Module One: Getting Started Good business ethics are essential for the long-term success of an organization. Implementing an ethical program will foster a successful company culture. Developing a business ethics program takes time and effort. There is such no such thing as a minor lapse of integrity. Tom Peters
Housekeeping Respect, Confidentiality, and Practice Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Workshop Objectives Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Two: What is Ethics? A human being’s personal ethics determine individual standards of right and wrong. Ethics allow people to determine what they should do in each situation. In business, ethics refers to the behavior relating to the moral problems that occur in business organizations. Ethics is the activity of man directed to secure the inner perfection of his own personality. Albert Schweitzer
“ Ethics ” is broadly defined as well based standards of right and wrong that prescribe our rights, obligations and benefits to society. Ethics is about how we ought to live, treat others, run or manage our lives and organisations. In general, ethics is about what is good or right in our day to day lives, and how we make decisions. The term ethics or morality is often used to describe this “moral compass” that helps us to see right from wrong. We use our values to evaluate the different options. We choose our actions according to our values. Being ethical is about distinguishing between what is morally right and wrong with the purpose of doing what is right. If a person has the ability to distinguish between right and wrong but chooses NOT to do what is right, this conduct can be described as unethical .. Definition - ethics Business Ethics & Integrity Course
What it means to be ethical Living values seriously Choosing and living core values that guide right , good and fair human conduct E xamples of core values? Choosing right over wrong Respecting others’ (moral/legal) rights Discharging our own (moral/legal) obligations Choosing good over bad consequences Promoting good consequences Avoiding and minimising bad consequences Choosing fair over unfair Impartially considering and balancing all affected parties’ interests Cultivating good character Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Work Ethics Work Ethics for an Employer To provide a safe work environment for 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 Work Ethics for an Employee To show up on time To tend to company business the whole time while at work To treat the company’s resources, equipment and products with care To give respect to the company by working with honesty and integrity
You will meet ethics in your professional life. Business Ethics & Integrity Course
What Do Professional Ethics Include?
Doing good even when no one is watching Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Professional Ethics Professional manner Personal life Respect for resources Guidelines for professional ethics
Professional Manner Professional manner includes being: on time polite respectful dependable
Professionalism Soft Skills – Professionalism (click on link)
Personal Life Separate work life from private life Avoid discussing personal problems Keep personal telephone calls to a minimum
Do Not Steal or Waste Resources Stealing is illegal unethical Do not take items such as: cash property office supplies food toiletries Wasting resources costs the company money Recycle items such as: paper products grease oil
Don’t Harass Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Human Relations Soft Skills/Transferable Skills
Work Ethic Qualities Honestly Flexibility Responsibility Reliability Teamwork Commitment and Excellence
Guidelines for Professional Ethics
Questions to Keep in Mind Is it fair? Does it uphold the values of the organization? Can I tell my decisions to my employer, my family and others? How would others regard the details if public? Am I confident in my decision? Will it be valid for years? Is it legal? Will it hurt anyone? Does it positively represent the company? Does it make anyone uncomfortable? Does it convey respect for others? Have I involved others by asking their viewpoint?
integrity Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Integrity defined Integrity means being honest and having strong moral principles. A person with integrity behaves ethically and does the right thing, even behind closed doors. Honesty to oneself and others Is the inner voice that warns us Business Ethics & Integrity Course
traits that a person with integrity shows Business Ethics & Integrity Course
1. Expresses gratitude for others Business Ethics & Integrity Course
2. Communicates honestly and openly Business Ethics & Integrity Course
3. Takes responsibility for your actions, good and bad Business Ethics & Integrity Course
4. Respects yourself and those around you, no matter where you are Business Ethics & Integrity Course
5. Helps those in need without sacrificing your own health Business Ethics & Integrity Course
6. Demonstrates reliability and trustworthiness Business Ethics & Integrity Course
7. Shows patience and flexibility, even when unexpected obstacles show up Business Ethics & Integrity Course
What is integrity at work? Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Having integrity at work means you Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Are reliable and dependable (i.e., you show up to work on time) Are trustworthy, especially with classified information and high-risk tasks Practice and encourage open communication with your colleagues and managers Are respectful, honest, and patient with your colleagues, managers, and customers Have a strong work ethic and strive to produce high-quality work consistently Are responsible for your actions, especially when you make a mistake Make sound decisions, even under high-stress situations Are equipped to provide high-quality service to your customers Business Ethics & Integrity Course
The importance of integrity at work Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Promotes better leaders Business Ethics & Integrity Course
2. Helps foster an open and positive work environment Business Ethics & Integrity Course
3. Promotes an ethical approach to decision-making Business Ethics & Integrity Course
4. Encourages diversity, equity, and inclusion Business Ethics & Integrity Course
