In this article we will discuss about the ethical and unethical behaviour at workplace.
Ethical Behaviour Within the Work Place:
Ethical behaviour is behaviour that is appropriate. It is based on morals. Ethical behaviour is the right way to behave. It is choosing the right and good. Ethical behaviour is when someone is being on his or her best behaviour. All of their actions and words are following good moral principles.
People enjoy being around others who have a good ethical behaviour. It is the behaviour that is morally accepted as ‘good’, ‘right’ in a particular setting. Ethical behaviour refers to that conduct that is beyond reproach and is in accordance to the laid down standards of a society, organization or institution.
This refers to conduct that organizations expect their employees to hold while at work. Most organizations have formulated documents referred to as ‘codes of conduct’, that set out the accepted behaviours within the work place.
They have set out the rules and regulations that need to be adhered to by those in their employ. This is mainly because an individual’s conduct can affect the relationships within an organization, thereby taking a negative toll on the overall performance of an organization.
Unethical Behaviour Within the Work Place:
Unethical behaviour is any action that is aimed at taking advantage of another without their knowledge or consent. It can also be defined as manipulating someone without his or her permission.
Unethical behaviour is a way of acting that society disapproves of. It is the behaviour that is ‘bad’; ‘wrong’ in a particular setting. Profuse languages, acting violent towards others are some examples of unethical behaviour.
Examples of Unethical Behaviour at Workplace:
Unethical behaviour in the workplace can take many forms.
Some of the examples are:
a. Some employees may pass off the work of others as their own.
b. Others may misrepresent themselves as a way to convince others to buy a product or service that they are selling.
c. Others may lie about their expenses in order to get a larger reimbursement check from their employer every month.
d. Some unethical business behaviour may include lying and changing the number of hours they have worked, making a long distance phone call on the business phones, and copying business software so they can use it at home.
While these cases vary, they are all examples of unethical workplace behaviour. For example, unethical behaviour by a medical practitioner can result in loss of income and eventually the loss of practice if, as a result of that behaviour, patients choose another practitioner.
Effects of Unethical Behaviour:
Unethical behaviour on the part of the company and its management creates a situation where employees feel ashamed or embarrassed by their company, its product or service, or their role in it. It is as if they are doing something wrong by association. These feelings breed mistrust and low morale.
Unethical behaviour by fellow employees, especially if it goes unpunished or is condoned by management, prevents cooperation and trust among employees, which also creates low morale. This negative effect is magnified if the unethical behaviour by the company or employees results in harm to others.