The Importance of Codes of Ethics in Addressing Workplace Misconduct
Introduction
In the case of Naomi, a human resource executive at Enigma Corp., her purchase of sunglasses during office hours raises concerns about workplace misconduct. This misconduct can be categorized as a violation of company policies regarding the misuse of company resources. The National Business Ethics Survey (NBES) highlights various forms of misconduct that fall under this category, emphasizing the significance of codes of ethics in addressing such behaviors. This essay explores the misconduct engaged in by Naomi and other related forms of misconduct, while emphasizing the importance of codes of ethics in fostering a positive work environment.
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Question One (25 Marks) (Word count 200 words) Naomi, a human resource executive with Enigma Corp., bought a pair of sunglasses online during her office hours. In this scenario, discuss the kind of misconduct that Naomi engaged in and other kinds of misconduct that belong to the same category as per the National Business Ethics Survey. Discuss why it is important for companies to have codes of ethics.
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Misconduct Committed by Naomi
By purchasing sunglasses online during office hours, Naomi is engaging in an act of personal use of company resources, which can be deemed as a violation of Enigma Corp.’s policies (Answered: Word Count 200 Words) Naomi, a Human. . . | Bartleby, n.d.). This behavior demonstrates a lack of professionalism, as employees should prioritize their work responsibilities and refrain from utilizing company time and resources for personal activities.
Related Forms of Misconduct
The NBES identifies several other forms of misconduct that fall within the same category as Naomi’s actions (JOSSO 2 by Atricore, n.d.). These include unauthorized use of company equipment, engaging in personal business during work hours, and inappropriate use of company information and technology. These behaviors can undermine employee productivity, compromise company resources, and create an unfavorable work environment.
Importance of Codes of Ethics
Companies establish codes of ethics to provide guidelines for employee conduct, ensuring that individuals uphold ethical standards in the workplace. Here are three key reasons why codes of ethics are essential:
Promoting Ethical Behavior: Codes of ethics outline expected behavior and values, promoting integrity, honesty, and professionalism. They help employees understand what is acceptable and what is not, fostering a culture of ethical decision-making.
Preventing Misconduct: Codes of ethics provide clear guidelines, making employees aware of prohibited behaviors. By setting expectations, companies can mitigate instances of misconduct, minimizing the risk of legal consequences, reputational damage, and financial loss.
Creating a Positive Work Environment: A well-defined code of ethics creates a positive and inclusive work environment, fostering trust, respect, and fairness among employees. When employees adhere to ethical principles, it enhances teamwork, collaboration, and overall job satisfaction (Todd, 2023).
Conclusion
Naomi’s purchase of sunglasses during office hours highlights a form of misconduct that falls under the category of misusing company resources. However, this behavior is not an isolated incident, as the NBES identifies various related forms of misconduct. To address and prevent such behaviors, it is crucial for companies to have robust codes of ethics. These codes promote ethical behavior, prevent misconduct, and foster a positive work environment. By implementing and reinforcing codes of ethics, organizations can uphold their values, protect their reputation, and cultivate a culture of integrity and professionalism among their employees.
References
Answered: Word count 200 words) Naomi, a human. . . | bartleby. (n.d.). https://www.bartleby.com/questions-and-answers/word-count-200-words-naomi-a-human-resource-executive-with-enigma-corp.-bought-a-pair-of-sunglasses-/7d40ee76-107a-4715-b7eb-2d8ee5393951
JOSSO 2 by Atricore. (n.d.). https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/tools-and-samples/policies/pages/code-of-ethics-conduct-policy.aspx
Todd, S. (2023, April 10). Workplace Ethics: Creating a Culture of Integrity and Respect. Open Sourced Workplace. https://opensourcedworkplace.com/news/workplace/workplace-ethics-creating-a-culture-of-integrity-and-respect
