Whatever happened to ethics?
There was a time when most people naturally deal from an ethical base in their personal and business lives. There were, of course, exceptions, but they were just that -exceptions, not the rule. Ethical conduct wasn't something that one studied in school. We were brought up to be ethical. Those who delve into the subject of ethics are called deontologists. They've been writing about ethical behavior for centuries, and those individuals who lived blatantly unethical lives in years gone by, were usually viewed with understandable scorn.
Then things began to change. I won't attempt to analyze why this change occurred. I leave that to the deontologists. I do know that the society did a flip-flop; unethical behavior seems to have become more common, and it doesn't matter how you define it; the important thing is make the most of what you have, to reach rather than settle, to analyze the world in which you must function, and to take whatever steps are necessary to achieve your personal goals.
Those who insisted upon acting in an ethical manner evoked criticism from their less ethical colleagues, who equated lies with unabashed patriotism, loyalty to friends and employers, and a belief in the tooth fairy. In 1893 Thomas ixley wrote Evolution and Ethics, in which he called for constant reevaluation of every step of mankind's progress in search of "the ethical process."
In the workplace unethical behavior is basically practiced in two ways and by two distinct groups of people; and the differentiation should be made.
Workers, particularly those who represent what came to be known as the "Me Generation," are unethical when they fail to work hard, to honestly account for their time and expenses, and when they steal an employer's time. They are clearly unethical when they reveal trade secrets to competitors, and when they create resumes that do not honestly represent their background and skills. Certain values expressed by the “Me Generation” were positive, at least at the time of their inception. There was a focus upon personal values rather than business success. While on the surface that rings of a worthwhile human commitment, it often carried into the workplace the lack of dedication that was at odds with the needs of business.
It is a mistake, however, to view the ramifications of the “Me Generation's” approach as being represented only by employees. Employers too, often practice unethical business behavior because of unabashed greed and a lack of social responsibility. There is no question in my mind that many corporate leaders are as much a part of the “Me Generation” as are the individuals who work for them. The fact is that the employer's patterns of doing business will often affect the conduct of employees throughout their work lives, i.e.for better or for worse.
For the ethical man or woman seeking a better job this sometimes depressing situation offers a golden opportunity.
I've heard hundreds, perhaps thousands of employer’s say, "I'm not looking for anything unusual when I hire people. All I want are employees who will do what they are supposed to do." It's my judgment, however, that an employee who doesn't do what he or she is supposed to- assuming there is more than adequate guidance-is either not qualified for the job or unethical.
For a number of years now various organizations have conducted, through independent research companies, annual surveys of how much time is stolen by American workers. The theft of an employer's time occurs when long and unnecessary personal calls are made on a company phone, when workers linger over coffee or at the water cooler (the copying machine has largely taken its place), when they deliberately drag their feet on a project and in all the other everyday situations that have become much too common in American offices and factories. The numbers are staggering; a 1988 study indicated that $200 billion worth of employee time was stolen that year from American employers. It is the Me Generation at its worst.
Employee theft certainly isn't limited to time. It's estimated that American employees steal more than $4 billion a year in cash and merchandise. Employee theft- tangible assets costs management about $1.50 per work per day. Sadly, some managers view employee theft as a part of the cost of doing business.
Managers of American business are certainly not unaware of any of this, although their collective lack of corrective action could easily lead an observer to conclude that they have been, at best, wearing blinders.
As business has recognized its ethical failings, and the business community has confronted the difficult ethical choices resulting from an increasingly complex rid, business leaders have taken certain corrective measures.
Ethics is now taught in business schools. Ethics is now taught within corporations. The corporate motto of Robert Half International is “Ethics First." Of course, the employment services industry was characterized early on by too many unethical individuals and firms. (There are still a few around, but the number has, fortunately, dwindled.) Most of the ones that function on an ethical base have survived and progressed. Most of those that didn't are gone.
