Business ethics: principles, practices, and organizational impact

Ethics

What usefulness does ethics training have on workers ethical behavior? What should be included in an ethics training program?

Ethics training involves information and awareness. Although the actual behavior of employees cannot be controlled, behavior will be strongly linked to the normative environment created in the organization. By incorporating ethics training into a workplace program, employees help create an environment that fosters ethical behavior and enforces ethical codes. Therefore, an ethics training program has a strong impact on employees when the program is both systemic and systematic.

Effective ethics training programs are systemic because they are entrenched in the systems that govern the organization. They are systematic in that they run efficiently and professionally, ascribing to legal codes. The training program reflects not only the core values of the organization but also of the entire business sector. Moreover, an ideal ethics training program systematically covers all aspects of business ethics, from accounting to human resources. Each member of the organization should be familiar with ethical codes that apply to different departments and their coworkers. Ethical behavior is fostered and enforced by making all aspects of the workplace reflect its values. Senior management should always be expected to participate in the ethics training programs and offer advice to junior members of the organization.

A training program should start with disseminating knowledge of all legal codes that affect the organization. The program should also cover the values and mission of the organization, showing how ethical behaviors can help the organization achieve its goals. Showing employees how ethical behaviors help attract and retain clients and therefore increase profits will help show the fundamentally practical value of the training. Ethics can be presented and discussed within a utilitarian framework. Ethical programs are also effective when they are as specific as possible and do not focus too much on theory. Therefore, the best way to help employees act ethically is to view the workplace and daily operations as a training ground.

In your estimation why is there a growing need for organizational ethics programs? What are the factors contributing to ethical problems in the global corporate world? What are possible solutions?

The need for organizational ethics program is growing for several reasons. First, organizational ethics have become crucial for companies to avoid legal and financial distress. Second, ethics help businesses run smoothly and well, attracting the best caliber of employee. Ethics programs are important especially in large organizations with a diverse staff. Global and multinational companies will be working with people from around the world, who operate in unique ethical environments. Ethics programs help multinational companies create standards for employees that will help avoid conundrums and miscommunication. Ethics programs bring all employees together on the same page and therefore become integral to corporate culture.