Barry Melek Electric Train Sets

Tyco Train Sets

Ethics: An Inherent Element of an Effective HR Program

Over my 34 year HR career, I have witnessed a deterioration of ethics in the general public's behavior and in business practices. WorldCom, Enron, Tyco, Adelphia, Global Crossing, Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities, etc., are recent reminders of how far some executive management teams and their "friendly" Boards are willing to go to achieve personal and business objectives that are not in the long-term interest of the organization. Consequently, it should come as no surprise that many HR professionals have fallen victim to this trend.

An effective HR function serves as the steward of organizational culture.  As HR professionals we should provide a touchstone for our organizations and nurture a high ethical and compliant culture.  Ethics and an effective HR program are inseparable.  Inherent in any effective HR Program is a foundation of trust, credibility, objectivity and impartiality. 

Without these elements, HR is often labeled as an extension of management and viewed by employees as a biased arbiter who causes employees to avoid raising issues within the company or to seek resolution outside of the company.

According to the National Business Ethics Survey , the longest study of ethics and compliance in the workplace, just 55% of employees who observed misconduct at work in 2005, reported it.  This is a 10% decrease since 2003!

Other key findings of this national survey were:

•Formal ethics and compliance programs are on the rise, but positive outcomes expected of those programs are not

•Ethics and compliance programs do have an impact, but organizational culture is more influential in determining outcomes

Throughout my career, as HR professionals we have generally worked to gain credibility and respect as a leveraging business function and equal "player" to the other "C" Level positions in our organizations.  We have seen our efforts rewarded as more and more of us earned a "seat at the table."

Unfortunately, for many of us, that seat became more akin to a massage chair that seduced us into complicity and slowly undermined our integrity and reputation, which hampered our ability to effectively act as our organizations' culture and ethical stewards, and internal arbiters.  Over the years, our function has evolved from a "necessary expense," to a valuable internal business partner; to what I now see all too often as a co-conspirator or passive observer.  

Our greatest triumph of earning that seat at the table has, in many cases, beguiled us with the well paying jobs, corner offices, stock options and grants, and all of the other trappings and perquisites available to other valued colleagues.  These perks are now often viewed by many HR professionals as rewards far too valuable to risk by "bucking the system."  So, at best, we "work around the edges" in a more passive attempt to remain true to our former selves; or at worst, we become complicit in supporting or initiating the unethical behavior often observed in our organizations.

Before one begins to believe that I am anti-capitalism, management or HR, let me set the record straight.  I love this profession and have practiced it for over 30 years. I am more an optimist than a pessimist, and believe people are basically good and hard-working. I remember and see the fantastic possibilities that accrue when our business and HR functions operate in the long-term interest of the organization, instead of the short-term interest of individuals in the organization. It is because of my devotion to my craft that I am writing this article.

A 2008 national survey  conducted by Clemson University found that CEO's viewed the top ethical concerns in the general business community as:

1.Improper accounting practices
2.Lying on reports/falsifying records and conflicts of interest
3.Exorbitant executive compensation
4.Dishonesty with customers
5.Misleading the public or the media
All of these behaviors can be influenced by an effective HR function.

It has been my experience that unless management is highly trained and employee communications are nearly transparent; HR professionals usually find when we look out for the long-term interest of the organization, that half the time, the resolution of ethical dilemmas or misconduct is managements' cross to bare while the other half of the time the employee is at fault. 

This is as it should be and if we want to have an effective HR program, we have to call it, like we see it.  We have to put the interest of the organization before our personal interest.  To act contrary to this, will serve to undermine the organization's culture and ethical standards, and the reputation and effectiveness of our HR function.

Key Causes of Unethical Behavior

As an HR professional, be on the lookout for organizational cultures that includes most of these behaviors:

•Sets unrealistic deadlines and pressures staff to achieve them
• Values or tolerates a high Machiavellian approach
•Sets unrealistic financial or business objectives
•Weak control over how financial or business objectives are achieved
•Money and perquisites are highly valued
•"Yes Man" culture, especially among "C" Level executives
•Teamwork isn't valued

These behaviors and others create an environment that can cause good people to do bad things. 

How to Promote Ethical Behavior

As the cultural and ethical stewards in our organization, we as HR professionals should:

•Have and behave with a strong moral compass
•Have the courage to call it like we see it
•Be a visible role model
•Provide ethical training
•Communicate ethical expectations
•Hold the organization accountable by visibly rewarding or punishing unethical acts
•Periodically assess employees' and other stakeholders' opinions regarding the organizations ethical performance
•Develop, utilize and evaluate ethical performance standards

As HR professionals let's enjoy the hard fought status and recognition we have earned over the past decade, but without the fear of losing it all if we do the right thing; championing high ethical standards, fair and impartial adjudication of disputes, and holding the CEO accountable for the ethical and moral leadership of our organizations.  By doing this, we will continue to enhance the reputation of our profession, serve the long-term interest of our organizations, and promote an ethical business community and general public.

