible During a Crisis, How to Encourage Teamwork While Also Recognizing Individual Strengths, How to Give Credit Publicly Without Embarrassing or Humiliating Anyone, How to Practice Consistency During Difficult Times, Why You Need to Foster Clear and Concise Communication in the Workplace. Ethical climate. 3 min readEthics are important within any industry, but the practice of law requires an extremely high standard of ethical behavior from its members. A strong sense of ethics in the workplace can improve a company in a variety of ways, both internally and externally. c. Success. Workers or employees are the most important stakeholders of a company. If a product needs to be repaired, terminate or discipline employees if they overcharge for services by repairing parts that weren’t broken. If managers really want to promote ethical behavior they need to reward it when they see it. In general, there are two ways a company can encourage ethical conduct among its employees: either the promotion of good actions and outcomes or the prevention of bad ones. This all starts at the top. The code of ethics provides the direction and guidelines for employees’ ethical behavior. When evaluating candidates during the hiring process, you should consider their values and whether they fit into the company’s vision. Ethical Behavior. Instead of encouraging employees to always act in a way that is consistent with the company’s values, it creates a subset of tasks that “count” and devalues other actions that don’t. Include regulatory codes, but don’t let them define the company’s ethics. Through several experiments, the professors found that inducing a prevention focus will lead to ethical behavior more than inducing a promotion focus. Corporate indiscretion, wrongdoing, and corruption are perpetually the subject of media attention as well-known companies such as Enron, Tyco, WorldCom, and most recently the News of the World, have been found guilty of unlawful behavior; and the U.S. economic crisis has in part been blamed on unethical … Ask them to identify why particular actions were unethical and how violators could have handled the scenario differently. Last Updated: July 16, 2019 How Some Organizations Might Be Encouraging Unethical Behavior. Unethical behavior in the workplace has been around since the beginning of time but that doesn’t mean it has to be acceptable in your company. A strong sense of ethics in the workplace can improve a company in a variety of ways, both internally and externally. July 15, 2011. It is important for managers to focus on accomplishing company goals while developing good relationships in the workplace but it is equally important to focus on ethical conduct among employees. The resulting company-wide ethics breakdown is a lot more difficult to handle than individual cases of misconduct. 47. 46. By David M. Mayer . Managers really need to reflect on their current operating methods. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Thus, courses should challenge students to learn, grow and de… Employees will enjoy favorable working conditions thus encouraging them to remain an integral part of the company which will reduce employee turnover. For example, ask industry-specific interview questions such as, “Is it more important to meet a deadline or to ensure a product exceeds safety standards?” or “What would you do if you knew a coworker took bribes?”. Having codes and policies in place that address ethics is not enough. Performance targets of any type – including ethics targets – can create pressures to cut corners and aggressively pursue goals. Instead of encouraging employees to always act in a way that is consistent with the company’s values, it creates a subset of tasks that “count” and devalues other actions that don’t. Factor in their contribution to morale, work ethic, client relations, and other less tangible criteria. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Simply put, one of the difficulties in encouraging ethical behavior among government employees is the erroneous belief that laws that govern behavior will ensure ethical conduct. Such codes are perhaps the most effective way to encourage ethical behavior. When managers show that they are invested in the success and well-being of their employees, it creates a company culture that is built on ethical principles. Their interests need to be given importance. (5) The challenge of managing a diverse workforce. Educate employees about industry-specific regulations, but don’t limit your ethical standards to legal codes. For instance, make it clear that any employee caught stealing will be automatically terminated. Employees can more easily determine and adopt acceptable behavior when companies provide them with a "code of ethics." 2. Provide employees with information about how to maintain a healthy weight. For example, ensure that all employees know the safety standards for the products you manufacture and repair. The employees of Fizzy Soda are out of control. Oftentimes companies expect ethical behavior but they fail to acknowledge it. ... And ethical lapses are easy to make, especially when the corporate culture gives a wink and a nod to unethical behavior. Offer ethics training. Managers should also hold regular workshops on ethics and demonstrate how employees can solve problems ethically. If a person in a leadership position demonstrates unethical behavior, such as treating others with disrespect, employees will follow that example. Such codes are perhaps the most effective way to encourage ethical behavior. If managers hold themselves to a high standard of ethical behavior then they have credibility when they expect the same thing from their employees. This article has been viewed 46,060 times. These are five key ways: 1. Workers or employees are the most important stakeholders of a company. Ethical behavior is acting in ways that is consistent with how the business world views moral principles and values. Encouraging and crediting ethical behavior will encourage other employees to exhibit similar behavior that will, in the process, uplift the company. Don’t base performance evaluations on raw numbers. As may owners have discovered at their own expense, it starts with stealing things like pens and paper and grows from there. These are five key ways: 1. In fact, laws are only a partial guarantee. How Can We Create Ethical Organizations? By encouraging your team to have healthier body weight, you are encouraging them to live longer, happier lives. Clearly stating your organisation's ethical codes in corporate objectives and sharing them as policies makes expectations clear and facilitates ethical behaviour throughout the organisation. For instance, employees may be required to dress in a defined way and use acceptable language as indicated in codes of conduct. For example, ensure that all employees know the safety standards for the products you manufacture and