Common Ethical Problems

1
Common Ethical Problems

• Chapter 3

2
How to Look at Ethical Issues

• What it is. A definition of the issue.
• Why it is an ethical problem.
• Professional costs and possible penalties for
  ethical or legal transgressions.

3
Human Resource Issues

• Discrimination
• Harassment, Sexual or Otherwise

4
Discrimination

• Occurs when something other than qualifications
  affects how an employee is treated.
• Unequal/unfair treatment
• Intentional or unintentional

5
Why is it an ethical problem?

• Its at the core of fairness in the workplace.

6
Costs

• Legal
• Title VII of Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Age Discrimination Act of 1967
• The Rehabilitation Act of 1973
• The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978
• The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
• The Uniformed Services Employment and
  Reemployment Rights Act

7
Costs

• Media Coverage
• Morale of other employees

8
Other Considerations

• Valuing diversity means treating people equally
  while incorporating their diverse ideas.
• Discrimination means treating people unequally
  because they are, or appear to be, different.

9
Sexual Harassment

• Sexual harassment unwelcome sexually oriented
  behavior that makes someone feel uncomfortable at
  work.
• Quid pro quo
• Hostile work environment

10
Why is it an Ethical Problem

• It is discrimination!

11
Costs

• EEOC suit can be filed
• Lawsuit

12
Conflicts of Interest

• Confidentiality
• Product Safety
• Truth in Advertising
• Special Fiduciary Responsibilities

13
Why is it an Ethical Problem

• Customer confidence issues revolve around
  fairness, honesty and respect for others.
  Customer relationships cannot survive without
  trust.

14

• Linda K. Trevino and Katherine A. Nelson,
  Managing Business Ethics, (Wiley, New Jersey) pp.
  66-94