Examples ethics: 23 Ethical & Unethical Behavior Examples in Workplace

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 doesn’t matter whether you work from home or commute to work everyday, workplace ethic is required to build a successful career. Organizations are known to embrace ethical practices and behaviors to increase productivity and uphold integrity—while setting a penalty for workers who default workplace ethics.

Following a predefined workplace ethic is a little harder for freelancers and business owners because there is usually no disciplinary committee to punish them for defaulting. It is however evident that for them to not lose clients, they need to imbibe workplace ethics into themselves.

What is Workplace Ethics?

Workplace ethics are the set of values, moral principles, and standards that need to be followed by both employers and employees in the workplace. It is the set of rules and regulations that need to be followed by all staff of the workplace.

These ethics are implemented by employers to foster both employee-employee relationship and employee-customer relationships. An organization may decide to put these ethics into writing or not—they are however meant to be followed. 

There exist some general workplace ethics that do not need to be defined by the employer, but are common ethical behaviors employees need to exhibit. In the same vein, some organization-specific ethics may need to be defined in a company handbook.



Examples of Ethical Behaviors in The Workplace 

Examples of ethical behaviors in the workplace includes; obeying the company’s rules, effective communication, taking responsibility, accountability, professionalism, trust and mutual respect for your colleagues at work. These examples of ethical behaviors ensures maximum productivity output at work. And could be pivotal for career growth.

• Obey The Company’s Rules & Regulation

 At the start of an employee contract, companies may need the employee to sign various documents, including the company rules and regulation agreement form. Also, the employee may be given a handbook that may serve as a guide.

Some common rules are tardiness, inappropriate dressing, and language, etc. Due to the excitement of getting a new job, some employees do not properly read these rules and may end up deferring them in the future.

Therefore, it is important that new employees properly read these rules & regulations in other not to defer them.

• Communicate Effectively

Effective communication is very important to avoid misunderstandings when dealing with issues in the workplace. Communicating effectively may mean different things to people at different points in time.

Let us consider the hypothetical situation of an employee trying to relay information to a French-speaking customer. The best way to communicate effectively with the customer is to have an employee who can speak French relay the information. 

Effective communication may also have an employee breaking one of the rules and regulations of the company without getting penalized for it. An employee reaching out to HR that they will be coming in late due to some unforeseen circumstances may be spared for coming late if the situation is properly communicated. 

• Develop Professional Relationships

Good professional relationships are not only a thing that fosters teamwork among employees, but also help with individual career development for employees. Developing professional relationships with coworkers or other professionals outside the workplace will also directly or indirectly improve productivity. 

Professional relationships between low-level and high-level employees will make it easier for ideas to be shared and knowledge to be passed to junior employees. That way, the company can confidently have an intern work on a tough project to meet a pending deadline due to the guidance from older employees.

Salespeople, for one, need to build external professional relationships with professionals from other organizations—especially those who are potential clients. These relationships will help create a contact person in another organization in case they need to sell a product to them.

• Take Responsibility

 It is important for employees to always take responsibility for decisions made both individually and in a team. This is, in fact, a leadership trait that every employee who is looking to take up a managerial position in the future should exhibit.

Understandably, employees may want to save their job and are therefore scared of taking responsibility for a particular event. However, they shouldn’t let this fear take them.out of the team.

For example, the communications team came up with a marketing strategy for the company and it failed. The team members are to jointly take responsibility for this failure, not individuals coming out that they weren’t part of the decision making process.

If the strategy has gone the other way round, they wouldn’t have said the same.

• Professionalism/Standards

There are professional standards that everything an employee does in the workplace. The use of informal words in a formal workplace is highly unprofessional. 

These standards should be held high and applied to every part of an employee’s activity in the workplace. This should include the way they speak, kind of work they deliver and their relationship with coworkers and customers.

• Be Accountable

 Accountability is also a very good trait of an employee. One of the things that may short change a talented and responsible is the lack of accountability. 