repair. Encourage employees to call government run health lines. Definition: An ethical behavior is the application of moral principles in a given situation. This all starts at the top. behavior among their employees as has been well ... interventions for encouraging ethical and dis- ... people differ in many ways (see MacIntyre, Every company should have a code of ethics in place that represents the company’s values, responsibilities, and conduct expectations. Therefore, many managers enroll their employees in an ethics training program. The research discussed below demonstrates that although they are necessary, laws alone are not sufficient. While an important part of a company’s infrastructure, internal communications can sometimes be pushed to the wayside, leaving HR departments to pick up the slack and keep employees engaged. They should also have a clear understanding of the ramifications if they fail to behave ethically. Here are some ways for organizations to encourage ethical behavior. • 1. Employees need to be taught how to respond in situations involving ethics. Do you also want to add some of the work ethics that you consider essential? In a workplace, employees are expected to uphold certain outlined ethical behaviors. Managers could also implement a system where employees can anonymously submit examples of their colleagues behaving ethically. Ethical behavior should be included in performance reviews and managers can encourage it by showing gratitude when they see it. Encouraging and crediting ethical behavior will encourage other employees to exhibit similar behavior that will, in the process, uplift the company. Communicating the code of ethics: The preliminary step to promote ethical behavior among employees is by establishing a code of ethics. A code of ethics is a written guide to acceptable and ethical behavior that outlines uniform policies, standards and punishments for violations. Ethical standards that define the organization's guiding values, create an environment that supports ethically sound behavior, and stress a shared accountability among employees. Here are 14 tips from entrepreneurs on how to better motivate your staff. Ethical behavior is acquired at all levels of socialization such as in the family, in church and at school. But you're forgetting to measure what matters most to overall success: ethical behavior. Encouraging ethical behavior at work helps build a strong team and raise productivity. ... (“Importance of Ethical Behavior Among Employees. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Team-based participatory management, where employees provide meaningful input in the organization's decision-making process, and share the financial gains associated with improved performance, creates a sense of ownership, communal experience, and accountability among employees. The ethics of your organization affect your reputation, clients, employees and overall success. Ethical behavior is acting in ways that is consistent with how the business world views moral principles and values. Four Ways Your Leadership May Be Encouraging Unethical Behavior. It’s important to create ethical standards of excellence and reward employees who follow these standards. Ways Managers Can Encourage Ethical Behavior. By Larry Checco August 24, 2020. Unethical behavior is costly, such as employee theft. % of people told us that this article helped them. Companies promoting ethical culture are likely to have employees more committed to report unethical behavior and conduct themselves … There are 16 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. The unspoken understanding among employees of what is and is not acceptable behavior is called: a. Remember, however, that a code of ethics is worthless if top management fails to model ethical behaviors. Research shows that businesses with strong ethical cultures have shown a reduction in employee misconduct. Consistent disciplinary measures go hand in hand with rewarding ethical behavior. Employees Feel Threatened to Speak Out. How could your company become susceptible of fostering unethical behavior among its employees? (6) The challenge of ethical behavior. As the head of a law firm, you have a responsibility to not only ensure your own ethical behavior, but also to promote principled practices within your practice. The ethics of your organization affect your reputation, clients, employees and overall success. Ethical ambiguities can be reduced by creating and disseminating an organizational code of ethics. If top management is perceived to act unethical, it is seen as a licence by others to do the same. In fact, leaders’ level of moral reasoning has been shown to influence the moral reasoning used by group members in their decision making (Dukerich, Nichols, Elm, & … The time to start is before the semester begins when instructors plan their courses. 38% of employees consider “ethical standards” to be the first or second-most important workplace attribute. Research by Neubert, Carlson, Kacmar, Roberts, and Chonko (2009) has demonstrated that managers can serve as influential role models for employees. There are certain ways of encouraging ethical behavior among employees. 23 Ethical & Unethical Behavior Examples in Workplace; Workplace ethics are a dynamic set of values that vary with people and their definition of a workplace. For some, it is a physical office they go to every day, while others, their home office. It should act as a moral compass that guides employees in handling ethical dilemmas. The most encouraging news in the new ERC study is that a robust ethical culture means less pressure So encouraging and maintaining an ethical staff is essential for any workplace. ... A more recent example of an ethical scandal is ... of fostering unethical behavior among its employees? Fosters integrity and respect Ethical behavior fosters a working environment of integrity based on respect. Executive leaders have five key resources at their disposal: capital assets, information, money, people and time. However, set your standards beyond safety codes. ... from others to break ethical rules because the pressure "eases as workers spend more time in the workforce and learn ways of coping with their work environment." 45. If everyone is on the same page it becomes easier for the team as a whole to adopt the same types of ethical behaviors. As the head of a law firm, you have a responsibility to not only ensure your own ethical behavior, but also to promote principled practices within your practice. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/Promote-Ethical-Behavior-in-the-Workplace-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Promote-Ethical-Behavior-in-the-Workplace-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/Promote-Ethical-Behavior-in-the-Workplace-Step-1.jpg\/aid9618283-v4-728px-Promote-Ethical-Behavior-in-the-Workplace-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"