Chapter 5 Ethics, Politics, and Diversity

Ethics, politics and diversity at work  Power and politics are routinely used in workplace relationships.  Personal ethics govern the outcome of how you deal with power and politics.  Diversity comes in many forms, all of which must be represented and ideally harnessed into competitive advantage.

Ethics, politics and diversity at work  This chapter focuses on the link between ethics and power then leads into a discussion of diversity and the influences diversity has in the workplace

Ethics defined  Ethics is a moral standard of right and wrong.  It is important to identify who and what determines what is morally right and wrong.

Ethics defined  While society determines an ethical standard, morals are a personal standard of right and wrong. Ethical behavior is a reflection of the influences of friends, family, coworkers, religion, and society.

Ethics defined  An individual’s values are the important beliefs that guide his or her behavior.  Both morals and values guide and influence behavior at work and determine character.  Character is defined as the unique qualities of an individual and is usually a reflection of personal morals and values.

Influences on Ethics at Work  Implied confidentiality is an obligation to not share information with individuals with whom the business is of no concern.  Ethical behavior is also reflected in your dependability and how you conduct yourself on company time.

Power and Ethics  Power is ones ability to influence another's behavior.  Legitimate power is the power that is given to you by the company.  Coercive power is also power that is derived from your formal position.  Reward power is the ability to influence someone with something of value.  Connection power is based on using someone else’s legitimate power.  Charismatic power is a form of personal power that makes people attracted to you.  Information power is based upon an individuals ability to obtain and share information.  Expert power is power that is earned by ones knowledge.

Increasing Your Power Bases  Everyone possesses some form of workplace power. The trick is to recognize, utilize and increase your power.  Networking means meeting and developing relationships with individuals outside your immediate work area.

Politics and Reciprocity  When you begin to obtain and utilize your power, you are practicing politics.  Politics is obtaining and using power.  Reciprocity is when debts and obligations are created for doing something.

Corporate Values/Culture

 Each company has a corporate culture.  A corporate culture is the way a company’s employees behave. It is based upon the behavior of its leaders.

Corporate Values/Culture  An ethics statement is a formal corporate policy that addresses the issues of ethical behavior and punishment should someone behave inappropriately.  In most corporate ethics policies will be a statement addressing conflicts of interest.  A conflict of interest occurs when you are in the position to influence a decision from which you could benefit directly or indirectly.

Remember… Always make ethical choices in the workplace.

Work Place Diversity

Diversity Basics  No matter what our differences are, EVERYONE should be treated with respect and professionalism.  Diversity should be viewed as an asset that utilizes our differences as ways to create, innovate, and compete.  Workplace diversity should only be an issue when the diversity negatively affects performance.

 Examples Of Diversity  Culture- is the different behavior patterns of people.  Race- defined as people having certain physical traits (Hispanic, Asian, African Americans, Native Americans, and Anglo Saxon)

Stereotyping and Prejudice

What’s YOUR perception of others? Perception is one’s understanding or interpretation of reality.  Stereotyping is making a generalized image of a particular group or situation. Our perceptions mold how we view these groups or situations, and it can either be positive or negative.  Negative Example : Females with blond hair are not intelligent  Prejudice is favorable or unfavorable judgement given to others., and usually results in discrimination.

Workplace Do’s and Don’ts Do always behave in an ethical wayDon’t behave one way at work and another around your friends Do keep information confidentialDon’t break the company's trust Do learn to respect differences in others Don’t use your minority status to take advantage of situations. Do be proud of your culture and heritage Don’t show prejudice towards others Do know your rights regarding workplace diversity Don’t accept defeat in discriminatory situations