Life Skills Development/Module Five/Ethics in the Workplace

Overview
Learners will understand the meaning of ethics. By so doing, they approach their roles and responsibilities with the right attitude for building the establishment and society. They should know that ethics and morals focus on the making of choices, the selection of right action that may not always seem beneficial to them but must be made nonetheless. It is in understanding ethics and developing a code of ethics for yourself that you will translate this into the workplace. Ethics afferct our mental health and how we will behave in the work place. Remember that each business place may have its own ethical princples.

Learners Outcomes

 * 1) Distinguish between ethical and unethical behaviours inthe work place
 * 2) Develop a personal code of work ethics
 * 3) Demonstrate the ability to solve ethical dilemmas in the work place.
 * 4) Analyse the relationship between ethics, job performance, work habits and productivity
 * 5) Analyse the influence of culture on ethics.

Introduction
This topic explores ethics in the workplace. You will learn about behaviours that are considered acceptable and unacceptable in the workplace.

Learning Outcomes
At the end of this topic, you will be able to:
 * Identify ethical and unethical behaviours in the work place.
 * Explain how ethics are developed.

Your selection may be guided by the following:
 * dress code
 * communication (online and offline)
 * attitudes (initiative, assertiveness, cooperation, politeness, integrity, honesty)
 * respect
 * punctuality
 * responsibilty
 * accountability
 * honesty

Ethics

We learn ethical behaviours from the persons and groups we interact with, parents and other family members, peer groups, religious groups,and sectors of societies we operate in. There are some ethical principles which are universal: However, until you declare it as something you believe in, something you would be willing to die for, something you would cherish regardless of cost, only then can this be reflected in the behaviour you would outwardly show. Your ethical principles need to be nurtured and developed.
 * Truth
 * Right Action
 * Peace
 * Love
 * Non-Violence

Introduction
This topic is designed for learners to become familiar with some ethical principles in the work place. Bear in mind that some workplaces have a written code of ethics while others have an unwritten code of ethics. Regardless, all employers expect behaviour that is considered appropriate in the workplace.

Learning Outcomes
At the end of the lesson learners will be able to:
 * 1) Examine the role of a code of ethics in the workplace.
 * 2) Demonstrate key components of ethical work place behaviour.

Select 5 ethical behaviours in the workplace.
 * dress code
 * communication (online and offline)
 * attitudes (initiative, assertiveness, cooperation, politeness, integrity, honesty)
 * respect
 * punctuality
 * responsibilty
 * accountability
 * honesty

There are many ethical stories on the internet.

Introduction
Workplaces are locations for meeting other people with similar goals. It is, therefore, imperative that we get along with others well. Communication is a great tool for getting to know each other and relating well. Lets take a closer look at the communication tools we use in meeting new people.

Learning Outcomes
On your first day at work, you will need to do the following:
 * Analyse the relationship between ethics, job perfomance, work habits and productivity
 * Develop an understanding of the importance of relationship skills in the workplace
 * Greet your fellow work mates
 * Introduce yourself
 * Listen attentively to your colleagues and supervisor
 * Show initiative and interest in your work tasks
 * Be open to suggestions and welcome ideas

Remember to stay composed, attentive and show enthusiasm. These virtues will help you develop strong working relations with collegues and supervisors and to sustain your work.

Through discussion, you may have come up with the following:
 * politeness
 * patience
 * tolerance