2.6 Personal Values and Ethics

Personal values shape our ethical compass, guiding decisions in the workplace. From honesty to fairness, these core beliefs influence how we navigate ethical dilemmas and interact with colleagues. When personal values align with company culture, it boosts engagement and productivity.

Work ethic varies across cultures, impacting how employees approach their jobs. Some prioritize hard work and dedication, while others value work-life balance. Understanding these differences is crucial for managers in diverse workplaces, helping them foster an inclusive environment that respects various perspectives on work.

Personal Values and Ethics

Influence of personal values on ethics

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  The three moral codes of behaviour | Clamor World View original

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  The Decision Making Process | Organizational Behavior and Human Relations View original

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• Personal values shape individual behavior and decision-making
  • Developed through life experiences, upbringing, and cultural influences
  • Honesty, integrity, fairness, respect, responsibility
• Ethical decision-making heavily influenced by personal values
  • Individuals rely on personal values to guide actions and choices during ethical dilemmas
  • Strong personal values aligned with ethics prioritize ethical considerations over personal gain or convenience
• Conflicts arise when personal values clash with organizational values or practices
  • Individuals navigate tension between personal beliefs and employer expectations
  • Some prioritize personal values, even if it means going against organizational norms or facing consequences (whistleblowing)

Instrumental vs terminal values

• Instrumental values are means or methods to achieve goals
  • Preferred modes of conduct or ways of behaving
  • Ambition, courage, honesty, independence
  • Guide how employees approach tasks, interact with others, and make decisions in the workplace
• Terminal values are desired end states or ultimate goals
  • Represent the most important things in life
  • Freedom, equality, inner harmony, wisdom
  • Shape an individual's long-term aspirations and motivations in the workplace
• Alignment between individual and organizational values impacts behavior
  • Strong alignment leads to engagement, commitment, and productivity
  • Misalignment can lead to job dissatisfaction, reduced motivation, and higher turnover rates

Cross-cultural variations in work ethic

• Work ethic encompasses values, attitudes, and beliefs regarding work and its importance
  • Diligence, punctuality, dedication, sense of responsibility
• Cultures have varying perspectives on work ethic
  • Some cultures see work as central to life and means to achieve personal fulfillment and social status
  • Others prioritize work-life balance, leisure time, or family responsibilities over work
• Protestant work ethic influential in shaping work attitudes in Western cultures
  • Emphasizes hard work, discipline, and frugality
  • Belief that work is a moral and spiritual duty, success is a sign of divine favor
• Collectivistic cultures (many Asian countries) emphasize group harmony and loyalty to the organization
  • Employees prioritize group well-being over individual achievements
  • More willing to make personal sacrifices for the benefit of the company
• Cultural differences in work ethic impact employee productivity and organizational performance
  • Cultures valuing hard work and dedication may have more productive employees willing to put in extra effort
  • Strong emphasis on work ethic can also lead to burnout, stress, and neglect of personal well-being
• Organizations in multicultural environments must adapt management practices
  • Provide cultural sensitivity training
  • Accommodate diverse work styles
  • Foster an inclusive workplace culture that values and respects different perspectives on work ethic

Ethical Decision-Making in Organizations

• Moral reasoning: The process of evaluating and justifying ethical decisions
  • Involves considering multiple perspectives and potential consequences
• Ethical frameworks: Provide structured approaches to ethical decision-making
  • Utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics
• Corporate social responsibility: Organizations' commitment to ethical practices and societal well-being
  • Balancing profit motives with environmental and social concerns
• Ethical leadership: Leaders who demonstrate and promote ethical behavior within their organizations
  • Set the tone for organizational culture and values