Some Modern Theories on Workplace Ethics

Workplace ethics constantly concern employees and supervisors.

While workplace ethics have always been important, recent developments, particularly in technology, constantly raise new issues regarding what is right and wrong, what is in between and why. Theorists apply old theories to new issues in an attempt to consider ethical dilemmas.

Types

Workplace ethics cover many types of quandaries. Big picture issues such as pursuing profits at the expense of the environment or at the expense of worker well-being represent one type. Smaller, but important, issues include employees being asked to "spy" online or exaggerate product qualities. Employees may be tempted to fudge expense reports so that the company reimburses alcoholic beverages or personal expenses.

Theories

One theory used to address workplace ethics is the rights of justice theory based on ideas from Emmanuel Kant and John Rawls. This theory considers individuals and the effects of individuals in corporate decisions. A second theory is the utilitarian theory, or placing the good of the society -- or company -- ahead of individual needs.

Application

Entire courses and books apply these and other ethics theories to modern ethical issues in the workplace. One issue is the use of inexpensive Chinese labor to produce cheap products for the U.S. consumer, while taking jobs from the U.S. Another is how companies are helped to defraud customers, and who should be held responsible for assisting the victims -- if anyone is.

References

• DePaul University: Ethical Business Behavior Syllabus
• Bloomberg Business Week: Workplace Ethics: The High Cost of Compromise

Resources

• Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Ethics