Human resource management is defined as “a system of activities and strategies that focus on successfully managing employees at all levels of an organization to achieve organizational goals” (Byars & Rue, 2006). Ethics are those values, which has been embedded within an individual on reinforced externally that help him to distinguish between right and Wong and to act accordingly. There can be several courses of ethics like religion, organizational culture, legal obligations (Byars & Rue, 2006).
Ethics in human resource management indicates the treatment of employees with decency and distributive justice. The ethical business contributes to the business goals as the employees will fell motivated and they will work effectively (Becker, 2010). Ethics in HRM basically deals with the affirmative moral obligations of the employee towards maintain equality and justice (Becker, 2010). Ethics are generally applied in areas such as basic human rights, safety in workplace, privacy, respect, etc.
The role of human resource management in promoting ethics are vital. By providing a short-term training to the HR organization on how to conduct their work by adhering to ethical code of conduct, will improve the employee productivity, employee morale, less supervision (Hwang & Wang, 2013). Further, ethical code of conduct plays important roles in performance appraisals, reward and disciplinary systems, two-way communication and giving opportunities for employee’s for promotion (Byars & Rue, 2006).
Unethical practices could happen from both employee and employer (Becker, 2010). False claims of personal information like, qualifications, producing false certificates, taking decision based on personal convenience are some of the unethical behaviors from employee’s perspective (Becker, 2010). On the other hand, biased view in selection, transfer or promotional decisions, child labor, physical violence, inflexible work hours, putting incessant pressure are some of the unethical behaviors/practices from employers’ point of view (Becker, 2010).
Human resource managers in organizations are ethically responsible for promoting and enhancing the fairness and justice for all employees, in their organization (Becker, 2010). Justice and fairness can be promoted by considering the followings such as, realizing the intrinsic values of employees, treating people with dignity, respect and compassion to convert the work environment free of harassments, providing equal opportunities to employees to develop their skills and fostering the feeling of ownership.
References
Becker, W. S., 2010. Ethics in Human Resources: An Exercise Involving New Employees. Journal of Human Resources Education, 4(4).
Byars, L. & Rue, L., 2006. Human Resource Management (eighth ed.). 8 ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
Hwang, K. P. & Wang, M.-K., 2013. The impact of ethical issues on privatization: Employee perceptions of HRM systems, job satisfaction and organizational loyalty in the Taiwan telecommunications industry.. African Journal of Business Management, 7(6), pp. 381-400.
