06. Aligning ethics and culture in an organization

 

Aligning ethics and culture in an organization is a difficult task that requires careful handling and planning. One key issue is the diversity of values and priorities among employees, particularly in a diverse workforce. Individual values may differ from the ethical guidelines established by the organization. To address this, open communication is essential. It promotes understanding of different points of view, highlights common basic values, and fosters a sense of oneness.

Another major concern is inconsistent leadership conduct. When executives talk about ethical ideals but act in a different way, there is a disconnect between what is said and what happens in the organization. To address this, organizations must prioritize leadership development. Leadership programs and leaders should emphasize the constant application of ethical standards.

“Being a leader involves responsibility for others,” - Professor Nien-hê Hsieh

A culture of responsibility is essential to the success of an organization, but it can be difficult to implement because of things like low manager comprehension, unclear vision, and low employee buy-in. Leaders must set a good example, offer insightful criticism, address workplace discrimination, allow employees a voice, and cultivate a genuine leadership style in order to create a culture of ethics and accountability.

Setting a good example encourages moral judgment and trust, and giving insightful comments boosts participation. Encouraging a sense of belonging and meaningful connections among diverse groups requires fighting prejudice and preconceptions in the workplace. Giving staff members a forum to express their opinions can improve morale, raise satisfaction, and lower attrition.

 This video describes the importance of aligning ethics into a good organizational culture.

Do you think that organizations effectively address the challenge of diverse values and priorities among employees?

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References

Han, E. (2023). How to Create a Culture of Ethics & Accountability in the Workplace. [online] Business Insights Blog. Available at: https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/ethics-and-accountability-in-the-workplace.

‌Martínez, C., Skeet, A.G. and Sasia, P.M. (2020). Managing organizational ethics: How ethics becomes pervasive within organizations. Business Horizons, [online] 64(1), pp.83–92. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bushor.2020.09.008.

Baumgartner, N. (2020). Build a Culture That Aligns with People’s Values. [online] Harvard Business Review. Available at: https://hbr.org/2020/04/build-a-culture-that-aligns-with-peoples-values.

Yusuf Sidani (2019). Ethical Cultures & Ethical Leadership. YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmQSCLX9kfA [Accessed 23 Jul. 2023].

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