Lack of accountability may result in your boss thinking you have an “I don’t care attitude” to the company’s project or worst take you as a liar and may lead to job loss in the long run. For example, at the beginning of each year, a certain amount of money is allocated to each department.

The manager is meant to oversee how this money is spent. If at the end of the year, the manager can not make an account of how the money was spent, he may then be suspected of stealing company funds.

• Uphold Trust

An employee should not do anything that may make his or her employee withdraw trust. As an employee of a company, your employee trusts you to get work done perfectly on time.

Things like missing deadlines regularly or delivering work that needs to be revised over and over again will deny you a promotion. It may even leave the employer not giving you tasks to complete in the future—a nightmare for freelancers.

• Show Initiative without being told

Is the company running behind deadline and you feel you can stay a few extra hours after work to finish up? Do it.

You are a freelance designer and your client wants a particular poster designed but doesn’t have a copywriter to write the content. If you can write the contents, do so. Don’t delay a client’s work because of a few contents.

• Respect Your Colleagues

It doesn’t matter whether you are dealing with the intern, a junior, janitor, etc. they should all be treated with respect. As a manager, treating your team members with respect will help improve their productivity.

Giving constructive criticism and saying kind words to them even when they are not able to deliver perfectly will help them strive to do better in the future.

• Work Smarter

 Don’t just work hard, work smarter. The reason why you see an employee promoted to the post of manager after just 2 years and a hardworking employee who has been with the company for 10 years failed to get a promotion is smart work.

Assume that these 2 employees are data scientists who collect data and analyze them. A smarter employee will use the Formplus data collection tool to collect data and receive real-time data analytics, while a hard-working employee will print paper-based forms and do the hard work of sharing it to respondents.

Unethical Workplace Behaviors

• Lies

Lying is a trait that is detested in and outside the workplace. It kills trust, affects relationships and may even put people in trouble.

There are different situations where employees lie in the workplace—with just one lie opening the floor for many others. It could be a sales manager lying about the number of clients they were able to get in a month or an employee calling in sick just to attend another job interview. 

A lot of employees start lying from their CV, by adding experiences they didn’t acquire, and the skills they don’t have. Employees need to understand that lying about work may eventually get them in trouble and needs to stop before they lose their job. 

However, we notice that employees lie due to fear of their employer—an employee will call in sick to go for interviews because companies frown against employees interviewing at another company. HR should put up a more friendly culture that will encourage people to progress in their careers taking up other jobs and even support them throughout the process.

• Taking Credit for Others Hard Work

It is very common for managers to take credit for their team member’s hard work when reporting to the management. A team member may have brought an idea that helped the sales team improve their sales by 200%.

However, when giving a report, the manager doesn’t mention the team member’s name but claims the idea as his. Employees need to reduce the use of “I”, but embrace the use of ” We”.

By taking credit for another person’s work, you will be denying the person a promotion, bonus or commendation for a job well done. This will discourage the person from sharing ideas that will benefit the company in the future. 

• Verbal Harassment/Abuse

Employees need to stay away from using foul language on coworkers in and out of the workplace. This is very important when dealing with customers.

Customers are known to get angry and may result in verbal abuse due to a bad product or service. They may even get insult you when they are at fault.

As a customer care representative, salesperson or any other employee, it is beth important that you don’t use abusive words on customers no matter how provoked.

• Violence

Similar to verbal harassment, employees should not be violent when dealing with coworkers and customers. Customers may likely provoke you, but it is better to keep shut and walk away rather than turn violent.

• Non-Office Related Work

 A lot of employees have side hustles which they use to supplement salaries. This is very good and only very few companies are against employees working to make money outside work hours.

However, some employees still do non-office related work during office hours. Employees who have side hustles should try doing them on weekends or employing other people to handle some of the business logistics to avoid eating into office hours to get the work done.

• Extended Breaks

Companies give lunch breaks to employees and people take advantage of these breaks to do other things outside office work like, go for interviews, meet with friends or even work on their side hustles. They are free to do whatever they want these lunch breaks. 

