CHAPTER 2 Slide 1 CHAPTER 2 ETHICS—ESSENTIAL IN THE WORKPLACE THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL: TECHNOLOGY & PROCEDURES © Thomson/South-Western CHAPTER 2 ETHICS— ESSENTIAL IN THE WORKPLACE LEARNING OBJECTIVES 1. Recognize the importance of ethical behavior. 2. Explain the characteristics of an ethical organization. 3. Identify traits of an ethical employee. 4. Define steps necessary for ethical change. 5. Demonstrate a commitment to community involvement. THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL: TECHNOLOGY & PROCEDURES © Thomson/South-Western CHAPTER 2 Slide 3 Importance of Ethical Behavior Recent scandals Sarbanes-Oxley Act THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL: TECHNOLOGY & PROCEDURES © Thomson/South-Western CHAPTER 2 Slide 4 Business Ethics Ethics—the systematic study of moral conduct, duty, and judgment THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL: TECHNOLOGY & PROCEDURES © Thomson/South-Western CHAPTER 2 Slide 5 Our Ethical Roots Religion Philosophy THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL: TECHNOLOGY & PROCEDURES © Thomson/South-Western CHAPTER 2 Slide 6 Ethics—The Why Adherence of a moral course in turbulent times Alignment of organizational behaviors with values Integration of ethical guidelines with decision making THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL: TECHNOLOGY & PROCEDURES © Thomson/South-Western CHAPTER 2 Slide 7 Characteristics of Ethical Organizations Environmentally responsible Internationally aware Committed to diversity Intolerant of race/ethnic discrimination Intolerant of gender discrimination Intolerant of age discrimination Maintains a policy against sexual harassment THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL: TECHNOLOGY & PROCEDURES © Thomson/South-Western CHAPTER 2 Slide 8 Characteristics of Ethical Organizations CONTINUED Provides for the physically challenged Committed to the community Respects the needs and rights of employees Right to due process Right to privacy Establishes and lives organizational values Maintains a safe and healthy environment Smoking Substance abuse THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL: TECHNOLOGY & PROCEDURES © Thomson/South-Western CHAPTER 2 Slide 9 Characteristics of Ethical Organizations CONTINUED Provides an ergonomically sound environment Lighting Acoustics Equipment and furniture Honest Visionary THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL: TECHNOLOGY & PROCEDURES © Thomson/South-Western CHAPTER 2 Slide 10 The Ethical Administrative Professional Accepts constructive criticism Respects diversity Aware of workplace politics Respects others’ privacy Honest Dependable Cooperative Respects clients and customers THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL: TECHNOLOGY & PROCEDURES © Thomson/South-Western CHAPTER 2 Slide 11 Factors Impeding Ethical Change Organizations are amoral Organizational leadership is unethical Values cannot be changed Labels accurately describe individuals THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL: TECHNOLOGY & PROCEDURES © Thomson/South-Western CHAPTER 2 Slide 12 Factors Supporting Ethical Change Practice new behaviors Seek feedback Provide rewards Evaluate the effects of the ethical change Recognize that ethical change is an ongoing process THE ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL: TECHNOLOGY & PROCEDURES © Thomson/South-Western