Ethics Flashcards
Utilitarianism
Philosophy of consequentialism that leads to the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Mill and Bentham
Eg. Actions can be morally right even if they infringe on an individual’s rights eg. Redundancy
Ethical egoism
A consequentialist philosophy that the best action is the one that benefits oneself and maximises self-interests.
Eg. We only act altruistic if there is something in it for ourselves - a future favour so you owe me!
Deontology
The Golden Rule - treat others how you would like to be treated.
In ethical reasoning we have a duty to judge actions as right or wrong irrespective of the consequences.
Kant’s arguments form the basis of Human Rights debates UN declaration of Rights after WW2. The ‘categorical imperative’ (universal moral principles to guide human behaviour); what if everyone did this?, never use humans as a means to an end and act as if part of same moral community.
Contradictions - one person’s right to smoke versus another’s right to clean environment. Utilitarianism helps to resolve these conflicts.
Ethical relativism
When in Rome
Eg. Aziz, the TA from W Yorks who lost her discrimination ET due to wearing Niqab face covering
Example of utilitarianism
Wilcox and Lowry (2012) reading on HRM and; ethics
Considers globalism
OU reader that suggests ethics is a consideration for most if not all areas of HRM:
Ethical dilemmas, relativism, frameworks etc.
Ethical absolutism
The idea that there is only one acceptable moral principle.
Criticised for oversimplifying complex issues eg. Azmi, Matthew Furlong. True in the case of NHS bullying
Ethical pluralism
Acknowledges that ethical decisions involve balancing various demands and perspectives.
Eg. Williams, the Global HR Director for Travelex. Included in the CIPD library of readings named ‘Thought Pieces’ (2015), Williams considers the cloud as the way forward for global communications in HR; improved efficiency and shared centres but keeps grievance procedures local
Safia Boot
HR professional; ambiguities in adhering to stewardship and ethics - foreign labour and their human rights and dignity versus achievement of business objectives
CIPD professional code is conduct
1 - competence & behaviour; cpd, support in new ideas, accept responsibility, and relevance, accuracy and timeliness.
2 - Ethics and integrity; build relation trust, confidence and respect, role model, be sensitive to customs, practices, culture and beliefs, champion equal ops, diversity and inclusion, and human rights and dignity. Data protection.
3 - be a rep for the profession; uphold reputation and values, wider community, lawful and take action on illegal practices, mindful of distinction between personal and professional.
4 - Stewardship; treat others fairly and ensure others do, challenge unlawful/unethical practices, do not allow professional judgment to be compromised or create bias, work towards achieving business objectives, ensure staff are competent, supervised and supported.i
Ethics and HRM
Ethical issues at work relate to trust, integrity and conflicts of interest. Appropriate policies and procedures aim to do good to prevent harm.
Kochan (2004) HRMs have a special responsibility for the well-being of employees.
Ethical issues
Performance management - judging vs developing performance
Training and development- poor training can lead to unsafe working environment, low motivation.
Reward management- unequal distribution of wealth eg CEO pay vs zero hours contracts.
Equality and diversity- bullying, harassment.
Flexible labour- poor pay/reward, lack of cpd.
Work-life balance - pressure of long working hours, presenteeiam cultures.
Downsizing - redundancy, social exclusion, economic hardship, survivors and work intensified.
Virtue ethics, Trevino and Nelson (2007)
More concerned with the actor than the action. Relate to a person’s character. Everyone has the potential for virtue and it can be learned. Philosophers and religious thinkers include virtues: Honesty Generosity Courage Selflessness Compassion Empathy Self-control Justice Trustworthiness Prudence Integrity Constancy - don’t agree with that! If you can learn to be virtuous maybe you weren’t before!
HRMs may be faced with conflicting dilemmas of honesty and loyalty.
Theory of Justice, Rawls (1971)
Rawls challenges us to imagine everyone wears a hypothetical ‘veil of ignorance’ over their race, class, gender, intelligence or physical ability. This is the ‘original position‘ before any preconceived ideas. We would be forced to be impartial and fair. Justice means everyone having equal rights and a fair distributive service.
Distributive justice, Rawls (1971) and Sen (2009)
Relates to the fair distribution of resources
Procedural justice, Margolis et al. (2007)
The processes used to come to a decision and whether these are fair. Can be operationalised through employee voice, justifiable explanations and compassionate interpersonal treatment.
Particularly applicable to HRM eg. Fair recruitment and selection, performance management and termination.