Employees, however, take advantage of these lunch breaks and extend them beyond time. 

• Theft/Embezzlement

Some employees are known for diverting company funds into their bank accounts—padding project quotations, invoices, etc. to deceive the company on how much was spent on particular projects.

This act is detrimental to the company because employees who steal sometimes replace quality products with counterfeits which are cheaper but causes damage in the future.

• Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is an offense that is not limited to the workplace alone. An employee accused of sexual harassment will not only face consequences in the workplace but also tried at a court of law.

Many companies have a zero-tolerance rate for sexual harassment in and outside the workplace. This may tarnish the company’s reputation and the only way to curb is to make an example of defaulters.

• Corrupt Practices

Some common causes of corruption can be seen during the employment process of an organization. They invite so many people to send their CVs and come for interviews but only people with the same political affiliation with them get the job.

This is also common with companies that ask for contractors to bid for a project but the employees will only give them to their friends who may not even bid at all.

Get started with our workplace harassment form template to receive feedback from employees

Management/Employers Unethical Behaviors 

Workplace ethics is not for employees alone. Employers are also bound to workplace ethics and may also be tried for unethical behavior.

• Sex for Job/Promotion

It is common for managers, employers and major decision-makers to use their position in the workplace to influence the hiring decision in exchange for sex.  

• Late Night Out/Unpaid Overtime

Some employers take advantage of desperate job seekers and the competitive job market to use employees’ leisure time as they wish. They do so with the mentality that they are doing employees a favor by employing them, not knowing that the favor is mutual.

Employees who are scared of queries or job loss are not able to protest the infringement into their private time by the employer.

• Verbal Harassment

It is common among employers to verbally harass employees when they make little mistakes. This will reduce employee morale and productivity.

Employers should always say kind words to their employees. 

• Undue Pressure

Deadlines are a great way to make sure the work gets done on time. However, when employees are placed under undue pressure, they end up trading quality for on-time delivery.

An example of undue pressure will be giving an employee a 1-day deadline for a project that would normally take a week.

• Nepotism

This is a common type of corruption that happens in the workplace. An employee who has been working hard for years while influencing company growth may get sidelined for a promotion because of another employee who is a family friend, family, or friend of the employer. Things like this are what reduce employee morale or even push talented employees to dropping a resignation.

• Unfriendly Work Environment

One of the things that can mar productivity is an unfriendly working environment. This may come as a combination of abusive bosses, lack of commendation, nepotism, etc. An unfriendly environment is an environment that combines various unethical behaviors into one.

• Unrealistic Expectations

Creatives usually have it worse when it comes to having unrealistic expectations from employees. 

Advantages and Implications of Workplace Ethics

1. It can stimulate positive employee behavior and create a positive ambiance in the workplace
2. Ensures management guides and mentors their employees in a healthy environment
3. A workplace with good ethics usually strengthens the bond employees have with their superior
4. It boosts productivity through employee performance and job satisfaction which in turn increases company growth.
5. Bad workplace ethics can cause a strain in the relationship with company stakeholders
6. When it leaks (which it most likely will) poor behavior can be recorded and propelled into unsavory headlines online. This can lead to reputational damage to the brand name.

How to Solve Unethical Issues at the Workplace 

1. Have Rules

Organizations need to have predefined rules and regulations regarding workplace ethics. These rules and regulations should be given to new employees together with their employment contracts.

Also having the rules written at strategic places at the workplace will also help remind people about the rules. People tend to unconsciously imbibe things they see every day.

2. Accept Feedback/Complaint

Make it easy for employees to send feedback or complaint in case of harassment, abuse, or any other unethical activities going on in the workplace.  

With tools like Formplus, you can create online forms to receive complaints on workplace harassment or any other unethical behaviors 

3. List Consequences for Unethical Behaviors

Consequences for unethical behaviors should also be placed alongside the rules at strategic places in the organization. That way, if anyone wants to ignore the rules despite seeing them, the fear of getting punished will stop him or her from going ahead.

