Normative values and ethics

Question 1

The Value problem in Work & Organizational Psychology

Answer 1

• Münsterberg 1912
• Von Rosenstiel 2004
• Marx

Question 2

Münsterberg (1912)

Answer 2

W&O psychologists NEED TO BE VALUE FREE; others need to determine goals

Question 3

Von Rosenstiel (2004)

Answer 3

they need to MAKE NORMATIVE STATEMENTS and help to change W&O
-> they need a validated theory
-> have to take sides, determine work related goals to evaluate actions
-> determine existing situation
-> change the existing situation
-> accumulate knowledge about change process
-> evaluate their interventions

Question 4

Marx

Answer 4

Workers needs
vs.
capital interest (shareholder value)
-> intensify work and stabilize structure (Volpert 1937)

Question 5

W/O psychologists behaviour

Answer 5

Historically:
- take workers side
Today:
- lost their humanitarian view in favor of capital (f.e. working as consultants)

Naive view: on the long run, capitals interest can only be maxed if workers needs are met

Question 6

Managing ethics and social responsibility

Answer 6

• whistleblowers
• corporate social responsibility

Question 7

Corporate Social Responsibility

Answer 7

Obstructionist strategy
- organization will fight any social demands
Defensive strategy
- organization will do the minimum legally required
Accomodative strategy
- organization will do the minimum ethically required
Proactive strategy
- organization will take the lead in social initiatives