A short but succinct overview of the key elements of the key elements of ethics in the workplace and the impact that bad ethics has on a work culture.

1. ETHICS IN OUR
WORKPLACE

2. Introduction to the word
Ethics
The word comes from the Greek word ‘Ethicos’ meaning character or
manners.
Today, ethics is used to describe the character of a person when associated
with a right or wrong behaviour or action.
Ethics are therefore a code of moral principles or values explaining what
is good and right and what is bad or wrong.

3. Defining Work Ethics
Therefore work ethics are :
A group of moral principles, standards of behavior, or set
of values regarding proper conduct in the workplace

4. Relationships in our Work
Environment
• Management towards guests.
• Management towards employees.
• Employee towards employer.
• Employee towards co-workers.
• Employee towards guests.

5. What happens when staff ‘abuse’
their workplace?
Higher prices.
Business failure.
Fewer jobs with cut backs.
Unpleasant working conditions – distrust.
Poor morale.

6. Examples of Business Abuse
Any illegal, unethical, irresponsible act done against
an employer or employee.
• Stealing or giving away a product.
• Stealing money.
• Giving unauthorized discounts or not recording
product movement or sales.
• Falsifying time clock or clocking someone else in
or out.

7. Examples of Business Abuse
(Continued)
.
• Vandalism
• Falsifying Records
• Breaking Confidentiality
• Ignoring Safety Rules
• Misrepresenting our products or services

8. Examples of Business Abuse
(Continued)
• Poor guest service
• Irresponsible behavior –verbally or physically.
• Using drugs or alcohol at or before work.
• Gossiping
• Harassment of co-workers or guests.

9. When a culture is in poor condition, how
do staff justify business abuse?
• Everybody does it.
• The resort won’t miss it.
• The resort overcharges anyway.
• I’m not paid enough.
• The resort doesn’t deserve my loyalty.
• I’m not happy working here.

10. How Do We as a Resort Respond to
Business Abuse?
Increased security staff presence.
More cameras deployed.
Threats of prosecution.
Culture of suspicion.

11. As Employees, What Are Our Choices?
• Ignore Business Abuse.
• Rationalise or justify it away.
• Speak up.
• Discuss to clarify issues.
• Blow the whistle.

12. If You’re Unsure - Before You
Act - ASK:
Is this legal?
Is it against company policy?
Could the action cause loss or harm to anyone?
If everyone I knew saw me doing this, would I feel
uncomfortable?
Do the right thing !