Have we become a nation of liars? A U.S. News & rid Report stated that according to a House subcommittee estimates one out of three working Americans was hired after submitting failed or deceptive credentials (which matched up with their own studies). A 1987 study accused forty-seven league-l scientists at Harvard and Emory University of producing "misleading" papers. An ethical and honest man or woman seeking a better job in this crazy world is at a premium and stands increasing chance of being rewarded.
Now, how can ethical people seeking a better job indicate that they bring this precious attribute of ethics to a prospective employer, along with their education, experience and skills?
It begins with the resume and cover letter sent to the personnel recruiter or a company. Researches over years indicate that more than 30 percent of all seekers lie on their resumes. Because so many job seekers have adapted to dishonest approach, and so many companies have been stung by bogus credentials and work histories, employers are beginning to get tougher and more methodical checking references are being implemented.
A whole new industry has sprung up whose sole purpose is to check the background of job candidates. Companies that provide psychological and drug testing: thriving, and new laws have been enacted in response to these efforts to test employees.
Be honest on your resume and in the letters you write. This doesn't mean focusing on negative aspects of your background, but it does mean that you should refrain from claiming jobs and responsibilities you didn't have. It means being honest about your education, rather than skirting the truth increasingly. “Resume puffing" is being detected by skilled personnel directors and corporate executives.
Go after a better job with the attitude that you would rather lose a job opportunity than gain one based upon deceiving. Put your best foot forward, of course, but don't say things that could cause you embarrassment. Be eager, interested in the opportunity, and open to varied job potentials.
Before seeking better jobs in this too often unethical rid, define for yourself your own ethical standards, and be ready to express them when asked during an interview. The first step here is to be honest in evaluating your view ethics. A sound set of ethics isn't mysterious, and doesn't need grounding in ancient philosophy to develop in any of us. Ethical behavior is based upon common tenets of fairness, decency, and an adherence to the right and letter of the law. By conducting yourself in business in accord with those precepts, you may suffer: scornful smile of a less ethical person. On the other end, you'll have positioned yourself as someone who can be trusted, which, I assure you, will stand you a better chance when seeking a better job.
You see, what has happened is what invariably happens to all swings in a society. The pendulum reaches its extremity (the point at which a majority of people realize it the old way causes more harm than good and no longer works) and begins its slow swing back. I truly believe that our recent lack of ethical behavior has resulted in enough damage to our national base, to companies, and to individuals to force the pendulum to begin its return to an ethical center. That means that job seekers who have anticipated that trend, and react accordingly by developing a commitment to ethics, will be ahead of the others.
An ethical employee doesn't steal an employer's time by making frequent and lengthy personal phone calls during office hours, or by using the photocopying machine and fax machine for personal business without permission.
An ethical person does not discuss sensitive company business with inappropriate people, which, of course, includes someone with whom you're interviewing for a better job. If you'll do it with that person, any realistic and sensible employer will assume you would do the same thing about his or her company. Discretion is a flattering and appealing trait in everyone, especially when seeking a better job.
An ethical person in the business world abides by the company's rules, even if they don't match up with the individual's wishes. Conveying respect for your present employer's rules to a prospective new employer is impressive.
Ethical behavior extends to how you leave a job. Keep in mind that when a new employer asks "When can you start?" the ethical response is "I think I owe my present employer a decent amount of time to find my replacement," rather than "I can be here tomorrow”. Of course, if you're unemployed, by all means say "tomorrow."
Like tennis, ethics benefits from careful thought and practice.
Practice ethics as you seek a better job, and when you're at it, sharpen up your sense of loyalty, too.
Reminders About Ethics
- Don't be a time thief.
- Thirty percent of job seekers lie on their resume. Don't lie on yours.
- Be honest, but focus on your strengths rather than your weaknesses.
- Not getting a job is better than getting one deceitfully.
- Don't divulge your present employer's trade secrets to a prospective new employer. It doesn't impress anyone.
