gusdorf_ethics in human resource management_ppt_ final

8/13/2019 Gusdorf_Ethics in Human Resource Management_PPT_ FINAL

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Ethics in Human Resource Management

Myrna L. Gusdorf, MBA, SPHR 2010


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Ethical Theories

Class 1


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Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, students will:> Compare and contrast various ethical

theories.

> Use ethical theories in the decision-makingprocess.

> Apply ethical theories to the analysis of HRcase problems.

> Identify various solutions to ethical case

questions.> Defend their recommended solutions using

the ethical theories discussed in class.

SHRM 20103


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Ethics Defined

A science of human choice concerned with thebasic guidelines for how one ought to live ones

life. It answers the question, How should I live?

The study and philosophy of human conduct withan emphasis on determining right and wrong.

The systematic study of general principles of right

and wrong behavior.

SHRM 20104


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Are Ethics and Morals the Same?

> Ethics refers to the systematic study ofgeneral principles of right and wrong

behavior.

> Morals and morality describe specific,culturally transmitted standards of right and

wrong.

> Both ethics and morality involve decisionsabout right and wrong.

Johnson, (2007).

SHRM 20105


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Deciding Whats Right and Wrong:

Philosophical Theories

Utilitarian Theory

Categorical Imperative/Principle of Rights

Distributive Justice

Ethics of Care

Aristotles Virtue Ethics

Ethical Relativism

SHRM 20106


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Principles of Utilitarianism

> The action taken is ethical if it produces themost good and the least harm for everyone

affected.

> Judgment is based on a cost/benefit

analysis. Some costs and benefits are difficult or impossible to

measure.

> Focus is on the results of the action, not on

how the results are achieved. Assumes the end justifies the means.

SHRM 20107


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Principles of the Categorical Imperative

> Sometimescalled the Principle of Rights.> An action is ethical because the individual

engaging in the action has a moral right to

do so.

> A right is an entitlement intended to protectsomeones interests.

> The Golden Rule: You should engage in an action only if you agree

everyone else should do it, too.

What if the actions were reversed? You should be

willing to have the action done to you.

SHRM 20108


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Principles of the Ethics of Care

> The morally correct action is one that

appropriately cares for the individuals

involved.

> A persons moral obligations are not tofollow impartial principles but rather to care

for the good of particular individuals.

> This theory emphasizes special

relationships.

SHRM 20109


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Principles of Aristotles Virtue Ethics

> The morally correct action is the one that

displays good character virtues.

> A virtue is a character trait that manifests

itself in the actions of the individual.> Virtues are traits such as:

Honesty.

Fairness.

Integrity.

Loyalty.

SHRM 201010


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Principles of Ethical Relativism

> Relativism claims there are no universal

ethical principles. Each society determines

what is morally right and wrong.

> Because different societies have differentmoral beliefs, there is no rational way to

determine if an action is morally right or

wrong.

> Therefore, it would not make sense tocriticize any standards in a society as long

as its members conform to the standards.

SHRM 201011


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Moral Development

and Making Ethical Decisions

Class 2


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Moral Development

Are individuals born with moral judgment or,

like language, does it develop over time?

How does moral reasoning develop?

Jean Piagets two stages of moraldevelopment.

Lawrence Kohlbergs six stages of moral

development.

SHRM 2010

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Kohlbergs Six Stages of Moral Development

Stage 3: Conformity and Relationships> Mutual relationships, desire to be a good person.

> Approval-oriented, conforms to the majority.

> Living up to what is expected by people close to you.

Stage 4: Social System and Conscience

> Respect for authority, maintaining the social order.

> Laws are to be upheld.

> Values institutions and the social system as a whole.

> Empathy for individuals with whom he/she interacts.

SHRM 2010

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Kohlbergs Six Stages of Moral Development

Stage 5: Social Contract and Individual Rights> Acceptance of fundamental values and rights.

> Willing to make personal sacrifices if sacrifice will

produce benefit for others.

> Unlikely to engage in unethical behavior.

Stage 6: Universal Ethical Principles

> Individual chooses to live life according to universal

moral principles; i.e., justice, human rights, respect

for individual dignity.> Unlikely to engage in unethical behavior.

> Acts according to ideals regardless of the reactions

of others; the whistleblower.

SHRM 2010

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Moral Judgment and Moral Conduct

What do you think?

