Unethical practices in work place
Unethical Practices in Work Place
Unethical work practices affect the work process and the organization negatively. If unethical practices continue without being addressed they will create conflicts in the workplace. Improper ethics in your organization will have a negative effect on employee motivation. But affect of workplace conflicts will be the kiss of death to workplace motivation. Conflicts could lead to stress. High levels of stress can also lead to unethical actions and conflicts.
Leaders with poor ethical behavior in the workplace will have difficulties solving problems and achieving results. The ability to develop employees with high levels of production will not be possible. Employees simply will not listen to the manager.
The list below gives you seven examples of unethical practices by employees and leaders.
- Irregularity and lack of punctuality
- Rude and impolite behavior
- Inadequate knowledge and skill
- Wastage of resources
- Disregard of rules and procedures
- Disrespect for the job
- Disloyalty to the organization
1. Irregularity and Lack of Punctuality
Irregularity and lack of punctuality are problems which you will encounter frequently in any work situation. Some people frequently absent themselves from work for valid or invalid reasons. Others like to come late and leave early, as a matter of habit or right. Some workers are never found at their seats during working hours. You may have witnessed the inconvenience caused to the public wanting to pay their bills when counter clerks are either late or not found at their seats in banks, post, and telephone and electricity offices. Irresponsible behavior of such people spoils the discipline of the work environments, sets bad examples, causes inconvenience to the public and lowers the image of the organization.
2. Rude and Impolite Behavior
How would you react when the clerk at a post office does not listen to your request carefully, telling that he is busy, and asks you to come later? Would you like to associate with a colleague in your office, who refuse to do his part of the work, talks rudely, misbehaves with ladies and junior colleagues and is always in an aggressive mood? Rude and impolite behavior of staff can be quite disturbing and embarrassing for an organization.
3. Inadequate Knowledge and Skill
Many people pose of having special skills and knowledge to impress others and enhance their job prospects. Suppose you have access to a computer but do not know how to operate, yet, you insist of operating it, who would be responsible if it gets spoilt or damaged. Many persons claim doctors and treat patients for illnesses that they know nothing about. As a result they spoil the case. Many times people claim to be electricians without any knowledge of electricity or machines and cause heavy losses to the machine and public. Knowing the job is very important. One should not only be skilled but also ready to learn more and update ones knowledge and skills from time to time.
4. Wastage of Resource
Lights and fans running in offices without anybody using them are a common sight in many offices. Items of office stationary being misused and thrown around are also a common sight. Misuse of office telephones and vehicles for personal work is a common occurrence. You may have noticed that people do not close taps after drinking water and leave them running. Such habits cause tremendous wastage of resources for any organization.
5. Disregard of Rules and Procedures
In many work situations one finds that the rules and procedures laid for maintaining discipline, good employer-employee relationship and team spirit are disregarded. This is usually observed when promotions are given out of turn, or the management shows favoritism or when lower level employees and daily wagers are not given their due. In some work places you may find that people are discriminated against because of their caste, sex or physical handicap. In many cases women and children are paid less than men for the same job. Employing children in hazardous industries like manufacture of crackers, chalks, etc., despite strict government regulations against it is also unethical.
6. Disrespect for the Job
Have you come across anyone who feels ashamed about the job he is doing? You must have wondered why he feels ashamed.
In our society it is common practice to consider some jobs respectful and others disrespectful; some jobs high and others low and cheap. As a result, many people, despite enjoying their work, do not feel proud to tell others about it for fear of being looked down upon. For example, a man selling drinking water on the road side is a lowly job. In fact, everybody, including him, should be proud that he is supplying one of the most essential items for life to the thirsty and tired passerby. He should respect his job and strive to supply clean and fresh drinking water.
7. Disloyalty to the Organization
Some staff members indulge in activities that are harmful for the success of the organization they are working in. For instance, a chemical engineer may quietly sell-off the secret formula of a new product to a rival company for some quick extra money. A corrupt union leader may call for a strike of a mill workers thereby stopping production at the mill leading to heavy losses. Taking bribes to grant special favors to certain companies and people at the cost of one's own organization is a common occurrence today. Cheating one's employees and working for someone else in the employment of another are other examples of disloyalty.