5. Promotes strong and resilient teams Business Ethics & Integrity Course
6. Actively builds and maintains trust Business Ethics & Integrity Course
ways to foster integrity at work Business Ethics & Integrity Course
1. Respect others’ opinions Business Ethics & Integrity Course
2. Address conflict honestly and respectfully Business Ethics & Integrity Course
3. Be a role model Business Ethics & Integrity Course
4. Be ready to work Business Ethics & Integrity Course
5. Report unethical behavior Business Ethics & Integrity Course
What Is Business Ethics? Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Activity Think about your favorite or ideal job. What attracts you to the company? ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Benefits of Managing Ethics Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Case study E.F. Hutton began in 1904 and became a well-respected financial institution. By the 1980s, however, the company’s reputation was tarnished by unethical behavior. In 1980, the company was discovered kiting and money laundering. Managers were instructed to and were rewarded for “borrowing” from the accounts of the customers. Many who agreed to the practice were later brought up on charges and fired. The company made financial restitution. Evidence of money laundering resurfaced in 1987, right before the stock market crashed, and the organization was not able to survive the second scandal. Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Case Study Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Two: Review Questions Companies need to treat all of their employees ethically? True False Which is a benefit of running an ethical business? Less likely to be fined or sued Improve their community More productivity All of the above Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Two: Review Questions What unethical behavior caused the E.F. Hutton company to fail? Charity donations Check kiting Reporting accounting errors Paying fair wages Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Two: Review Questions Companies need to treat all of their employees ethically? True False Which is a benefit of running an ethical business? Less likely to be fined or sued Improve their community More productivity All of the above Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Two: Review Questions What unethical behavior caused the E.F. Hutton company to fail? Charity donations Check kiting Reporting accounting errors Paying fair wages Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Three: Implementing Ethics in the Workplace Companies need to focus on implementing uniform ethical standards and rules throughout their organizations. Employees should never have to question whether or not they are doing the right thing. If ethics are poor at the top, that behavior is copied down through the organization. Robert Noyce
Work ethics is an invisible employee behavior, noticeable by its absence. Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Benefits Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Guidelines for Managing Ethics in the Workplace Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Roles and Responsibilities Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Four: Employer/Employee Rights Employers need to remember that they are obligated to provide employees with a safe work environment that is free from harassment, and this may require what some people consider an invasion of privacy. Freedom is the right to be wrong, not the right to do wrong. John G. Diefenbaker
Privacy Policies Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Harassment Issues Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Worksheet: Harassment Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Possible answers: Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Technology Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Four: Review Questions Does personal information need to be protected and kept confidential for a company to be ethical? Yes No Ethical companies protect the rights of individuals from discrimination and harassment, regardless of what? Ethnicity Age Religion All of the above Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Four: Review Questions The use of social networks should be included in what, to protect both employee and employer? Privacy policies Employer agreement Validation report Test agreement Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Four: Review Questions Does personal information need to be protected and kept confidential for a company to be ethical? Yes No Ethical companies protect the rights of individuals from discrimination and harassment, regardless of what? Ethnicity Age Religion All of the above Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Four: Review Questions The use of social networks should be included in what, to protect both employee and employer? Privacy policies Employer agreement Validation report Test agreement Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Five: Business & Social Responsibilities Most successful businesses operate with socially responsible business practices. Being socially responsible requires companies to integrate the needs of their stakeholders into the values and operations of their organizations. Stakeholders typically include investors, customers, employees, the community and the environment. Social responsibility strives to consider all of these needs in their business practices. It is not good enough to do what the law says. We must be in the forefront of these (social responsibility) issues. Anders Dahlvig
Identifying Types of Responsibilities Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Case Study Business Ethics & Integrity Course Woolworths South Africa exemplifies social responsibility through its MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet program, which has raised over R600 million for schools, charities, and environmental organizations, showcasing financial responsibility. Legally, Woolworths adheres to B-BBEE regulations, enhancing black economic participation through equitable employment and supplier diversity. Philanthropically, the Woolworths Trust supports community projects like the EduPlant program, promoting sustainable agriculture and food security in schools, demonstrating a holistic commitment to societal well-being.
