Module-1 Ethics Programme: Ethics Training

 

Ethical workplace behaviour is necessary for fostering a trustworthy working environment with a high sense of morale, mutual respect and trust. Ethical workplace and compliance training can go a long way in creating a nurturing work environment leading to increase in productivity and profitability. In India, where the lines between ethical and unethical behaviour are often blurred, customized workplace ethics training can be a boon for both public and private enterprises.

Ethicstraining for employees and supervisors can have a  significant positive impact on employee behavior. The combination of both formal and informal means to undertake ethics training has superior impact on ethical decision-making in the Indian IT industry as compared to the use of any one of them in isolation.

Ethics training forpublic officials is one of the instruments for building integrity in state institutions and ensuring good quality public governance. The UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) requires that the State Parties "promote education and training programmes to enable them [public officials] to meet the requirements for the correct, honourable and proper performance of public functions and that provide them with specialized and appropriate training to enhance their awareness of the risks of corruption inherent in the performance of their functions." Training on integrity, ethics and anti-corruption is provided in many countries around the world, including countries with relatively high levels of integrity in public administration as well as countries where corruption is widespread. However, there are not enough data and research on good practices in this area. Designing and delivering ethics training is a long term investment; it can be expensive, especially when it targets thousands of civil servants. It is also a high risk investment, as training alone will not be able to increase integrity

Characteristic of ethical behavior:

·         Consistently acting with good values

·         Demonstrating respect through dignity, diversity, and equality

·         Guiding your actions with principles of confidentiality, honesty, and transparency in business and in conduct toward others


The primary causes of unethical workplace behavior:


·         Pressure to meet unrealistic goals and deadlines

·         Increase in market competition

·         Economic greed

·         Pressure to earn profits from Stakeholders

·         Lack of management support

·         Poor leadership


 

Our decisions have long-lasting effects.  Accepting gifts from a vendor or dating an employee who reports to you may seem innocent, but ethically they represent conflicts of interest.

Take a look at the following examples of unethical behavior:

·         Time theft: Violating the organization’s internet, computer, or social media usage policy; conducting personal business on company time.

·         Dishonesty: Gossiping; spreading rumors; using false advertising to lure in potential customers.

·         Attendance: Chronic tardiness; absenteeism.

·         Abusive conduct: Abusive behavior; bullying; coercion; threatening an employee for complaining about working conditions.

·         Denial: Ignoring safety mandates; ignoring a potentially harmful problem at work; withholding information.

The organization’s management and policies should guide employee actions to ensure employees at all levels are educated on what is expected of them while representing the company.  This is where a professional ethics training program can help. Ethical Workplace Training will include areas of  compliance, integrity and fairness, diversity and respect, information security, handling conflicts of interest, health and safety, alcohol & drug abuse, sexual harassment, political activities, workplace violence, bribery and kickbacks, anti- competitive conduct and dealing with ethical violations.


Training may present examples of both ethical dilemmas in the workplace and also ways that employees can approach them.

Benefits of Employee Ethics Training:


·         Provide guidance to new employees

·         Avoid costly mistakes

·         Invest in your employees’ professional development

·         Create a professional environment

·         Customizable group activities (discussion scenarios, interactive quizzes, test)

 

 

Outcome Expected

 

·         Respect the privacy of co-workers

·         Control access to sensitive information

·         Follow company policies and codes of conduct

·         Fulfill your obligations

·         Keep accurate records

·         Avoid excuses

·         Report problems & complaints immediately

·         Treat everyone with courtesy and respect

 

Ethical Training Programmes at different Levels of the firm

At a high level, the course presents and, furthermore, reinforces these concepts:

  • Maintaining a respectful workplace
  • Protecting the resources and information of the company, clients and also fellow employees
  • Avoiding conflicts of interest
  • Managing business finances honestly and fairly
  • Following all laws and regulations governing the organization

As this ethical training for employees progresses, it also uses scenarios to play out different ethical challenges that include:

  • Conflicts of interest
  • Financial reporting
  • Fair competition practices
  • Insider trading
  • Giving and receiving gifts
  • Engaging in political activities

Failing to understand these wide-ranging topics can have both serious business and also legal implications. Whether you are looking to build a new business ethicstraining program, strengthen an existing program, or you’re up against an audit, undergoing ethical training  may be right. This may provide guidelines to prepare users to follow their organization’s Code of Business Conduct.


Ethical Decision Making Model to help you and your employees navigate ethical dilemmas.

Learning Objectives for Managers/Supervisors:

 

·         Define ethics in the workplace

·         Identify why an organization need ethics training

·         Evaluate common workplace ethics codes of conduct

·         Weigh social responsibility factors that influence business ethics

·         Compare examples of ethical & unethical actions

·         Review reporting procedures & determine when to report

·         Analyze the characteristics of an ethical organization

·         Evaluate the causes of ethical dilemmas

·         Establish ethical best practices for management

 

Benefits of Supervisor Ethics Training:

 

·         Maintain quality and productivity

·         Ensure best use of resources

·         Positively impact your organization’s public image

·         Invest in your management team’s professional development

·         Protect sensitive information

·         Create a professional evironment

·         Customizable group activities (discussion scenarios, interactive quizzes, test)

 

Learning Objectives for Employees :

 

·         Define ethics in the workplace

·         Compare examples of ethical & unethical actions

·         Review reporting procedures & determine when to report

·         Evaluate the causes of ethical dilemmas

·         Establish ethical best practices for employees


The following gives you an introduction to different types of institutions that cater to Ethics Training for specific category of professionals, though the list is not exhaustive.


SL NO

Link

Target Sector

1

http://iced.cag.gov.in/?page_id=2268

Environment & sustainable development

2

https://www.ethicsindia.com/About-Us

The Board of Directors

3

https://acaindia.net/ethics-compliance-training/

Recognizing that corruption is a most significant roadblock in the improved governance, development and progress of our country, the Anti-Corruption Academy ACA of India aims to become the beacon that will guide the country and its citizens towards a culture and practice of integrity and accountability

4

https://www.sgsgroup.in/en-gb/training-services/industry-based-training/life-sciences-training/pharmaceuticals/certificate-course-for-ethics-committee-members

To ensure the protection of the rights, safety and wellbeing of human subjects involved in clinical trials, the Institutional Review board or ethics committee requires informed medical, scientific, and non-scientific members. This course is an intensive program for those who want to play an active role as ethics committee members in India.

5

https://www.bechtel.com/about-us/ethics-compliance/program/

Specific to the organization like Betchel is carrying out its Ethics & compliance programme

 

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