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Ethics in Human Resources

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Ethics in Human Resources
Ethics in Human Resources

Jerrod Drummond

MT3250—Org Behavior

National American University

Abstract
This paper examines how a strong ethics policy promoted by the human resources (HR) department affects an organization. The HR department sets the tone for organizational behavior in a company. The responsibilities, expectations, and benefits of implementing an ethics program are covered. The HR department is relied on to maintain the ethical reputation of an organization by promoting ethical behavior. It is responsibility of HR to educate management and monitor their behaviors. This paper explains how HR professionals can engage in operational activities to further an ethical agenda. In addition, the HR department must protect the organization from breaking various laws and regulations with the use of unethical behavior. Ethical decisions can be easily made by following established policies. However, some issues may not be covered and become gray areas. An HR professional must also look for unethical behaviors that are not covered by laws, regulations, or policies. Finally, there are financial benefits that can be realized by maintaining an ethically sound organization.

Ethics in Human Resources

Introduction Human resource professionals face ethical decisions on a daily basis. Many times, these involve employee issues that conflict with company policies and procedures. In addition, management may desire to break company rules or government laws to achieve an organizational objective. The human resource (HR) department is the ethical conscience of an organization and must consider applicable laws and organizational standards, without personal bias, to reach ethical conclusions. The HR department sets the tone of this important aspect of organizational behavior. It is the responsibility of HR professionals to not only make ethical decision, but to



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