ACTIVITY Share a story about a socially responsible company you work or worked for, or discuss how social responsibility governs how you do business Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Handling Conflicting Social and Business Responsibilities Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Case Study Business Ethics & Integrity Course Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned electricity provider, exemplifies the conflict between business and social responsibilities. The company needs to generate sufficient revenue and maintain operational efficiency, which often necessitates higher electricity tariffs and load shedding. However, these measures negatively impact low-income households, small businesses, and essential services, exacerbating economic inequality and public dissatisfaction. Balancing financial stability with the provision of affordable, reliable electricity remains a significant challenge for Eskom.
Activity: Analysing Conflicting Responsibilities What are the primary reasons behind Eskom’s decision to increase electricity tariffs? How might higher electricity tariffs affect low-income households and small businesses? What alternative solutions could Eskom explore to balance its business and social responsibilities? Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Five: Review Questions Which is not an area of responsibility that must be considered in regards to social ramifications of their actions ? Legal Financial Philanthropic Internal politics What percentage of Timberland employees are involved in the Path to Service program, which helps employees be involved in community programs? 1% 10% 25% 95% Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Five: Review Questions What typically conflicts with social responsibility? Social earnings Public needs Business earnings Summary decisions Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Five: Review Questions Which is not an area of responsibility that must be considered in regards to social ramifications of their actions ? Legal Financial Philanthropic Internal politics What percentage of Timberland employees are involved in the Path to Service program, which helps employees be involved in community programs? 1% 10% 25% 95% Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Five: Review Questions What typically conflicts with social responsibility? Social earnings Public needs Business earnings Summary decisions Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Six: Ethical Decisions We should always attempt to make ethical decisions. It is possible, however, for two ethical people to make different decisions in a situation, especially in the business world. In the end, success or failure will come down to an ethical decision…. Edward O. Wilson
The Basics Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Worksheet: Ethical Approaches Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Balancing Personal and Organizational Ethics Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Common Dilemmas Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Making Ethical Decisions Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Overcoming Obstacles Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Six: Review Questions Typically there are how many ethical standards for interpreting the world? 3 5 8 10 Organizational ethics flow from where? Bottom up Top down Public domain Employee actions Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Six: Review Questions Honest accounting practices, accurate advertising, and taking responsibility for mistakes are examples of what? Common dilemmas Ethical targets Laws Rights of business What is the first step to making ethical decisions? Can the problem be ignored? Does the decision have legal ramifications? Can the issue be solved with more money? Is there a way to make money from the situation? Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Six: Review Questions Which is not a tool to be used when others are encouraging you to be unethical? Bribery Sympathy Reason Staying firm Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Six: Review Questions Typically there are how many ethical standards for interpreting the world? 3 5 8 10 Organizational ethics flow from where? Bottom up Top down Public domain Employee actions Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Six: Review Questions Honest accounting practices, accurate advertising, and taking responsibility for mistakes are examples of what? Common dilemmas Ethical targets Laws Rights of business What is the first step to making ethical decisions? Can the problem be ignored? Does the decision have legal ramifications? Can the issue be solved with more money? Is there a way to make money from the situation? Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Six: Review Questions Which is not a tool to be used when others are encouraging you to be unethical? Bribery Sympathy Reason Staying firm Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Seven: Whistle Blowing Whistle blowing is either seen as a public service or a petty act of tattle telling. Blowing the whistle is not an easy decision to make. While legally protected, whistleblowers take on serious personal risks by informing on their employers. Integrity is telling myself the truth. And honesty is telling the truth to other people. Spencer Johnson
Criteria and Risk Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Worksheet: Whistle Blowing Business Ethics & Integrity Course
ANSWERS Business Ethics & Integrity Course
The Process Business Ethics & Integrity Course
When You Should “Blow the Whistle” Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Seven: Review Questions Whistleblowers are protected under the law? True False What are the two types of whistleblowers? Legal and Illegal Social and Political Red and Green Internal and External Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Seven: Review Questions Blowing the whistle legally requires you to have ________ ________ that the violations occurred with company knowledge ? Reasonable belief Unknown knowledge Plausible deniability Monetary motivation Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Seven: Review Questions Whistleblowers are protected under the law? True False What are the two types of whistleblowers? Legal and Illegal Social and Political Red and Green Internal and External Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Seven: Review Questions Blowing the whistle legally requires you to have ________ ________ that the violations occurred with company knowledge ? Reasonable belief Unknown knowledge Plausible deniability Monetary motivation Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Eight: Managerial Ethics Managers have a responsibility to behave ethically and manage ethically. They set the example for all employees and will determine how effective ethics management can be. Ethical management provides a number of benefits, both to the company culture and financial gain of the organization. … if you want to test a man’s character give him power. Abraham Lincoln