 

About the Author

We are Master Human Resources Consultants, Change Agents & Visionaries and authors with over 20 years experience. We provide custom HR Solutions For CEO's, Senior HR executives and Supplier Diversity Professionals.

If your company is experiencing higher costs, missed deadlines from reduced productivity, reduced service quality and you find that you're not in compliance with current labor laws, your company can be fined, sued, experience unsuccessful initiatives and interventions and finish up with a damaged reputation.

You may also find it necessary to outsource services that you don't want to perform in-house, address a peak load period that's temporary or simply acquire HR expertise that's not readily available in-house.

An Advertisement for Hornby Model Train Sets $49.99 An Advertisement for Hornby Model Train Sets - Giclee Print

Tyco Electronics Tyco (E963860) Touchscreen Monitor $26.21 Tyco Electronics Tyco (E963860) Touchscreen Monitor

John Bull, Train Sets Hobbies Magazine, UK, 1950 $19.99 John Bull, Train Sets Hobbies Magazine, UK, 1950 - Premium Poster

Boys Club Evening Activities, Train Sets, February 1932 $24.99 Boys Club Evening Activities, Train Sets, February 1932 - Photographic Print

Tyco Electronics 1525L (Screen) $29.99 Tyco Electronics 1525L (Screen)

Tyco Electronics 1529L (Screen) $29.99 Tyco Electronics 1529L (Screen)

Tyco Electronics 1915L Screen $29.99 Tyco Electronics 1915L Screen

John Bull, Trains Train Sets Trees Hobbies Magazine, UK, 1950 $19.99 John Bull, Trains Train Sets Trees Hobbies Magazine, UK, 1950 - Premium Poster

Lionel Corporation Employee Testing New Model Train Sets $79.99 Lionel Corporation Employee Testing New Model Train Sets - Premium Photographic Print

Dinosaur Train Paulie With Train Collectible $8.29 *Train car matches the dinosaur! *Figure fits securely inside the train car *Works with all dinosaur train sets and figures *Train Car measures approximately 4.5 inches long *Brand new Dinosaur Train is an American animated series created by Craig Bartlett and produced by The Jim Henson Company for PBS Kids. The series features a curious young T. rex named Buddy who, together with his adopted Pteranodon family, takes the Dinosaur Train to meet, explore, and have adventures with all kinds of dinosaurs.

Dinosaur Train Tank Collectible Figure & Train Car $6.99 *Train car matches the dinosaur! *Figure fits securely inside the train car *Works with all dinosaur train sets and figures *Figure 3 Inch & Train Car 4.5 Inch *Brand new Type: Novelties & Gifts

Dinosaur Train Ned Collectible Figure & Train Car $6.99 *Train car matches the dinosaur! *Figure fits securely inside the train car *Works with all dinosaur train sets and figures *Figure 3 Inch & Train Car 4.5 Inch *Brand new Type: Novelties & Gifts

Dinosaur Train Conductor Collectible Figure & Train Car $6.99 *Train car matches the dinosaur! *Figure fits securely inside the train car *Works with all dinosaur train sets and figures *Figure 3 Inch & Train Car 4.5 Inch *Brand new Type: Novelties & Gifts

Dinosaur Train Tiny Collectible Figure & Train Car $6.99 *Train car matches the dinosaur! *Figure fits securely inside the train car *Works with all dinosaur train sets and figures *Figure 3 Inch & Train Car 4.5 Inch *Brand new Type: Novelties & Gifts

Dinosaur Train Morris Collectible Figure & Train Car $6.99 *Train car matches the dinosaur! *Figure fits securely inside the train car *Works with all dinosaur train sets and figures *Figure 3 Inch & Train Car 4.5 Inch *Brand new Type: Novelties & Gifts

Tyco / 12V 20/30A RELAY / BR-1000 $17.43 Tyco - 12V 20/30A RELAY - BR-1000

Tyco Electronics Power cable E042259 $22.96 Tyco Electronics Power cable E042259

The Runaway Train $14.81 A picture book with detailed, bird's-eye-view illustrations and a simple, repetitive, and rhythmic text. When the little red train sets off, Duffy Driver has a hectic day ahead--trying to catch up with the train, with the help of a lorry, a motor boat, a tractor, and a helicopter.

Train $10 Train

This Train $14.29 This Train

The Train $8.99 The Train

All 4 Wooden Train Track Sets compatible with Thomas the Tank Engine $14.99 Get all four track sets at a discounted value. Included in this listing is the 6" straight 6" curved 3.5" straight and 3.5" curved. A great value and a great way to really add some life and possibilities to your train set.

