SEATWORK ON ETHICS

by Kennedy M. Belmonte

1. Define Ethics.

If my memory serves me right, from my previous classes in Philosophy when I was still
in the seminary, the study of ethics is a subfield of philosophy that examines issues related to
morality, good and evil, and what it means to lead a good life. It aims to comprehend and assess
human behavior as well as the guiding concepts behind it.

Fundamentally, ethics is about how we should conduct ourselves and make judgments in
both our individual and collective capacities. It explores issues like: What are our responsibilities
to others? What ideals should we give top priority? How can we resolve disputes arising from
various moral principles?

In my own perspective, it is a complicated and multifaceted area that necessitates critical

thinking, sensitivity, and a profound grasp of the human experience rather than being a collection
of rigid rules or directives. It makes use of a variety of academic fields, such as psychology,
sociology, theology, and law, to assist us in navigating the difficulties of moral decision-making.

The ultimate purpose of ethics is to guide us in leading lives that are both individually
satisfying and helpful to others. It pushes us to consider our attitudes, principles, and actions as
well as to work toward a world that is more compassionate and just.

2. What are the Ethical Issues in Human Resource Management?

As what is reflected in my own company, management of an organization's employees

falls under the purview of Human Resource Management or HRM. It entails making choices that
have an effect on the workforce and the organization as a whole. As a result, HRM has a variety
of ethical problems. These are a few instances that I can share coming from experience:

Discrimination. Human resources management (HRM) is responsible for ensuring that

all workers are treated fairly and equitably, regardless of their gender, ethnicity, age, religion, or
any other legally protected feature.

Privacy. It must safeguard the confidentiality of personal data about employees and
make sure that it is only used for appropriate purposes.

Employee Safety and Health. It is responsible for making sure that employees are
protected from avoidable hazards at work and that their workplace is safe and healthy.
 Fair Compensation. It is responsible for ensuring that workers receive fair compensation
for their labor and that pay is not discriminated against on the basis of gender, color, or any other
factor.

Whistleblowing. It must give staff members a secure and private mechanism to report
any wrongdoing or unethical activity occurring within the company.

Corporate Social Responsibility. It is required to make sure that the company upholds
ethical standards and is socially responsible, refraining from unethical acts like environmental
destruction or the exploitation of disadvantaged groups.

It must respect all of the rights of employees, including the freedom of speech, the right
to privacy, and the freedom from harassment and retaliation.

3. What are the basic workplace ethics?

A professional human resource manager must make sure that the workplace is built on a
solid ethical foundation. The following must be the fundamental workplace ethics in my
perspective, basing from my company structure:

Integrity and honesty: While dealing with others, employees should be truthful and
honest. Also, they ought to behave honorably, upholding morality even when no one is looking.

Respect: Regardless of their position or status within the company, all employees should
treat one another with respect and dignity.

Fairness: Decisions on discipline, promotion, and employment should be made fairly

and equally based on objective standards.

Workers should maintain the privacy of sensitive information and refrain from sharing it
with unapproved parties.

Responsibility: Every employee should be accountable for their choices and how they
affect others.

Professionalism: Workers ought to act appropriately, showing consideration and respect

for others.

Safety and Health: There should be policies and procedures in place to protect the
wellbeing of every employee, and the workplace should be safe and healthy.

Workers should be encouraged to constantly learn new things and advance their
knowledge and abilities.
 I strongly believe that if Human Resource managers can establish a healthy and effective
work environment that supports the success and well-being of all employees by abiding by these
fundamental workplace principles.

4. Why workplace ethics is important?

In today's business environment, workplace ethics are of the utmost significance, in my

opinion as an aspiring human resource manager in the future. A person's or an organization's
behavior is governed by moral standards known as ethics. The moral principles that direct how
workers and the company as a whole behave are referred to as ethics in the workplace. Honesty,
integrity, respect, fairness, responsibility, and accountability are some of these criteria.

The importance of workplace ethics is supported by a number of factors. First, workplace

ethics foster trust. Employees are more likely to trust their employers, coworkers, and the
organization as a whole when they believe that it works with integrity. Building solid
relationships and encouraging collaboration require trust. It also contributes to the development
of an environment at work where people feel respected, appreciated, and safe.

Second, workplace ethics improve a company's standing. Businesses having a good

reputation in the marketplace are more likely to operate with high standards of ethics. This can
improve the company's brand and assist it draw in new clients, partners, and staff. An
organization's long-term success and sustainability depend heavily on its reputation.

Also, workplace ethics raise morale among employees. Employee engagement,

motivation, and job satisfaction are more likely to be high when they believe their company acts
with justice, openness, and respect. As a result, there is an increase in productivity, a decrease in
employee turnover, and a stronger dedication to the mission and goals of the company.

In addition, ethics in the workplace lowers liabilities and hazards. Very ethical businesses
are less likely to get into legal or regulatory problems. An organization that, for instance,
participates in unethical activity like discrimination, harassment, or fraud may be subject to legal
action by staff members, clients, or regulatory bodies. Significant financial and reputational harm
may result from this.

Last but not the least, a culture of continual improvement is encouraged by workplace
ethics. Businesses that place a high priority on ethics are more likely to encourage their staff to
develop professionally and to make moral decisions in their day-to-day job. This fosters a culture
of continual improvement where workers are inspired to deliver their best efforts and support the
growth of the company.

Reflecting on my starting years as a businessman and manager on employment in my

own company, an organization’s profitability and long-term viability depend on its workplace
ethics. It fosters a culture of continual improvement while fostering the development of trust,
reputation, and employee morale. Prioritizing ethics in the workplace and fostering an
environment that values truthfulness, integrity, respect, fairness, responsibility, and
accountability are critical tasks for human resource managers.