Code of Ethics in the Workplace

"It's not ethical." What does this statement mean? Who decides what is ethical and what isn't? What is workplace ethics? One could say that ethics help one decide what is morally right and wrong. A lot of people believe that there is no room for ethics in the workplace. In a world of fierce competition where everyone is trying to get ahead of the other, it is believed ethics have absolutely no role to play. However, there are ways of winning the rat race in spite of being ethical. Though it may seem like a longer passage, there are some things that are just not professionally right. No matter how badly you need something to be done, going beyond the established code of ethics in the workplace to achieve it is simply unacceptable. So what are these good workplace ethics? Let's take a look.

The Necessary Code of Ethics in the Workplace

Before we take a look at the many workplace ethics, let's understand the benefits of ethics in the workplace. An organization that has an established code of conduct and ethics always functions better, and has a greater image among the common man. When a code of ethics is established in the workplace, it enables self-regulation on part of the employees, and it is this code of ethics that guides employees when challenging decisions have to be made. This quality also maintains complete professionalism in the workplace. It enforces a strong group ethic which in turn ensures the quality of the products and services provided by the organization, as none of it is compromised due to a lack of ethics. This is the role of ethics in the workplace, a role so essential to ensure optimum functioning of the organization.

Professional ethics deals with following the policies laid out by the organization when dealing with competitors, and with a code of conduct pertaining to the organization. Professional work ethics are violated, or ethical issues in the workplace arise, in case of the following circumstances.

• Misrepresentation of data, knowingly or unknowingly. It also involves failing to report such misrepresentation by other employees of the organization.
• Taking advantage of a professional situation for personal benefits.
• Working for an organization whose values and ethics conflict with your personal ethics.
• Instigating colleagues and fellow employees to follow unethical paths for group benefits or gains.
• Stealing or misrepresenting information for personal benefit, or on behalf of the employer for the benefit of the organization.
• Flouting the norm of confidentiality in the workplace regarding sensitive information that will benefit the organization.
• Engaging in corporate espionage (working for an organization when bound by contract with another).
• Misreporting the amount or number of hours worked.
• Taking credit for work done by another colleague.
• Dressing inappropriately or against the dress code set by the organization.
• Getting personal with any colleague or superior in a professional setup.
• Being dishonest in professional situations for personal or group gain.
• Being insincere, uncommitted, and disloyal towards the organization.
• Violating the established code of ethics in the workplace in the name of individual rights.
• Disrespecting the personal values and beliefs of colleagues in the workplace, with which you have no concern.
• Dealing with problems in the workplace in an unprofessional manner by making the issue personal.

It is thus obvious, that by simply not engaging in such acts, you will be able to follow the established code of ethics in the workplace. What workplace ethics comprise is a very subjective issue, and one organization will differ from the other when it comes to deciding what is ethical and what is not. However, there are certain basic business ethics and work ethics that simply must be followed. The role of ethics in the workplace is to ensure maximum productivity of the organization, without following an immoral, illegal, or unprofessional course of action, by the management as well as the employees. By carrying out suitable training to establish workplace ethics, these ethics can be imbibed by every person that comprises an organization, to achieve a common goal that has been laid out by this organization.