ETHICS IN A REAL WORLD MORE THAN JUST RIGHT AND WRONG TOM DARLING DIVISION MANAGER OF PUBLIC SERVICE UNIVERSITY THE CITY OF ALBUQUERQUE

ETHICS IN A REAL WORLD MORE THAN JUST RIGHT AND WRONG TOM DARLING DIVISION MANAGER OF PUBLIC SERVICE UNIVERSITY THE CITY OF ALBUQUERQUE

TOM DARLING MAED

WHAT ARE ETHICS? The word ethics comes from the Greek word ethos, which means a notion of character permeated with values that determine the identity and good or bad of an individual or group. Ethics is not so much a matter of right or wrong as it is a process by which an organization or individual evaluates their decisions.

WHAT ARE ETHICS? Comprises principles, values, and standards that guide behavior in the world of business Principles: Specific boundaries for behavior that are universal and absolute -Freedom of speech, civil liberties Values: Used to develop socially enforced norms -Integrity, accountability, trust

WHAT WOULD YOU DO? How many of you have ever found money? Pretend you found a bag of money on the roadside? What would you do with it? Why?

A CRISIS IN BUSINESS Consumer trust of businesses is declining ETHICS No sector is exempt from ethical misconduct Stakeholders determine what is ethical/unethical Investors Employees Customers Interest groups Legal system Community

America s Trust in Business

Misconduct By Industry

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE ETHICS? The individual ethics of organizational members. The corporate culture of the organization. Society as a whole. Examples from your industry?

INDIVIDUAL ETHICS Values reflected in a person s behavior and personality can be the basis for professional behavior. Values are a result of learning and personal experience. Values are influenced by family, friends, peers, religious beliefs, community, and the organizations in which we are associated.

STAGES OF MORAL Pre-Conventional Level Stage 1 DEVELOPMENT Punishment Avoidance How do I keep out of trouble? Stage 2 Instrumental Purpose Exchange Self Interest

STAGES OF MORAL Conventional Level Stage 3 DEVELOPMENT Interpersonal Conformity Conforming to expectations of peers Stage 4 Social Accord Following society s rules

STAGES OF MORAL Post-Conventional Level Stage 5 DEVELOPMENT Social Contract Seeking social consensus Stage 6 Universal Ethical Principals Decisions are based on personal moral principals

ETHICAL THEORIES Consequential Theory an ethical theory that emphasizes the consequences or results of behavior

ETHICAL THEORIES Rule Based Theory an ethical theory that emphasizes the character of the act itself rather than its effects

ETHICAL THEORIES Character Theory an ethical theory that emphasizes the character, personal virtues, and integrity of the individual

ETHICAL QUALITIES Reputation Reputation is one of an organization s greatest intangible assets with tangible value What do people say about you when they hear your name?

ETHICAL QUALITIES Honesty Honesty: Truthfulness or trustworthiness Dishonesty: A lack of integrity, incomplete disclosure, or an unwillingness to tell the truth Issues related to honesty can arise when people begin to perceive business as something that has its own rules

ETHICAL QUALITIES Fairness The quality of being just, equitable, and impartial

ETHICAL QUALITIES Integrity Uncompromising adherence to ethical values One of the most important terms regarding virtue.

MISCONDUCT Abusive or Intimidating Behavior One of the most common ethical problems Can mean anything from physical threats, false accusations, profanity, insults, harshness, ignoring someone, or even unreasonableness Bullying is a growing legal problem in the workplace

MISCONDUCT Lying Commission lying is creating a false perception by choosing words that intentionally deceive the receiver Omission lying is intentionally not informing channel members of problems, related to product that affects awareness, intention, or behavior

MISCONDUCT Conflicts of Interest Exist when an individual must choose whether to advance his or her own personal interests, those of the organization, or some other group Individual must separate personal interests from business dealings

MISCONDUCT Bribery Bribery is the practice of offering something in order to gain an illicit advantage Quid Pro Quo This for That Different types of bribery Active bribery Passive bribery

MISCONDUCT Corporate Intelligence Hacking Dumpster diving Phone eavesdropping Social engineering Password guessing Shoulder surfing

ETHICS ENHANCING Code of ethics TOOLS A written code of beliefs, values, and expected conduct Review of your code Policies regarding discrimination and harassment

ETHICS ENHANCING Ethics Tests The test of common sense The test of one s best self The light of day approach The test of purified idea TOOLS

ETHICS ENHANCING Ethical Audits Internal External Ethical Training TOOLS Ethical Decision Making Approach

ETHICAL DECISION MAKING Benefits of Ethical Decision Making Improved customer relations Repeat business Goodwill Employee satisfaction Employee empowerment You stay out of trouble and keep your license!

CONTACT TOM AT: JDARLING@CABQ.GOV ETHICS IN A REAL WORLD TOM DARLING CITY OF ALBUQUERQUE PUBLIC SERVICE UNIVERSITY