Business_Values_and_Ethics

Define Values and Ethics GEN 200 May 26, 2010 Define Values and Ethics Values and ethics are very important to any firm or corporate business. First of all, what do we mean by values and ethics. In 1986 the theme for the Army was values. The listed four organizational values are loyalty, duty, and selfless of services. The four individual values are commitment, candor, and courage. (2008, April 19). Values provide the basis for judgment about what is important for the organization in its business. Values are embodiment of what an organization stands for, and should be the basis for behavior of its members. How do value relate to ethics' Values are what we, as a profession. Judge to be right “individually or organizationally”, values determine what is right and what is wrong, and doing what is right or wrong is what we mean by ethics. To behave ethically is to behave in a manner consistent with what is right or moral. (2008, April 19). What does “generally considered to be right” mean' That is the critical question, and part of the question is difficulty in deciding whether or not behavior is ethical in determining what is right or wrong. The three sources of professional values and ethics are religion, code of conduct, and respect towards other people (2009, P). Religion in the workplace, because of our country’s great diversity, employers may hire employees from great variety of countries and religious backgrounds. In an ideal work environment, the religious beliefs of a given employee, or of the employer, do not create conflicts. Either is free to believe as he or she chooses, as long as the work gets done satisfactorily, neither will encounter difficulty on the basis of religion. Code of conduct provides black and white ground – rules for the professional behavior and conduct that is expected in the workplace. The code should also include disciplinary procedures, which is the process to be followed when an employee’s behavior or conduct is in breach of your companies’ code of conduct (Matthews, 2010, P). Respect in the workplace, respect is essential in the workplace, from the sanitary engineer (janitor) to the CEO, everyone wants to feel respected. People want to feel their lives, their desires, their goals, and their opinions mean something. Therefore the first step in effective communication is to make the other person believe they have your respect. Professional values can influence career success when their behavior reflects high morals and values. Exhibiting both personal and professional values like loyalty, honesty, dependability, and integrity plays a key role in promoting a “positive work environment”. The person that consistently focuses on “doing the right thing”, demonstrates that they are a person with a strong sense of integrity. Integrity encompasses a wide range of subject matters and covers many different behaviors; the simple act of not participating in gossiping about a coworker, to not engaging in any illegal activities is a very small representation. Simply stated, “Be honest in your dealings with, collogues, clients, business partners and suppliers.” (Positive Work Behaviors: 8 Straightforward Tips For Moving Up the Corporate Ladder) It is inevitable that someone that possesses and demonstrates this professional value will find themselves in a place of respect and distinction among their coworker as well as their supervisors. Maintaining a clear sense of showing respect to others is another demonstration of the professional behavior that not only will ensure professional success, but will reflect the personal belief that a strong sense of morality necessary for career success. Insuring that you maintain a reputation for fair and consistent treatment of associates will promote a positive work environment. When there is an understanding that everyone is treated equally and no favoritism is evident, there is often an atmosphere of support and eagerness to succeed. When there is a sense of being “fair and just” there is an increased respect and loyalty to you and your position. Often you will deal with people that may not appreciate the professional sense of strong moral values and ethical convictions. In the business world there are many different types of people, many different backgrounds and many different personalities, the fact that there will be antagonistic and confrontational situations is a fact. The success of a person may be weighted in part by their ability to address these situations, as well as the way things were handled. The ability to retain their moral standards and find a solution that may be acceptable can be found in the belief and acceptance in “The Golden Rule”, the basic respect for others and treating them as you want to be treated, is a value to follow. Many times success may come not on the strength of the conquests, but the ability to listen and respect others. . References (2008, April 19) Strategic leadership and decision making value and ethics, message posted to http://www.au.af.mil./au/awcgate/ndu/strat-idr-dm/pt4ch15.html (2009, P) Religion in the workplace, message posted to http://employment.finlaw.com/employment/employment-employment.discrmination- harrassment/employment-employment-religion-discrimantion-top/employment Matthew, G. (2010, January 9) Respect in the workplace, message posted to http://assciatedcontent.com