4. Swift Justice/Disciplinary Action

Some Companies often cover up issues of rape, sexual harassment, etc. when the perpetrator is a high-ranking member of the organization. Things like this should not be accommodated.

Irrespective of who breaks the rule, there should be swift disciplinary action by the organization. 

Create Workplace Complaint Forms for Free



Code of Ethics Examples: From Personal to Professional

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A code of ethics is a set of principles and rules used by individuals and organizations to govern their decision-making process, as well as to distinguish right from wrong. They provide a general idea of the ethical standards of a business or organization. However, people can have their own personal code of ethics as well. Keep reading for a more thorough explanation of a code of ethics, as well as several code of ethics examples.

Professional Codes of Ethics

Several professions have a code of ethics that exists independent of any particular employment. For instance, a doctor or lawyer is always bound by the code of ethics for their profession, regardless of whether they work for a large organization or are in private practice. These codes constitute the basic expectations of these jobs and guide them when making decisions.

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The Legal Profession

Lawyers, paralegals and other employees of the legal profession are bound to a general code of ethics. A few of these governing ethics include:

• Confidentiality – Lawyers must maintain their clients’ confidence at all times.
• Competence – Legal professionals must represent their clients with a high level of competence.
• Professional Courtesy – Lawyers must treat their colleagues with fairness and courtesy.

The Medical Profession

The American Medical Association imposes a code of ethics on physicians. It addresses everything from interpersonal relationships with other staff members to information on patient care. For instance:

• Trust – Doctors must instill a sense of trust between themselves and their patients.
• Do No Harm – Doctors cannot engage in any activity that would cause harm to their patients.
• Privacy – Doctors cannot share the details of their patients’ medical treatments or histories without permission.

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The Business World

Corporations and have codes of ethics to help workers decide if certain behaviors are appropriate and acceptable when dealing with clients and outside agencies. Many organizations require employees to attend yearly training on ethics and, in some cases, to sign statements promising to adhere to all ethical guidelines laid out by the company.

Examples of ethics in the business world include:

• Integrity – Employees should maintain honesty and clear communication in the workplace.
• Teamwork – Members of a professional organization should work together to get the job done.
• Objectivity – Employers should not make career decisions based on whom they like best or with whom they have personal relationships.

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Teachers and Education

Teachers and other education professionals are role models to their students. Their code of ethics not only protects their students against mistreatment, but it also protects their sense of fairness itself. Some code of ethics examples in education include:

• Consideration – Teachers should put the needs of their students first.
• Growth – Educators need to pursue professional growth.
• Communication – Teachers work with parents as a support team for each student.

Personal Codes of Ethics

Individual codes of ethics can originate from religion, secular philosophy or rules of social behavior derived from upbringing and experience. They are typically in line with the rest of one’s society, but one may have stricter or more relaxed personal ethics as well.

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Ethical Expectations in Society

Society at large assumes that certain ethics, morals and values can be expected regardless of religion, geographic location or nationality. The classic example is the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Other examples of societal ethical behavior include:

• Respect – Citizens must respect another’s property, choices and lives.
• Loyalty – People put their family and friends’ needs before their own.
• Honesty – Individuals tell the truth to community members and authority figures.

Religious Codes of Ethics

Certain codes of ethics, such as religious codes of ethics, apply only to members of select groups. They are based on morals shared by tenets and members of that religion. Examples of religious codes of ethics include the Ten Commandments of Judaism, the Beatitudes of Christianity, the Five Pillars of Islam, and the Noble Eightfold Path of Buddhism.

Some shared ethics in these religions include:

• Value of Life – Do not kill your fellow human.
• Pursue Peace – Avoid violence when possible.
• Do Not Steal – Don’t take things that don’t belong to you.

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Secular Codes of Ethics

Personal codes of ethics do not require religion, however. Immanuel Kant’s categorical imperative and the Utilitarian rule of the greatest good for the greatest number are both ethical codes that do not require any religious basis. Some of these ethics may include:

• Sustainable Living – Live in a way that doesn’t waste unsustainable resources.
• Care for the Vulnerable – Those who are medically or economically disadvantaged should have priority of care.
• Benefit the Greater Good – Make sure that your decisions help others rather than just yourself.

