Unit 1.11 - Ethics Flashcards
Define deontology and teleology
Deontology -
* a compound definition of morality, based on the fundamental fairness of an action or the means used to achieve the result
* refers to the processes that occur (ex. compensation being based on performance or seniority)
Teleology -
* focuses on the end state or consequences of an action
* consequences of deontology processes, whether ethical or unethical
What are the guidelines that can direct the development of ethical employment practicies?
- All employment decisions (ex. hiring, promotions, training opportunities) should be based on objective, performance-related criteria
- Each employee should be treated as a person of worth with dignity and respect
- Disciplinary actions should only occur for good cause, and employee’s have the right to due process before the actions are taken
- Employees should not be terminated unless the job is eliminated or they’re unable to perform them
- Performance should be judged according to clearly defined standards
- One employee should not be paid less than another unless there’s a legitimate job-related reason for it
- Employees should be taught how to do their jobs, and receive feedback
- Employees deserve a safe and healthy work environment
- An employee’s personal health and family duties are more important than work and reasonable accommodations should be provided
- Orgs should not invade an employee’s personal privacy
Define role morality
Role morality refers to the obligations associated with a position within an organization
According to this term, it’s immoral when employees when their actions aren’t consistent with the expectations of their assigned role
What are the 7 common issues that HR efforts monitor in the best interest of the organization and its members?
- Privacy in the workplace
- ex. invasion of privacy can occur in job questionnaires or personality tests
- Conflict of interest
- Situation where a person who has a responsibility to act in the best interests of a company may receive direct personal benefit from his or her actions at the expense of or to the detriment of the company
- Ethics of technology
- ex. using company computer for clothes shopping, personal email
- most companies (3/4, to my surprise) track which websites their employees visit
- Bribes, payoffs, and kickbacks
- ex. a vendor giving a gift to an employee with decision making power to sway their opinion
- Whistle blowing
- informing people outside of the company of corporate misconduct; highly controversial act (on one hand, courageous, and on the other, disloyal to the company)
- Deceptive practices
- refers to dishonest practices; especially noted in advertising, general public statements about product quality, environmental impact, etc.
- Forms of organizational abuse - includes intentional and non-intentional
Define employment exchange
Individuals voluntarily agree to work in exchange for the wages, benefits, and other rewards the employer provides
Define inducements-contributions balance
The inducements (rewards, ex. pay, benefits) individuals receive for working must be balanced with the contributions (ex. effort, skill, knowledge) they make to the organization
What is the Sarbanes Oxley Act? What are the implications for HR professionals?
The act requires publicly traded companies and their independent auditors to demonstrate to the SEC that their numbers are accurate and that they have processes in place to ensure accurate reporting
- Requires companies to establish & maintain a complaint system and an anti-retaliation statement
- Prohibits insider trading & requires at least 30 days advance notice to employees of blackout periods
- Bans personal loans to members of the board of directors and executive officers
- Requires each annual report to contain an internal control report (Section 404; affects HR practices the most)
- Requires firms to have a code of ethics for the executive officers that is designed to deter fraud and promote financial integrity
- Protects whistle blowers from retaliation when they reveal information about unethical or wrongful actions
Explain Corporate Social Responsibility
CSR - The idea that corporations should be involved in programs that contribute to the well-being of its stakeholders, such as helping the poor, improving the environment, and contributing to charities, is called corporate social responsibility
What is the Caux Round Table and its 7 principles?
An international organization of experienced senior business executives aiming to promote ethical business practices and a principled approach to global capitalism
Principles for Responsible Business
* Principle 1 - Respect Stakeholders Beyond Shareholders
* Principle 2 - Contribute To Economic, Social, And Environmental Development
* Principle 3 - Build Trust By Going Beyond The Letter Of The Law
* Principle 4 - Respect Rules And Conventions
* Principle 5 - Support Responsible Globalization
* Principle 6 - Respect The Environment
* Principle 7 - Avoid Illicit Activities
