Ethical Behavior in the Workplace

Solution Preview

I know you know this, but remember - we here at BrainMass cannot really do the work for you.
What we do here is to give ideas and point you in the right direction.
What I'll do is give you some ideas and sources that can push you along.

What I'll do here is provide a few "real world" examples. I used to work at my father's funeral home, so I will use that.

Great source: http://www.onlineethics.org/cms/4745.aspx (see especially number 83)

Real teamwork in the workplace fights scapegoating. The weaker members of the team can act as easy targets.

Good communication - This is becoming less of a problem with email and texting. Power is in information. If management keeps important things from labor, then an ethical problem exists. It might even be that certain people will deliberately withhold information for the sake of making others look bad and themselves indispensable.

Pressure on sales - The problem with commissions is that it forces salespersons to push too hard. They might be tempted to lie or exaggerate in order to boost their earnings.

Power - Every worker often creates his "turf" and demands total control over it. This, too, can be exacerbated by excessive pressure from above.

Recognition - People are less likely to do a good job if they are not singled out for it. Many have personality disorders that might keep them away from any attention. They might fear failure and ridicule.

There needs to be a mechanism for workers to air grievances about management and each other.

Short, but not too bad: http://www.ehow.com/info_8219914_shapes-ethical-behavior-workplace.html

Since you asked about specific controls or policies to deal with ethics, this article may be a good way to get some ideas.

The company involved needs to have a solid code of ethics that is regularly referenced and communicated. It, in other words, must become a part of the culture.

Decentralized decision making can force people to be ethical. If the ...