Ethics in the Workplace

Ethics is defined as the method designed for a code of conduct. Ethics is a branch of philosophy that addresses the questions of morality through a set of behavioral guidelines. A workplace being the source of bread and butter for many, also satisfies the self-actualization needs. It provides a reason as a standard of living. Hence, by that virtue, business ethics, which sustain morality and help evolution have to be followed at a workplace. Following these ethics in the workplace happen to be a personal choice. A choice that cannot be forced upon, but only explained and expected. A workplace is a cluster of individuals, and hence an amalgamation of attitudes and imaginations, which often dilute the existence of ethics. It takes the zeal of an evangelist to imbibe ethics in the workplace force to grow the organization in a holistic way.

Personal Ethics
Personal ethics is a branch that determines the code of conduct one adheres to. Its a course of action an individual decides to take up in order to reach the ultimate truth. As personal ethics are, to each his own, they differ. However, following personal code of ethics brings accountability and responsibility to life. It gives a purpose and direction, bringing out a meaning to life. Personal ethics are huge determining factors of ethics at the workplace. The same, shall in elaborated, as the article unfolds.

Honesty
'Honesty is the best policy' is a statement as old as the hills and as deep as the ocean. Yet, the commonly practiced statement is, truth is always inconvenient. May be it is, but only in the short term. A myopic mind will always see what is the short term again, and thus indulge in lying. An escapist act betrays you, because eventually you can't be fooling yourself. Therefore, make a fresh start to incorporate the aspect of honesty with the new recruits, as many a times you may come across difference in personal ethics.

Commitment
Commitment phobia traps more than claustrophobia. It traps you within yourself, stealing the truth from you that you can commit. However, in a workplace there is no evading commitment. Commitment towards your workplace is the biggest motivating ingredient. Agreed, that, commitment has to come from within, but a little coaxing can help your employees to see within. Help your employees reach their inner self to seek commitment so that your organization prospers.

Loyalty
Loyalty is faithfulness towards your work. Loyalty builds a sense of trust among the employees. It is a quality that one always wishes to find in a friend or life partner. The same goes towards absorbing it in a workplace ethics. As the Bible quotes, "Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart." A silly act of disloyalty will end things up in an unpleasant way in the present and in future as well.

Right and the Right
The shortest and the oldest written constitution of this world, says each and every citizen of the land has the right to liberty, life and property. Each one of us has a right to do what we want. However, these rights are governed by a set of rules formed due to conditioning of the mind. These rules are called as ethics. Hence, every act should be done with the right 'right' or else it only leads to a colossal chaos.

Honesty, loyalty, commitment and rights go in building a conducive work culture in a workplace. It enhances the business literacy and helps addressing the problem in a much efficient manner. Although personal ethics differ, they matter in making of the ethical standards of the organization. Because of the difference, every employees needs to be put on one single ethical platform. Right or wrong, good or bad, black or white are the moral questions that only the power of perception of can decide, but they all demand evolution, which finds its root to the ethics in the workplace.