Ethics Flashcards
(29 cards)
What is Ackers (2013) definition of employment ethics?
The application of general moral principles to the management of employees’ wages and conditions
What is consequentialism?
A consideration of the consequences of actions
It is not the act itself that is considered good or bad, it’s the outcome of the act.
Examples of consequentialism?
it’s possible that to lie or to steal could be a ‘good’ thing if the outcome of the lie is beneficial
Discuss the moral dilemma regarding wages
National living wage – law
Living wage – not law, just a reccomendation
Law states that 25+ receive wage of £7.83 rising to £9 in 2020
What are the issues with moral dilemma of wages
Higher cost of goods
Age discrimination hire under25 year olds to aviod this law
Self-employed doesn’t affect them
Fewer hours work harder cant hire all you
Jealousy amongst more qualified workers.
What is utilitarianism?
The preferred action is the one which gives greatest happiness (the greater good)
what is denotology?
Act out of duty and choose to do the right thing irrespective of consequences.
examples of denetology
if you think its not ok to lie you wont
If you think its not ok to steal you wont
If cleaning staff has pay increase ALL STAFF HAVE ONE
What is stakeholding?
This view argues that shareholders are just one of many stakeholder groups. The employer’s ethical responsibility is to balance the needs of these different groups.
Examples of stakeholding?
workers’ pay has been poor for many years, therefore needs to be re-balanced
(e.g. NHS nurses’ pay – frozen or constrained since 2010. Pay cap of 1% removed in 2017 (supposed to be in place until 2020).
Nurses received 3% wage increase in 2018/19; and 1% and 2% increases over the next 2 years.
What are the two justice theories?
- justice as entitlement
2. justice as fairness
what is justice of entitlement
This argues that human beings have a right to acquire and transfer property with no interference from government or pressure group – as long as they follow due process
what is justice of fairness
This view advocates that we should sit down, blindfolded and think about what sort of society we would like to live in – without knowing what position we would occupy in it.
As such, it’s likely that we would choose equal treatment unless the worst off would benefit in some way.
What sections are discussed within the CIPD 2015 ethical guidance?
fairness
well-being
merit
rights and duties
markets
democracy
character
handing down
discuss fairness under the CIPD 2015 ethical guidance
Is it fair? (Disciplinary procedure; pay relationships; selection criteria).
Organisations that treat their employees fairly will promote increased commitment and productivity.
discuss well being under the CIPD 2015 ethical guidance
We all should feel ‘well’ at work.
Organisations rarely consider ‘well-being’ at the design stage – but rather productivity.
discuss merit under the CIPD 2015 ethical guidance
Rewards should correlate with talent and hard work.
Decisions based on merit are frequently contested.
discuss rights and duties under the CIPD 2015 ethical guidance
Right to equal pay; equal treatment; to join trade union.
discuss markets under the CIPD 2015 ethical guidance
Market forces at work to determine outcomes.
However, market forces can be used to justify ‘unfairness’ of high managerial salaries.
discuss democracy under the CIPD 2015 ethical guidance
Everyone should have a say.
Constrained by bureaucratic rules.
discuss character under the CIPD 2015 ethical guidance
We do what we feel is ‘right’ – our moral character.
Doesn’t always correlate with doing the ‘right thing’.
discuss handing down under the CIPD 2015 ethical guidance
Protecting and preserving the environment for future generations. Corporate responsibility.
what is the requirement of high commitment HRM?
requires employees and employers trust each other, and are loyal to the organisation’s values.
what does being ethicak entail?
‘Being ethical’ generally involves making difficult choices between expedience (doing something that is helpful but not morally acceptable) and principle.