Perhaps the most critical aspect of business ethics for you as a human resources
professional is the degree of integrity that you bring to your relationships
with employees. Any questionable conduct on your part will not only set a poor
example, but will cost you respect. Here are some of the potential problem areas
in conducting ethical human resources practices:
For a Limited Time receive a
FREE HR Report "Top 10 Best Practices in HR Management." This comprehensive special report will give you the information you need to know about these current HR challenges and how to most effectively manage them in your workplace.
Download NowHiring and compensation. Always choose the best candidate as objectively
as possible and decide raise percentages as carefully and fairly as possible
within established procedures. It is important to avoid any appearance of favoritism
or discrimination.
Discipline and discharge. Discipline must be applied progressively
and consistently. Never apply discipline to one employee but not another in
similar circumstances. Document every step you take before discharging an employee.
Training and development. Make sure opportunities for training and
advancement are made available to all who desire and deserve them, not just
a favored few.
Performance evaluations, promotions, and raises. Avoid problems by
making sure employees understand the performance evaluation process and then
apply it precisely and fairly. Thoroughly document all evidence used to reach
and support promotion and merit-raise decisions. Never let your personal feelings
color the way certain employees are rated.
Favoritism and personal relationships. Hiring a family member, promoting
someone perceived to be a personal friend, or dating an employee are all situations
that put you at risk of charges of special treatment-or worse.
Employee privacy. Compensation and raise information, use of leave
time and Employee Assistance Programs, and discipline actions are all types
of information to which you are privy. You must keep these in the strictest
confidence-no matter what the situation or temptation to tell.
Discrimination. Every employee must be treated with respect and dignity
in the workplace. Race, color, sex, religion, national origin, physical condition,
or appearance-none of these can affect your hiring or employee decisions.
- From BLR's Effective Supervisor Training Repros