Organizational Approaches to Managing Ethics

Organizational Approaches to Managing Ethics

Information Systems

Managing ethics in the workplace is a moral necessity as well as a practical one. Without formal management of ethics in the work environment, an organization puts itself on the path of increased risks of sorts. As time passes, and particularly in the 21st century, a great deal of attention to the management of ethics in the workplace is paid by professionals in a wide variety of industries. Whereas ethics used to be considered in the realm of philosophers, theologians, academics, and social workers, professionals in all industries see the practicality and again, necessity of the management of ethics of the workplace.

There are many benefits to ethics in the workplace that often save an organization time, money, and other valuable resources. Ethical programs in the workplace can often promote teamwork and productivity. (McNamara, 2012) Ethical management in the workplace often falls under two broad categories: the misbehavior of the management, and the variety of moral ambiguities and difficulties that staff within an organization face as part of the nature of the work. (McNamara, 2012)

An essential aspect of effective organizational management of ethics is transparency. Highly ethical organizations and organizations that manage ethics well have transparent policies regarding ethics, including penalties and behaviors that promote ethics. Such organizations maintain a clear vision and clear mission of the organization goals which are deeply intertwined or contingent upon a compulsion for fairness and ethical practices. (McNamara, 2012) Therefore, one approach to the management of organizational ethics is meticulous attention to and practice of transparency.

Another approach to the management of organizational ethics is process-based. Transforming or implementing an ethical code within an organization is not an instantaneous event; it is a process of change, integration, and assessment. Understanding this and practicing this would increase the likelihood that the ethical code or practice will stay in place and that the employees will adhere to it.

Furthermore, an effective approach to the management of organizational ethics is a networked one. This is to perceive ethics as an issue that affects each individual, department, team in the organization as well as the organization as a whole. It also means to approach the management of organizational ethics from the perspective that ethics informs all activities performed within the organization and that are related to the organization. (Paine, 1994) This approach would involve managers to understand that ethics are more than behaviors; they are attitudes and perceptions as well. The organizational culture and environment are additional factors to be considered in this approach. If the work environment is conducive to the outlined ethical codes of the organization, the ethical practices will be maintained.