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ENHANCING PERSONAL ETHICS-2:Common ethical problems, Guidelines for Behaving Ethically

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Human Relations­ MGMT611
VU
Lesson 41
ENHANCING PERSONAL ETHICS-2
Ethics in Relationships
Rules are made to improve the efficiency and productivity whereas ethics improve the quality of human
relations.
Ethical conduct
Professional ethics can be understood as the rules of conduct that translate the profession's characteristics
ideals, or ethos, into everyday practice. (Cartel & Denhardt, 1989)
If you follow the rules given by society, you will be more successful in life and more useful for your
organization. The truth is that good ethics sometimes is good business, but sometimes it's not. It depends
on one's goals and how one defines good business. Sometimes, good ethics can end in bankruptcy. Of
course, so can bad ethics. A fairer statement is that good ethics can be a very powerful business asset and
that good things tend to happen to companies and individuals that consistently do the right thing and bad
things tend to happen to those that even occasionally do the wrong thing. But the crucial point is that the
moral obligation to live according to ethical principles is not dependent on whether it's advantageous.
People of character do the right thing in the pursuit of virtue, not self-interest.
Common ethical problems
Here we discuss some common ethical problems that one has to face in workplace.
1. Dealing with confidential information. One should be careful while dealing with confidential
matters of the organization.
2. Presentation of employment information (many people lie or distort information). Do not hide or
distort any information when you apply for the job.
3. Use of corporate resources (e.g. using company resources for personal benefit). Companies'
resources should not be used for personal benefit.
4. Misuse of computers and information technology (including piracy). Technology should not be
misused. It is unethical.
5. Choosing between two rights: Dealing with defining moments. Sometimes one has to face the
dilemma of choosing between two rights. Under such circumstances, only ethics can help you decide
which way to go.
Guidelines for Behaving Ethically: Developing the Right Character Traits
Momentary and short term goals can be achieved by adopting unethical behaviour. Ultimately they will
harm you and your organization.
1. Be honest. This is the best policy to be successful in all walks of life.
2. Demonstrate integrity. Avoid compromising on principles all the time.
3. Keep promises. Develop trust by keeping promises.
4. Be loyal. This is the most important attribute in a human personality.
5. Be responsible. One should take the responsibility of the actions taken by one.
6. Pursue excellence. Try to perform in the best possible way what he/she is expected to do.
7. Be kind and caring. This sort of attitude brings peace in life.
8. Treat all people with respect. Be cautious while dealing with people. Give them due respect.
9. Be fair. Make it a part of your ethical standards.
10. Be a good citizen. Avoid undesirable activities.
Guidelines for Behaving Ethically: Following a Guide to Ethical Decision Making
These points are of great importance, while taking decisions.
1. Gather the facts. If you have collected the right information and facts then you will be able to take
right decisions.
2. Define the ethical issues. It will help you taking right decision.
3. Identify the affected parties. Keep in mind that is going to be affected by your decision.
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Human Relations­ MGMT611
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4. Identify the consequences. Think about what can be the result of your decision.
5. Identify the obligations. Who is obligated to do what?
6. Consider your character and integrity.
7. Think creatively about your potential actions. You can minimize the bad consequences by
thinking creatively.
8. Check your intuition. Whenever you make any decision, use your intuitive skills. It will help you
in taking good decisions.
9. Developing strong relationships with work associates. (e.g., two people with strong ties to
each other are more likely to be honest with each other.)
10. Using corporate ethics programs. (e.g., a committee that monitors ethical behavior and an ethics
training program)
11. Follow an applicable code of professional conduct (e.g., "A legal assistant must protect the
confidences of a client...") an ethical relationship is a basic and trustworthy relationship between
persons and organizations.
References:
Denhardt, G. K. & Carton, L.B. (1989). The Management of Ideals: A Political perspective on Ethics.
Public administration review, Vol. 49, No 2.
http://www.quoteland.com/author.asp?
Dubrin, A.J. (2005). Human Relations: Career and Personal Success. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey,
07458.