Dinosaur Train Buddy With Train Car Collectible Figure $7.99 Train car matches the dinosaur!,Figure fits securely inside the train car,Works with all dinosaur train sets and figures,Figure 3 Inch & Train Car 4.5 Inch,Brand new Type: Action Figures Gender: Unisex Age: Adult

Terror Train $6.26 Rated: NRSynopsis: Synopsis: A fraternity masquerade party aboard a chartered train turns deadly when a psychotic classmate sets out for murderous revenge.Bonus Features: Specifications: Box Office:

Dinosaur Train Mr Brachisaurus With Train Car Collectible $8.29 *Train car matches the dinosaur! *Figure fits securely inside the train car *Works with all dinosaur train sets and figures *Train Car measures approximately 4.5 inches long *Brand new Dinosaur Train is an American animated series created by Craig Bartlett and produced by The Jim Henson Company for PBS Kids. The series features a curious young T. rex named Buddy who, together with his adopted Pteranodon family, takes the Dinosaur Train to meet, explore, and have adventures with all kinds of dinosaurs.

Dinosaur Train Ella Brachiosaurus With Train Car Collectible $8.29 *Train car matches the dinosaur! *Figure fits securely inside the train car *Works with all dinosaur train sets and figures *Train Car measures approximately 4.5 inches long *Brand new Dinosaur Train is an American animated series created by Craig Bartlett and produced by The Jim Henson Company for PBS Kids. The series features a curious young T. rex named Buddy who, together with his adopted Pteranodon family, takes the Dinosaur Train to meet, explore, and have adventures with all kinds of dinosaurs.

Dinosaur Train Mookie With Train Car Collectible $8.29 *Train car matches the dinosaur! *Figure fits securely inside the train car *Works with all dinosaur train sets and figures *Train Car measures approximately 4.5 inches long *Brand new Dinosaur Train is an American animated series created by Craig Bartlett and produced by The Jim Henson Company for PBS Kids. The series features a curious young T. rex named Buddy who, together with his adopted Pteranodon family, takes the Dinosaur Train to meet, explore, and have adventures with all kinds of dinosaurs

Dinosaur Train Bucky With Train Car Collectible $8.29 *Train car matches the dinosaur! *Figure fits securely inside the train car *Works with all dinosaur train sets and figures *Train Car measures approximately 4.5 inches long *Brand new Dinosaur Train is an American animated series created by Craig Bartlett and produced by The Jim Henson Company for PBS Kids. The series features a curious young T. rex named Buddy who, together with his adopted Pteranodon family, takes the Dinosaur Train to meet, explore, and have adventures with all kinds of dinosaurs

Dinosaur Train Eugene Euoplocephalus With Train Car Collectible $8.29 *Train car matches the dinosaur! *Figure fits securely inside the train car *Works with all dinosaur train sets and figures *Train Car measures approximately 4.5 inches long *Brand new Dinosaur Train is an American animated series created by Craig Bartlett and produced by The Jim Henson Company for PBS Kids. The series features a curious young T. rex named Buddy who, together with his adopted Pteranodon family, takes the Dinosaur Train to meet, explore, and have adventures with all kinds of dinosaurs.

Dinosaur Train Mr Daspletosaurus With Train Car Collectible $8.29 *Train car matches the dinosaur!*Figure fits securely inside the train car*Works with all dinosaur train sets and figures*Train Car measures approximately 4.5 inches long*Brand newDinosaur Train is an American animated series created by Craig Bartlett and produced by The Jim Henson Company for PBS Kids. The series features a curious young T. rex named Buddy who, together with his adopted Pteranodon family, takes the Dinosaur Train to meet, explore, and have adventures with all kinds of dinosaurs

Dinosaur Train Elmer With Train Car Collectible $8.29 *Train car matches the dinosaur!*Figure fits securely inside the train car*Works with all dinosaur train sets and figures*Train Car measures approximately 4.5 inches long*Brand newDinosaur Train is an American animated series created by Craig Bartlett and produced by The Jim Henson Company for PBS Kids. The series features a curious young T. rex named Buddy who, together with his adopted Pteranodon family, takes the Dinosaur Train to meet, explore, and have adventures with all kinds of dinosaurs.

Dinosaur Train Max/Mitch With Train Car Collectible $8.29 *Train car matches the dinosaur!*Figure fits securely inside the train car*Works with all dinosaur train sets and figures*Train Car measures approximately 4.5 inches long*Brand newDinosaur Train is an American animated series created by Craig Bartlett and produced by The Jim Henson Company for PBS Kids. The series features a curious young T. rex named Buddy who, together with his adopted Pteranodon family, takes the Dinosaur Train to meet, explore, and have adventures with all kinds of dinosaurs.

13-Piece 'G' Gauge Christmas Train Track Pack For Use With Eztec Train Sets $49.99 'G' Gauge Track PackItem #90210075Add more fun for your Eztec train set with the 'G' Gauge Track Pack Includes 6 black curved tracks, 6 black straight tracks and 1 black cross trackThese interchangeable tracks must be used in addition with Eztec train setsTrain not includedStraight track dimensions: .63"H x 10.25"W x 3.63"DCurved track dimensions: .63"H x 13.25"W x 3.5"DCross track dimensions: .63"H x 8.75"W x 8.75"DMaterial(s): plastic Type: Decorations Color: Black