Ethical Management Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Identifying the Characteristics Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Ensuring Ethical Behavior Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Eight: Review Questions Being an ethical manager you are responsible for what? Profit People Principles All of the above Which is not a trait that is associated with ethical management? Integrity Transparency Greed Utilitarianism Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Eight: Review Questions What are ways to help promote ethical behavior? Develop an ethics management program Develop a code of ethics Create policies and procedures that reflect the company ethics All of the above Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Eight: Review Questions Being an ethical manager you are responsible for what? Profit People Principles All of the above Which is not a trait that is associated with ethical management? Integrity Transparency Greed Utilitarianism Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Eight: Review Questions What are ways to help promote ethical behavior? Develop an ethics management program Develop a code of ethics Create policies and procedures that reflect the company ethics All of the above Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Nine: Unethical Behavior Employees will act unethically from time to time. It is important to be able to identify unethical behavior and address it. A successful manager should also be able to prevent poor behavior and intervene before the behavior escalates. An ethical person ought to do more than he’s required to do and less than he’s allowed to do. Anonymous
Recognize & Identify Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Worksheet: Unethical Behavior Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Preventing Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Addressing Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Interventions Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Nine: Review Questions It is important to address minor unethical behavior like cutting corners and abusing sick leave because it may lead to more unethical behavior in the long term? True False It is easier to deal with the aftermath of unethical behavior than it is in preventing it? True False Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Nine: Review Questions What should be done before a workplace intervention is preformed ? Call an interventionist Create an action plan Meet beforehand All of the above Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Nine: Review Questions It is important to address minor unethical behavior like cutting corners and abusing sick leave because it may lead to more unethical behavior in the long term? True False It is easier to deal with the aftermath of unethical behavior than it is in preventing it? True False Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Nine: Review Questions What should be done before a workplace intervention is preformed ? Call an interventionist Create an action plan Meet beforehand All of the above Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Ten: Ethics in Business (I) Ethics in business requires diligence and hard work. The entire organization needs to be on the same page in order for people to make ethical decisions. The ethical principles and codes that the company uses, however, should directly reflect the needs of the business. A business that makes nothing but money is a poor kind of business. Henry Ford
Organization Basics Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Addressing the Needs Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Ethical Principles Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Ten: Review Questions Business ethics begin where on the organizational chart? Middle Bottom Employee level Top Who should be surveyed to determine the needs of an organization? Employees Employees and customers Customers Politicians Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Ten: Review Questions What should an organization's ethical principles reflect? It's needs Profit margin Wages increases Production ability Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Ten: Review Questions Business ethics begin where on the organizational chart? Middle Bottom Employee level Top Who should be surveyed to determine the needs of an organization? Employees Employees and customers Customers Politicians Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Ten: Review Questions What should an organization's ethical principles reflect? It's needs Profit margin Wages increases Production ability Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Eleven: Ethics in Business (II) A successful ethics program needs safeguards and a clear code of ethics. It is necessary to evaluate and make adjustments from time to time. Becoming an ethical business is a process that takes time. Being good is good business. Anita Roddick
Ethical Safeguards Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Developing a Code of Ethics Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Performing an Internal Ethics Audit Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Upholding the Ethics Program Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Eleven: Review Questions Many government agencies demand that _______ ________ are in place before they do business with private companies? Ethical safeguards Profit safeguards Labiality safeguards Employee retentions A Code of Ethics is the foundation of an ethics program. The Code of Ethics needs to address what issues? Laws and regulations Company needs Ethical values All of the above Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Eleven: Review Questions Who is exempt from the Code of Ethics? CEO Shareholders No one Board of directors Why is it important to perform an internal ethics audit? Evaluate the design of the ethics program Evaluate the effectiveness of the ethics program Evaluate the execution of the ethics program All of the above Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Eleven: Review Questions Many government agencies demand that _______ ________ are in place before they do business with private companies? Ethical safeguards Profit safeguards Labiality safeguards Employee retentions A Code of Ethics is the foundation of an ethics program. The Code of Ethics needs to address what issues? Laws and regulations Company needs Ethical values All of the above Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Eleven: Review Questions Who is exempt from the Code of Ethics? CEO Shareholders No one Board of directors Why is it important to perform an internal ethics audit? Evaluate the design of the ethics program Evaluate the effectiveness of the ethics program Evaluate the execution of the ethics program All of the above Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Module Twelve: Wrapping Up Action indeed is the whole medium of expression for ethics. Jane Addams
Words from the Wise Business Ethics & Integrity Course
. Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." -Mandela- Business Ethics & Integrity Course
Thank you Business Ethics & Integrity Course Presenter Hector Charuma Email [email protected]