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Table of Contents:
  1. HUMAN RELATIONS:Some Guidelines for Effective Human Relations, Communication has 3meanings
  2. CULTURE AND PERSONALITY:Definition of sub culture, Definition of Personality, Types of Persons
  3. PERSONALITY AND STRESS:Personality, PERSONAL TOOLS TO CONTROL STRESS
  4. PERCEPTION AND INDIVIDUAL BEHAVIOUR:Three concepts of personality, Bias in Perception
  5. PERCEPTION AND GROUP BEHAVIOR:Characteristics of Groups, Individual and Group Behavior
  6. ATTITUDE AND BEHAVIOUR:Types of Attitudes, Steps to turn attitude into action
  7. PERSONAL MOTIVATION AND ACHIEVEMENT:Needs and Motivation, Self-discipline and motivation
  8. SOLVING PROBLEMS SKILLFULLY:Problem solving and cognition, Ways to solve problems
  9. CREATIVITY IN PROBLEM SOLVING:Barriers to creativity, Tips to solve problems creatively
  10. HANDLING PERSONAL ISSUES:Self-Defeating Behaviour, Positive attitude to tackle personal problems
  11. CONFLICT RESOLUTION:WHY SO MUCH CONFLICT EXISTS, TECHNIQUES FOR RESOLVING CONFLICTS
  12. COMMUNICATION AND HUMAN RELATIONS:Process of communication, Improving gender barriers to communication
  13. ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION:To improve listening skills, Types of organizational communication
  14. UNDERSTANDING COMMUNICATION STYLES:Modeling communication style, Sociability continuum
  15. SELF-ESTEEM:Building process of self-esteem, Self-esteem and public image
  16. BUILDING SELF-CONFIDENCE:The importance of self-confidence and self-efficacy, Balanced Self-Confidence:
  17. BECOMING A LEADER-1:Assessing leadership role, Traits and Characteristics of Effective Leaders
  18. BECOMING A LEADER-II:Theories of leadership, Developing leadership potential
  19. GLOBALIZATION AND CROSS-CULTURAL DIFFERENCES:Religious Values and Bicultural Identities
  20. IMPROVING CROSS-CULTURAL COMPETENCE:Strategies to improve cross-cultural relations, More steps to improve Cultural Relations
  21. BUILDING GOOD RELATIONS WITH MANAGERS:Impressing your manager, Coping with a problem manager
  22. BUILDING GOOD RELATIONS WITH CO-WORKERS:Make Co-workers feel important, Maintain Honest and Open Relationships
  23. BUILDING GOOD RELATIONS WITH CUSTOMERS:Salesperson Represents the Business, Approaching the Customer, Excuses vs. Objections
  24. CHOOSING A CAREER-1:Ten Myths about Choosing a Career, Attitude toward and Perceptions about Myself
  25. CHOOSING A CAREER-II:Choosing a career and developing a portfolio Career, Suggestions for career Preparation
  26. FINDING A JOB:Targeting your job search, The Internet and Résumé Database Services, Extreme Job Hunting
  27. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESUME:Major types of resumes, Electronic Submission of the Résumé
  28. IMPROVING INTERVIEW SKILLS:Successful interview, Knowing the employer or Organization
  29. IMPROVING WORK HABITS-1:Reasons of procrastination, Techniques for Reducing Procrastination
  30. IMPROVING WORK HABITS-2:Developing the proper attitudes and values, Time-management techniques
  31. NEW MODEL OF CAREER ADVANCEMENT:Career portability, HUMAN RELATIONS SELF-ASSESSMENT
  32. TAKING CONTROL OF YOURSELF:Develop Outstanding Interpersonal Skills, Business etiquettes
  33. EXERTING CONTROL ON OUTSIDE ENVIRONMENT:Important communication tip, Exerting control over the outside world
  34. MANAGING PERSONAL FINANCES-1:Your personal financial plan, Steps in budget making
  35. MANAGING PERSONAL FINANCES-2:Basic investment principles, Tolerance for Investment Risks, Types of investments
  36. ACHIEVING HAPPINESS-1:Finding happiness and enhancing your personal life, The key to happiness
  37. ACHIEVING HAPPINESS-2:The Five Principles of Psychological Functioning, Your mind and Happiness
  38. ACHIEVING HAPPINESS-3:Need for intimacy, Working out issues with relationships
  39. APATHY AND ITS REMEDIES:Let us try to understand the various definitions of apathy, Coping strategies for apathy
  40. ENHANCING PERSONAL ETHICS-1:Influence of Culture, Common ethical problems
  41. ENHANCING PERSONAL ETHICS-2:Common ethical problems, Guidelines for Behaving Ethically
  42. HELPING OTHERS GROW:Being a Nurturing, Positive Person, A list of mentoring behaviour, Coaching skills and techniques
  43. REVIEW-I:What is a Human Relation?, Meanings of Communication, Two types of stress, Some personal problem, Communication style
  44. REVIEW-II:Steps to build self-confidence, Globalization, Building Good Relations with Co-workers, Good work habits
  45. REVIEW-III:New model of career advancement, Choosing your investment, Tactics for Dealing with Difficult People