Is there a link between moral judgment and ethical

behavior?

Do people always behave in a way that embodies

their moral judgment?

SHRM 2010

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What Makes Moral People Behave Unethically?

Research findings:> The desire to conform to ones peers.

Environmental pressures.

> Rigid hierarchy.

> Fear, insecurity.> Ambition.

SHRM 2010

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What Makes Moral People Behave

Unethically at Work?

Because ethical action takes place in a socialcontext, situational variables heavily influence

ethical behavior.

> Work characteristics.

> Organizational culture.

> Immediate job context.

SHRM 2010

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Making Ethical Decisions

Why are ethical decisions so difficult?> No one clear solution.

> Competing interests.

> Many unknowns.

> Pressure.

SHRM 2010

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A Process for Making Ethical Decisions

Recognize an ethical issue. Get the facts.

Evaluate alternative actions.

Make a decision and test it.

Act and reflect on the outcome.

Source: Markkula Center for Applied Ethics

SHRM 2010

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Using the Principles of Ethical Theories to

Evaluate Your Options Utilitarian

> Which option will produce the most good and do the

least harm?

Categorical Imperative/Rights

> Which option best respects the rights of all

stakeholders? Distributive Justice

> Which option produces a fair distribution of benefits

and costs for all stakeholders?

Caring

> Which option cares for people with whom you have a

special relationship?

Virtue

> Which option leads you to act as the sort of person

you want to be?SHRM 201024


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Human Resource Management and

Ethical Organizations

Class 4


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Ethics Compliance Programs

Written code of ethics. Written standards of conduct.

Ethics training.

Mechanism for employees seeking advice.

Reporting network where employees can reportinappropriate behavior without fear of retaliation.

Ethical behavior as a part of the performance

appraisal system.

Discipline for violating ethical standards.

SHRM 2010

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Ethics Compliance Programs

But weve been doing that and ethical violations

are still commonplace.

Even Enron had a code of ethics!

SHRM 2010

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Creating a Culture of Ethics

Its not the compliance programits the culture. Management sets the tone.

> Managers must model ethical behavior. They must

walk the talk.

> Employees must trust management at all levels.

> Employees learn appropriate behavior by what they

see managers doing.

> The importance of ethics must be communicated at

all levels of the organization.

> Reward ethical behavior. Assess how the job wasdone, not just making the numbers.

SHRM 2010

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HRs Role in Organizational Ethics

Develop policies. Communicate with employees.

Provide training.

Handle inquiries.

Provide assistance in resolving difficult situations.

SHRM 2010

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Fostering Ethical Organizations

Strategic Management> Align organizational systems to support ethics.

Ethics must be an integral part of the organizations strategy

and values.

> Organization leaders must champion ethics.

Management sets the tone.

Leaders must demonstrate and foster integrity.

> Champion diversity and equity across the

organization.

> Ensure stakeholder balance that addressesconflicting interests.

> Focus on the long-term perspective.

SHRM 2010

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Staffing: Recruitment and Selection> Ensure equal opportunity practices.

> Recruit ethically responsible people.

> Make ethics a selection criteria.

> Interview for ethical values.

SHRM 2010

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HR Development Provide ethics training for all employees.

Ensure equal access to development and career

opportunities.

Performance management and employee appraisal.> Balanced scorecard assessment.

> Appraise ethical behavior as well as task

accomplishment. Hitting the numbers is not

enough.

> Give employees specifics on how to improve.

SHRM 2010

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Compensation and Reward Systems> Decrease pay inequities.

Control executive compensation.

> Reward group or organization success.

> Provide incentives for cooperation. Gainsharing.

> Focus on intrinsic motivation.> Continuous learning.

> Quality management.

SHRM 2010

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Employee Safety and Health Ensure safety goes beyond compliance.

Make health and safety a priority and not

just words on paper.

Provide safety training and protective

equipment.

Incorporate policies that protect employees

and the organization from risk.

Encourage open dialog and

communication.

SHRM 2010

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Employee Relations Full compliance with all employment and labor

regulations.

Training for all supervisory employees.

Open communication. Equity in promotion and retrenchment

processes.

Skip-level interviews.

Employee grievance systems.

Whistleblower protection.

Exitinterviews.

SHRM 2010

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Linking HR Management and

Ethical Organizations

SHRM 2010

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