• ‘Ethics aren’t just for our private lives, ‘‘I just pursue my organization’s
aims when I’m at work’’ already is an ethical decision.’
Utilitarianism in the Workplace
• Utilitarianism rests on what is known as the “golden rule” of workplace
ethics.
• According to this rule, an individual is responsible for, and concerned with,
the well-being and happiness of others.
• The golden rule holds that ethical individuals are those who avoid causing
harm and seek ways to help others.
• Utilitarianism is therefore concerned with actions that produce benefit and
avoid harm.
• Utilitarian workplace values include honesty, keeping promises,
professionalism, caring for others, accountability and avoiding conflicts of
interest.
Deontology in the Workplace
Deontological (duty-based) ethics are concerned with what people do,
not with the consequences of their actions.
• Do the right thing.
• Do it because it's the right thing to do.
• Don't do wrong things.
• Avoid them because they are wrong.
• Duty-based ethics are ethics that revolve around specific higher
principles. To be effective, they need to be universal and hold respect
for others in high esteem.
UNDERSTANDING WORK-IMMERSION
and WORK ETHICS
What is Work Ethics
• Work ethic is a cultural norm that advocates being
personally accountable and responsible for the work that
one does and is based on a belief that work has intrinsic value.
• Work ethic is a set of standards of behavior and beliefs regarding what is and
isn’t acceptable to do at work.
• Work ethic represents a set of ethical attitudes towards work that regulates
employees’ behavior at work.
• A strong work ethic is an attitude an employee applies to their work that
indicates a high level of passion for any work they do.
• A bad work ethic is an attitude that an employee demonstrates that shows a
lack of ambition and professionalism in the workplace.
Why is work ethic important?
• A strong work ethic within the company serves as a behavioral model
for the right way of working. It supports and fosters a productive
working culture.
• A strong work ethic refers to an outlook that compels people to
succeed within their jobs.
What are the benefits of having a strong work ethic in
an organization?
• A balanced, respectful workplace and culture
• Higher productivity
• A wider talent pool
Strong work ethic examples
Bad work ethic examples
Strong work ethic skills you should
develop
• Hard work
• Dedication
• Discipline
• Productivity
• Teamwork
• Integrity
• Responsibility
• Determination
• Professionalism
Bad work ethic skills you should
avoid
• Procrastination
• Negativity
• Toxicity
• Inefficiency
• Irresponsibility
• Passiveness
• Untimeliness
• Unprofessional behavior
A list of work ethics for an employer or a company might be:
• To provide a safe work environment for its staff and employees,
• To treat employees with dignity and respect,
• To provide a fair wage for the services rendered,
• To handle all business transactions with integrity and honesty.
A list of work ethics for the employee might include:
• To show up on time.
• To tend to company business for the whole time while at work.
• To treat the company’s resources, equipment, and products with care,
• To give respect to the company. That means honesty and integrity.
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