Code of Ethics vs. Code of Conduct

A code of ethics is only effective if it corresponds to a set of behaviors that uphold those ethics. The terms code of ethics and code of conduct are often used interchangeably; however, there are some key differences between them.

• A code of ethics details the general ethics that a person or employee should uphold.
• A code of conduct details the way that a person or employee should behave in order to uphold the code of ethics.

While a code of conduct may not always correspond to a code of ethics, a code of ethics must have a corresponding code of conduct. For example, if an organization includes honesty in its code of ethics, its code of conduct may include something like “Employees will come to their supervisor with any problems before discussing it with outside members of the team. ” A business that values safety in its code of ethics would set very specific safety rules in its code of conduct.

The Power of Ethics in the Modern World

Codes of ethics are present at all levels of society, as well as in business and individual behavior. Many are codified in writing and enforced with penalties, while others are more malleable and dependent on the individual’s perception of right and wrong. For further study of ethics and their place in the world, have a look at these examples of rights-based ethics.

Professional Ethics: Description and Examples

Personal ethics refers to an individual’s beliefs about what is right and wrong and guides people in the decisions they make both in and out of the workplace. Your unique ethics will determine how you handle certain situations at work, as well as how you grow and develop in your career. Here we explore what personal ethics are, why they are important, the difference between personal and professional ethics, and general examples of personal ethics principles.

Definition of personal ethics

Personal ethics are the ethical principles that a person uses in making decisions and behavior in both personal and professional environments. This ethic affects various aspects of a person’s life and helps people develop their work ethic, personal and professional goals and values. People use their ethics to determine what is right and wrong and influence how someone behaves in difficult situations. Each person’s code of ethics is different, but many people share common ethical standards such as honesty and respect.

Why is personal ethics important?

An individual’s personal ethics are important for several reasons, including because they are:

• Allow leaders to lead their teams more effectively: When a leader regularly follows a predictable and respectable code of ethics, his team is more likely to follow suit. and be confident in the contribution they make to the organization as a whole.
• Inspire confidence and support in leaders: Leaders and other professionals who regularly behave in the same way no matter the situation are more likely to enjoy the trust and support of colleagues and employees. People who follow a sound code of ethics are easier to trust and more likely to gain trust among others.
• Give people a solid basis for determining the most appropriate course of action in any given situation: When a person has strong personal ethics, they are better able to make decisions and act in situations that might otherwise seem difficult.
• Improve your decision-making process . The ability of a professional to make decisions is based on his personal and professional ethics and what he considers good or bad. Strong ethics make decision making easier and more orderly.
• Set a Standard of Behavior: In the workplace and in life, ethics helps set an appropriate standard of behavior for people. This behavior is called ethical behavior and refers to a person’s ability to make informed decisions based on their ethical nature.
• Supportive motivation: people with strong ethics are often easily motivated and willing to go the extra mile to complete a task or goal on time and in the right way.

Differences between personal and professional ethics

There are several key differences between personal and professional ethics. The main difference is that a set of personal ethics refers to an individual’s beliefs and values ​​in any area of ​​life, while professional ethics refers to an individual’s values ​​in the workplace.

An example of a personal code of ethics is as follows: a person prefers to return a purse he found on the ground lost and found rather than keep it for himself because of his personal ethics of honesty. In the workplace, an example of professional ethics would be for the same person to return a wallet to a colleague in accordance with a code of conduct against theft.

Some people distinguish between personal and professional ethics, viewing the personal ethics system as a person’s personal moral code or conscience, while professional ethics are seen as an established code of conduct to be followed in the workplace.

Examples of Personal Ethics

The following are examples of some of the most common principles of personal ethics shared by many professionals:

Integrity

Many people view honesty as an important ethic. This ethic carries over from a person’s personal life to their professional life and ensures that they are truthful in all scenarios.

