Ethics_and_Values_for_Career_Success

Ethics and Values for Career Success Alex Rodriguez Stacy Perez Mike Stevens GEN 200 October 24, 2010 Lauren Jones   Ethics and Values for Career Success Ethics and values are important in the workplace. According to Ethics Resource Center (2010), "ethics is the way people behave based on their beliefs about what is right and wrong influence behavior” (Definition 47). It can be thought of as moral principles an individual has. [Values are core beliefs that guide attitudes and actions] (Ethics Resource Center, 2010). A belief of something is important and meaningful. “Personal values are important determinants...” of professional values and ethics. Integrity, loyalty and punctuality are personal values that can be identified in a professional setting. For example, if one believes that coming to the United States of America is a country of opportunities and wealth, then there are no limits to what one can achieve. A young man came to the USA from Korea with a personal value knowing he will succeed and expand. Not knowing the English language, he opened a business that could sell beepers and accessories. His values were very strong and goals were accomplished; he owns eleven cell phone stores and is expanding to a corporation. Positive values, goals, and a set mind will result in achievement and success. Another source of professional values and ethics are codes of conduct. In the codes of conduct, companies require all employees to abide by the company’s sets of rules, duties, and expectations. Codes of conduct mainly bring company structures and guidelines so the company can be successful. For instance, if there were no rules to driving or traffic lights, the streets of California would not be safe. Whether people have values and ethics, the streets of California would be a disaster; car accident, violent incident and death rates would increase, and nobody would be safe. A company functions the same way – without the code of conduct the company will come crashing down. Professionalism in a professional field is an extremely important source of values. The way one presents oneself, dresses, or handles certain situations must be done in a professional manner. Top management executives have a personal life and a professional life. The way one behaves in these two situations is different, and it is important to have the correct approach when working and dealing with problems. Otherwise, conflicts will arise in the workplace. To have success in a corporation one must attend work as a professional and bring values and ethical beliefs that can be applied to the job. For example, a customer walks in furious because the product is defective and begins to use inappropriate language. As a professional, one’s duty is to calm customers down and accommodate their needs. Lacking problem-solving skills and becoming angry with customers brings hostility and a bad reputation to a company. Professional values and ethics can have a major impact on one’s career success. Professional values can include a person’s willingness to communicate with others well, working well individually or with a team, and excellent job performance. They may include honesty, credibility, punctuality, organizational and critical thinking skills, and other things of strong importance to an employee. Ethics in the workplace refers to conduct and cooperation one believes is acceptable. When one follows company policy at a job location, work is completed and everyone’s job is made easier with the lack of problems. Employees can become successful by improving their already good job performance or displaying leadership skills through their actions. Communication among coworkers may be necessary, and it is always important to behave professionally. Employees can help people or the companies become more successful by clarifying information or suggesting simpler or time-saving procedures for completing a task. In addition, these workers can maintain working relationships with others during discussions or meetings. They can also resolve conflicts appropriately using facts and any previous knowledge. These employees can advance in their field and have a better chance of making a difference in others’ lives, including their own. Examples of professional values and ethics that can have a major impact on one’s success can be found in the workplace, a second job, a community service or volunteer program, the military, or a school. An example of professional values and ethics having a positive influence in one’s career is it makes that person a positive example to other employees. Becoming a good example is usually what will help with promotions and advancements in the company. At any given company, one would usually find senior management personnel having values and a high standard of ethics. They probably made it a priority early in their careers. If senior management employees did not act with integrity or honesty the company would probably not have become successful. Furthermore, having high moral standards will make the relationships with coworkers and management much simpler. If one is always honest and abides by company policy with the utmost respect, this can create a better working relationship with others. Working with others is a skill, and to develop that skill, it is important for people to know they act with integrity. Acting with values and honor will make a candidate or employee desirable. Another example of professional values and ethics influencing one’s career success includes people making a positive difference in other’s lives as paid community organizers. These people demonstrate their professional values and ethical beliefs by performing actions they believe are necessary and important. These actions are community organization and community service; some of the main activities organizers participate in are public education, membership recruitment and development, organization event planning, and protests. The provision of higher quality services to the public and necessary legislative changes are examples of indirect causes of them. As a result, the community or civil rights organization can achieve its major objectives. [One way organizers become more successful is] [inspiring or motivating other people to become leaders]” (personal communication, October 21, 2010). Another form of success comes from the result of bringing more people into the organization; this is one way more people can have a positive influence in their communities. In conclusion, professional values and ethics can positively influence one’s career success. People practicing good habits are more likely to make better decisions at work, school, and in their personal lives. It can help oneself become organized and well prepared for the next assignment. Others can learn from them and practice good habits. Values and ethics help a good corporation succeed. Developing honesty, integrity and loyalty to the employer and coworkers is what makes a good atmosphere to attend work every day. References Ethics Resource Center . (2010). Definitions of values. Retrieved from http://www.ethics.org Lawrence A. Appley, The management evolution New York, American Management association. Bus Riders Union. (n.d.). Bus Riders Union – The Labor Community Strategy Center. Retrieved from http://www.thestrategycenter.org/campaign/consent-decree-compliance Los Angeles Country Metropolitan Transit Authority. (2010). LA Metro Home. Retrieved from http://www.metro.net/projects/funding