PROFESSIONAL ETHICS AT

WORKPLACE
HOW TO LOOK AT ETHICAL ISSUES
o What it is? A definition of the issue.
o Why it is an ethical problem?
o Professional costs and possible penalties for ethical or legal transgressions.
HUMAN RESOURCE ISSUES
o Discrimination
o Harassment, Sexual or Otherwise
DISCRIMINATION
Occurs when something other than qualifications affects how an employee is
treated.

o Unequal/unfair treatment
o Intentional or unintentional
WHY IS IT AN ETHICAL PROBLEM?
Its at the core of fairness in the workplace.
COSTS
Legal
o Title VII of Civil Rights Act of 1964
o Age Discrimination Act of 1967
o The Rehabilitation Act of 1973
o The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978
o The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
o The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act
COSTS
o Media Coverage
o Morale of other employees
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Valuing diversity means treating people equally while
incorporating their diverse ideas.
Discrimination means treating people unequally because
they are, or appear to be, different.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Sexual harassment unwelcome sexually oriented behavior that makes
someone feel uncomfortable at work.

o Quid pro quo

o Hostile work environment
WHY IS IT AN ETHICAL PROBLEM

It is discrimination!
COSTS
o Lawsuit can be filed
o Investigation
o Suspension
o Termination
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
o Bribes or kickbacks
o Influence
o Privileged information
WHY IS IT AN ETHICAL PROBLEM
Customer confidence issues revolve around fairness, honesty and respect for
others. Customer relationships cannot survive without trust.
WHAT IS IT?
When your judgment or objectivity is compromised.
WHY IS IT AN ETHICAL PROBLEM?
The basis of personal and corporate relationships is trust. Appearances of
favorable to treatment to special friends erodes that trust.
COSTS
o Investigation
o Suspension
o Termination
o Arrest and conviction
CUSTOMER CONFIDENCE ISSUES
o Confidentiality
o Product Safety
o Truth in Advertising
o Special Fiduciary Responsibilities
WHY IS IT AN ETHICAL PROBLEM?
Because it can affect your relationship with your customers. The issues under
this topic again revolve around fairness and trust.
USE OF CORPORATE RESOURCES
o Use of corporate reputation
o Corporate financial resources
o Providing honest information
WHY IS IT AN ETHICAL PROBLEM?
Your use of corporate resources represents fulfilling your end of the
employer/employee contract.
COSTS
o Termination
o Arrest and conviction
o Lawsuit
BLOWING THE WHISTLE
o Approach immediate manager first
o Discuss with your family
o Take to the next level
o Contact companys ethics or ombudsman
o Consider going outside your chain of command
o Go outside the company
o Leave the company
THANK YOU!