Loyalty

Loyalty is another common personal ethic shared by many professionals. People who have a personal ethic of loyalty demonstrate dependability and loyalty in all their dealings, and others can trust their loyal behavior no matter the situation.

Integrity

Integrity refers to a person’s commitment to upholding their moral principles in any situation and is an essential component of safe and healthy relationships both in and out of the workplace. Honest people are reliable, responsible and accountable for their actions.

Respect

People with sound personal ethics demonstrate respect for others both at work and in their personal lives. They respect the autonomy, rights and interests of others and do not discriminate on the basis of anyone’s religion, gender or race.

Selflessness

People who are selfless put others first and do not act selfishly or selfishly. They consider the needs and situations of others and put those needs ahead of their own.

Responsibility

Someone with a strong moral code is willing to take responsibility for their actions and make changes or corrections when needed.

How to Determine Your Personal Ethics

Below are steps you can take to identify your unique personal ethical beliefs so you can improve and demonstrate them in your daily life:

1. Set your priorities straight. Knowing what means the most to you can help you define your personal set of ethical standards. For example, if you regularly put others first, you probably have a personal ethic of selflessness. Make a list of your personal life priorities and see if you can associate each priority with a unique ethic.
2. Write down your goals. Having a concrete idea of ​​your personal and professional goals will help you establish your unique ethics. For example, if your goal is to maintain honesty and integrity in everything you do, these are probably two of your personal ethical standards.
3. Think about your practices and beliefs. What you believe and practice will shed light on your unique ethics. For example, if you believe that a person should be willing to take responsibility for their actions no matter the situation, you are probably responsible as a personal ethic.

types and examples • BUOM

February 22, 2021

Every company has a code of conduct that applies to both the business and its employees. Business ethics is what drives this code of conduct. Companies often voluntarily adopt the principles of corporate ethics, but sometimes these principles are imposed by law. A company’s business ethics can shape how the world perceives it, its business partners, and its customers, so it can be the key to its success. This article discusses business ethics, what it is, why it is important and its various types.

What is business ethics?

Business ethics refers to a set of moral principles that guide a company’s conduct. These principles govern every aspect of a company’s life, including its interactions with government and other businesses, its treatment of its employees, and its relationship with customers. Whenever any ethical dilemma or controversy arises, businesses will look to these fundamental principles to help resolve these situations.

Why is business ethics important?

First, it ensures that the company operates in accordance with all applicable laws. Legitimate activity, whether at the local or national level, maintains the respect of the company among its colleagues and potential clients or customers and allows it to continue its activities.

The company’s business ethics also help it attract quality employees. Companies that care about their employees at all levels and treat them to the highest ethical standards are attractive to job seekers. Also, if you work for a company that respects its employees, you are more likely to achieve good results and stay in business for a long time.

Finally, a business that treats its clients or customers ethically builds a trusting relationship with them as well as a permanent relationship. These clients will become repeat customers and are more likely to recommend the business to people in their area of ​​influence. In addition, a business known for its high ethical principles can earn respect and enhance the quality of its brand.

Types of business ethics

There are different types of business ethics. Both the nature of a company’s business and its location can affect which ethics it emphasizes. The following are some of the most common business ethics rules.

1. Personal Responsibility

Every person working in business, whether at the managerial or entry level, is expected to show personal responsibility. This may mean completing the tasks assigned to you by your manager, or simply performing the duties specified in the job description. If you make a mistake, you admit your mistake and do your best to correct it.

2. Corporate responsibility

Businesses are accountable to their employees, customers or customers, and in some cases to their board of directors. Some of these may be contractual or legal obligations, others may be promises, such as to conduct business with integrity and treat people with dignity and respect. Whatever these obligations are, businesses must comply with them.

3. Loyalty

Both businesses and their employees are expected to be loyal. Employees must be loyal to their colleagues, supervisors and the company. This may include speaking positively about the business in public and addressing personal or corporate matters only in private. Loyalty of customers or customers is important for a company not only to maintain good business relationships, but also to attract business through a good reputation.

