People and Organization Ethics

 

ETHICS IN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

In HRM, ethics refers to how business managers or human resource specialists assist an organization in integrating and maintaining its core principles at all levels. This is to enable them to create, maintain, and enhance relationships and trust among employees. For example, promoting responsibility is one of the factors that will stop problems from developing at work in the first place.     

                      

              Source: (Capital, 2024)

 Principles of ethical HRM:   

Ethical human resource management (HRM) involves adopting principles and practices that promote fairness, justice, and respect for individuals within an organization.  Lodhi, (2023) requires below components:           

Human Dignity:

HRM should recognize inherent worth and dignity. This principle requires treating employees as individuals and needs and ensuring their well-being is prioritized.

Equity for all:

Ethical HRM emphasizes fairness and equality. It includes fair recruitment and selection processes, equal opportunities for growth and development, and unbiased performance evaluations and promotions. HRM should strive to create a level playing field and avoid discrimination such as race, gender, age, religion, disability, or other characteristic.

Open Communication:

Ethical HRM recognizes the importance of empowering and involving them in decision-making processes. This principle promotes employee engagement, job satisfaction, and a sense of ownership. HRM should provide opportunities for employees Transparency in policies, procedures, and decision-making processes helps build trust and fosters a positive work environment. HRM should ensure that employees have access to information that affects their employment and provide opportunities for input and feedback.

Employee Empowerment:

Ethical HRM recognizes the importance of empowering and involving them in decision-making processes. This principle promotes employee engagement, job satisfaction, and a sense of ownership. HRM should provide opportunities for employees to contribute their ideas, opinions, and expertise and create a supportive culture that values their input. 

Ethical Leadership:

 HRM in fostering ethical behavior throughout the organization. Ethical leaders within HRM should serve as role models, demonstrate integrity, and promote moral values and practices. They should ensure that ethical standards and employees are encouraged to act ethically with colleagues, customers, and other stakeholders.

Privacy and Confidentiality:

HRM is responsible for safeguarding employee privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information. Ethical HRM ensures that personal employee information and access are granted only to authorized personnel. It includes adhering to relevant data protection and privacy laws.

Social Responsibility:

Ethical HRM acknowledges the broader impact of organizational decisions and actions on society. HRM should promote responsible business practices, such as environmental sustainability, ethical sourcing, and community engagement. It involves considering the social implications of HR policies.

Continuous Learning and Development:

Ethical HRM recognizes the importance of learning and development opportunities. It includes training, mentoring, and support to enhance their skills, knowledge, and capabilities. HRM should foster a learning culture and encourage professional growth for the well-being of employees and the organization

                                                                   

Source: (Freepik, 2024

Why is ethical behavior important in human resources management?

Promotes Trust and Credibility: Ethical behavior in HR builds trust and credibility with employees, management, and other stakeholders. HR professionals who do the right thing are seen as trustworthy and reliable, making engaging, keeping, and getting more out of employees easier.

Legal Liability: People who work in human resources must make sure that the company follows all employment laws and rules. Ethical behavior in HR can help avoid legal liability and reduce the risk of lawsuits, fines, and other penalties.

Supports Employee Well-Being: Ethical behavior in HR includes creating a safe and healthy work environment, supporting employee wellness and work-life balance, and providing fair compensation and benefits. These practices can help improve employee morale and well-being, increasing job satisfaction and productivity.

Promotes diversity, fairness, and inclusion: Promoting diversity, rights, and inclusion at work is part of being ethical in HR, which means creating a culture of respect and understanding, giving all employees the same chances, and making sure people with disabilities are taken care of.

Boosts the organization's reputation: Ethical human resources professionals can help a company's responsible and honest workplace reputation by helping the company get the best employees, keep customers coming back, and strengthen its brand and position in the market.

                                                                                   

                                Source: (Jaroeducation, 2024)

Conclusion

Ethical behavior in human resources management is essential for promoting trust and credibility, preventing legal liability, supporting employee well-being, fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, and enhancing organizational reputation. The human resources department ensures that they treat everyone in the company fairly and equally. By prioritizing ethical behavior in HR, organizations can create a positive work environment that supports employee engagement, retention, and productivity.

 

References

Capital, H., 2024. thehumancapitalhub.com. [Online]
Available at: https://www.thehumancapitalhub.com/articles/Ethics-And-Human-Resource-Management
[Accessed 14 04 2024].

Freepik, 2024. freepik.com. [Online]
Available at: https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/ethics
[Accessed 14 04 2024].

Jaroeducation, 2024. jaroeducation.com. [Online]
Available at: https://www.jaroeducation.com/blog/ethical-issues-in-hrm/
[Accessed 16 04 2024].

Lodhi, F., 2023. linkedin.com. [Online]
Available at: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/principles-ethical-human-resource-management-farheen-lodhi
[Accessed 14 04 2024].