Businesses function based on multiple foundations and codes. People running companies and establishments observe these practices to make a name for themselves in the industry. It helps ensure that they fortify their standing against the competition and keep the employees loyal as well as motivated to work for them. That outlines how these etiquettes and manners are vital for the success of any business. However, some people like to think otherwise.
A strong forte of any business is trust and understanding, and that requires the employees to invest themselves. It demands that they share their details and information with the company to mark the beginning of this relationship. Though thatisn’t a primary reason for enlisting all this, it still is one of the motives. It’s because any company that hires you is going to start showcasing the same attitude towards you. That means that you will be managing a lot of sensitive information that can jeopardize the company’s image and future if fallen into the wrong hands. It is why an employee and employer’s relationship is strongly reliant on trust, and faltering in this area can prove to be consequential for everyone.
No one would have assumed businesses to expand and prosper as they have over the past couple of decades. It is now a leading line of profession and provides jobs for millions of people. But operating on this scale also has its complexities that you can’t ignore unless you are not thinking about the prospect of your company. Several segments and fields make an establishment operate smoothly and ensure its bright future. And dealing with them, you are likely to come across some difficult choices which lead to attractive possibilities. However, entertaining those options require you to violate the ethical code of working that can damage your company significantly.
The ethical bindings and morality in businesses exist to avoid any of these incidences from occurring. But unfortunately, the real-life examples of ethical dilemmas are often appalling to examine. Several sensitive cases brought to the attention of people running a business might put the career of hundreds of individuals at stake. And because the perpetrators are on either side of the picture, it becomes difficult to point fingers and come up with strategies to overcome these practices. That raises the pressing question of how to minimize this threat and secure the interests of employees and employers.
Companies have started to use the help of extensive paperwork and contracts as a necessary measure to limit these activities. The terms in these restrict people from acting without thinking about the company and its employees. And because they apply equally to everyone, they help promote a sense of security while working for the same organization. This step helps to limit the ethical violations that people suffer from in the workplace. However, it still doesn’t assure that you are 100% safe at your job. That is why you should be aware of some of the common ethical violations that you might commit or become a victim. These are some highlighted areas that you need to look out for trying to avoid such a scenario.
1. HARASSMENT & DISCRIMINATION
Racial and gender discrimination has corrupted workplaces for a long time. People often experience a disparity in treatment based on color and sex. That poses a problem for employees to function efficiently and affects their progress. Also, it narrows the opportunity for growth and might make your employees a victim of harassment by their colleagues. Recent attempts to raise these concerns publically has led to shatter the glass ceiling and improve work standards for people. But it is one of the most shared ethical issues faced by any business. But it is one of the most shared ethical issues faced by any business so to protect employees from such behavior you must consider providing them workplace sexual harassment training.
2. EMPLOYEE HEALTH & SAFETY
Some companies offer mediocre work environments or have employees that taint it with their negative personalities. That causes distress to the rest of the team and makes it difficult for them to perform. Also, some industries have work capacities that require elaborate security measures. And failing to meet them is also a cause of concern. It counts as an unethical practice and can develop into a bigger problem if not addressed in time.
3. UNETHICAL ACCOUNTING PRACTICES
Manipulating statement figures and falsifying records is a crime. Yet many presented cases still highlights how people try to get away with it by aiming for loopholes in the system. It might work out momentarily for the business, but you can’t expect to build your reputation in the industry with these rumors attached to your name. That is why you need to keep yourself away from unethical accounting practices and point out if you notice an anomaly in this area.
4. SOCIAL MEDIA & WHISTLEBLOWING
Social media has been the most powerful resource to voice opinions and promote free-speech practices. However, some people use it to share the difficulties of work and how professional life at a company is affecting their health. They even disclose some sensitive information or delicate practices while sharing this anecdote. However convenient that sounds, it stands in violation of the companies interests. Besides, it doesn’t help to tell the world that you have a problem if you don’t discuss it with the person who can help solve it. That is why you should think twice before posting anything related to work or your profession.
5. TECHNOLOGY, SECURITY, & PRIVACY
The latest security measures and technology help keep a lot of problems at bay, but it is also one of the causes of a breach in security. Companies keep a strict check on employee activity and internet traffic on official devices. And the surveillance keeps track of their physical presence. Where it might be crucial for the company, it can also be a cause for alarm for the employees. Having access to these resources poses an opportunity to misuse them and can even lead to cases of blackmailing. It’s another ethical concern that business faces while trying to prosper.
SUMMARY
These are some of the general ethical issues that you can face in business that can become a cause of distress for you. Try to be conscious of your surroundings and make sure that you are well-informed about the people with whom you are working. Raise any concern related to an ethical violation with the relevant departments and make sure that you avoid getting involved unless you have to.