4. Respect

Respect is an important element of business ethics, both in how a business treats its customers, customers and employees, and in how its employees treat each other. When you show respect to someone, that person feels like a valued team member or an important client. You care about their opinions, keep your promises to them, and quickly resolve any issues they may have.

5. Reliability

The business cultivates trust with its customers, customers and employees through honesty, transparency and reliability. Employees need to feel they can trust the business to honor their terms of employment. Customers and customers must be able to trust the business with their money, data, contractual obligations and confidential information. Reliability motivates people to do business with you and helps you maintain a positive reputation.

6. Fairness

When a business is fair, it applies the same standards to all employees, regardless of rank. The same expectations of honesty, integrity, and accountability that are placed on an entry-level employee apply to the CEO. A business will treat its customers with the same respect, offering the same products and services on the same terms.

7. Social and environmental responsibility

Companies will behave ethically not only towards their customers, customers and employees, but also towards society and the environment. Many companies are looking for ways to help their communities through volunteer work or financial contributions. They will also take action to reduce waste and create a safe and healthy environment.

Examples of Business Ethics

There are many ways companies express their ethics. Typically, a business will have a document with a code of conduct informing employees of their ethical responsibilities. Companies may also publish a Values ​​Statement that advertises the ethical standards they hold. Here are some examples of how businesses can practice their ethics.

1. Data protection

Companies often collect information about their customers. This can only be an email address, but it can also be their physical address, medical or financial information, depending on the nature of the business. Companies that collect customer data usually promise to protect that information and not share it without the customer’s permission. The same applies to employee information. Business ethics generally protect employees’ personal files and only allow access to them to those with a good reason.

2. Prioritizing customers

One way a business shows respect for its customers is by prioritizing customer needs, even at the company’s expense. For example, if a customer buys products or services that turn out to be unsatisfactory, the company will do everything possible to reward the customer. If it is a faulty product, the business will offer a replacement or refund. If a customer experiences poor service, the company will usually apologize and offer a discount or other form of compensation.

3. Diversity in the workplace

Businesses can be fair by emphasizing diversity in the workplace. Achieving diversity in the workplace means employing hiring practices that give equal opportunities to people from different ethnic, gender and social groups. This can add time and effort to the hiring process, but it’s worth it. Hiring different people gives the business the benefit of different perspectives. It also shows the company’s commitment to equality and respect for all people.

4. Whistleblower protection

As businesses grow, it becomes more difficult to verify that employees are meeting the ethical standards set by the company. Sometimes businesses rely on whistleblowers to draw attention to unethical practices within the company. To encourage employees to report unethical practices, businesses often implement safeguards against negative consequences. With these protections, employees don’t have to fear losing their jobs or facing disciplinary action for pointing out unethical behavior.

5. Corporate Transparency

A business that practices transparency will communicate clearly with both employees and customers or customers. The language used will be unambiguous, so there will be no doubt about the policies or priorities that guide business decisions. Transparent corporate communications will also be honest and truthful. Everyone who works for or interacts with the company must be able to trust what it says.

6. Working with the community

Companies often feel an ethical obligation to give back to the communities in which they do business. This may take the form of volunteer programs where employees are encouraged to donate their time, perhaps even at company expense. Such programs may include working at a soup kitchen, helping with home repairs, cleaning up after a disaster, or learning skills at a local community center. These programs not only help those in need, but also build respect and trust in society.

7. Environmental awareness

Many companies are serious about caring for the environment, whether it’s reducing waste or cleaning up the land, water and air. There are various ways companies are acting in this regard, such as reducing air travel and making the most of teleconferencing technology. Businesses can also promote recycling in their offices by providing containers to collect recyclables and arranging for them to be cleaned regularly.

8. Workers’ Compensation

Fair and respectful companies will pay their employees a fair wage for the work they do, based on their experience, education and the nature of the work. They will also regularly review and adjust employee compensation to ensure it continues to be a fair representation of the employee’s position and experience.