5 Ethics, Politics, and Diversity Copyright © 2016, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc FAIRNESS INTEGRITY BEHAVIOR Copyright © 2016, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc After studying these topics, you will benefit by: • Summarizing how ethics influence personal and professional behavior • Defending the importance of maintaining confidentiality • Applying ethical decision making • Deciding how to respond to unethical behavior • Classifying the various forms of workplace power and their appropriate use Copyright © 2016, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc After studying these topics, you will benefit by (cont.): Copyright © 2016, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc ETHICS DEFINED • Ethics: a moral standard of right and wrong Just as your personality is shaped by outside influences, so is your ethical makeup • Ethical behavior starts with the individual Copyright © 2016, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc TALK IT OUT What unethical behaviors students display during class? Copyright © 2016, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc TALK IT OUT Discuss recent corporate ethicsrelated scandals Copyright © 2016, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc ETHICS DEFINED • Morals: a personal standard of right and wrong • Values: important beliefs that guide an individual’s behavior • Character: the unique qualities of an individual A reflection of personal morals and values • Integrity: when someone consistently behaves in an ethical manner Copyright © 2016, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc THINK ABOUT IT How ethics, values, character, and integrity factor into your life plan? Copyright © 2016, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc VALUES, CONFLICT, and CONFIDENTIALITY • Each company has a corporate culture— the way a company’s employees behave – A company’s culture is based upon the behavior of its leaders – Corporate culture reflects an organization’s ethical behavior Copyright © 2016, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc 10 DIVERSITY BASICS • Workplace Diversity: differences among coworkers • On the outside, we may be different, but on the inside, we are all human beings • Diversity comes in many forms and goes far beyond race • We differ in age, gender, economic status, physical makeup, intelligence, religion, and sexual orientation, among other things Copyright © 2016, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc 32 TOPIC SITUATION Dianne and a different religion TOPIC RESPONSE: Is it appropriate for Dianne to ask her coworker about a cultural difference? If no, why? If yes, how should she phrase her question? Copyright © 2016, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc 33 DIVERSITY BASICS Primary messages regarding workplace diversity: No matter what our differences, treat everyone with respect and professionalism Diversity should be used as an asset that uses our differences as a way to create, innovate, and compete Workplace diversity should only be an issue when the diversity negatively affects performance Copyright © 2016, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc 34 DIVERSITY BASICS Workplace Discrimination • The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces laws that protect individuals from workplace discrimination in recruiting, hiring, wages, promotions, and unlawful termination • Laws based on Title VII of the Civil Rights Act • Protects individuals from discrimination in the areas of age (40 and older), physical and mental disabilities, gender, sexual orientation, hate crimes, pregnancy, and military service Copyright © 2016, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc 35 DIVERSITY BASICS Workplace Discrimination (cont.) • Protected class: group of individuals legally protected from workplace discrimination • Workplace discrimination: acting against someone based on race, age, gender, religion, disability, or any of the other areas we have discussed in this chapter Copyright © 2016, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc 36 DIVERSITY BASICS • Race: people with certain physical traits • Culture: the different behavior patterns of people – Understanding race and culture will assist you in recognizing how these differences influence values and behavior • Ethnocentric: when an individual believes his or her culture is superior to other cultures Copyright © 2016, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc 37 THINK ABOUT IT Look around the room and identify differences between you and your classmates Copyright © 2016, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc 38 STEREOTYPES AND PREJUDICE • Perception: one’s understanding or interpretation of reality –Individuals use past experiences to form perceptions about people and situations Copyright © 2016, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc 39 STEREOTYPES AND PREJUDICE • Stereotyping: making a generalized image of a particular group or situation – We generally apply stereotypes to similar situations and groups – Avoid applying stereotypes in a negative manner Copyright © 2016, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc 40 STEREOTYPES AND PREJUDICE • Prejudice: a favorable or unfavorable judgment or opinion toward an individual or group based on one’s perception (or understanding) of a group, individual, or situation – Typically, at work, prejudice is a negative attitude or opinion that results in discrimination Copyright © 2016, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc 41 STEREOTYPES AND PREJUDICE Workplace Discrimination • Labeling: when we describe an individual or group of individuals based on past actions – We attach positive or negative labels to groups or individuals and frequently have the groups or individuals live up or down to these standards Copyright © 2016, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc 42 TOPIC SITUATION: Gurbinder and Inappropriate Talk TOPIC RESPONSE: What are Gurbinder’s options in handling this situation? What is the best option? Why? Copyright © 2016, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc 43 STEREOTYPES AND PREJUDICE The Company’s Actions • Diversity statements: statements that remind employees that diversity in the workplace is an asset and to not engage in prejudice or stereotyping • Diversity training: designed to teach employees how to eliminate workplace discrimination and harassment Copyright © 2016, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc 44 STEREOTYPES AND PREJUDICE The Company’s Actions (cont.) • Elimination of glass ceilings and glass walls – Glass ceilings: workplace barriers that prevent women and minorities from advancing up the corporate ladder through promotions – Glass walls: workplace barriers that exclude women and minorities from certain situations Copyright © 2016, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc 45 CULTURAL DIFFERENCES • Cultural differences include, among other things, religious influences, the treatment of individuals based on age and gender, special differences, and family influences • Be respectful of everyone’s individual religious beliefs • Although we may not agree with other cultures, we have to respect cultural differences • Learning about other cultures can provide insights into new markets and stimulate creativity Copyright © 2016, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc 46 ... interest in others • Information power: the ability to obtain and share information – Information makes you valuable to others Copyright © 2016, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc 21 WORKPLACE POWER... Classifying the various forms of workplace power and their appropriate use Copyright © 2016, 2013, 2011 Pearson Education, Inc After studying these topics, you will benefit by (cont.): Copyright... appreciation • Network by meeting and developing relationships outside your immediate work area • Increase your charismatic power by focusing attention on others • Increase your expert power by practicing