by Work Ethos is at the heart of why we work, what drives us and gives us purpose and meaning in the workplace. It is a state of mental being that leads to what Gallup describes as employee engagement (or Disengagement).
Work ethic is a belief that work and diligence have a moral benefit and an inherent ability, virtue or value to strengthen character and individual abilities. It is a set of values centered on importance of work and manifested by determination or desire to work hard. Social ingrainment of this value is considered to enhance character through hard work that is respective to an individual’s field of work.
An individual that possesses a positive work ethics will consider the moral implications of everything he does and will establish clear boundaries between what he considers appropriate and what he doesn’t, according to his own values and principles. Companies should establish and promote a set of organizational values that can be observed to perform adequate assessments and goals for each individual that connects somehow with the organization.
Since each person has different backgrounds, beliefs and attitudes towards different subjects, the guidelines must be provided by the company or institution in order to maintain a desirable work environment. In most cases, a company’s values are a reflection of its founder’s beliefs and principles.
Traditionally, work ethic has been understood as a value based on hard work and diligence. Capitalists, for example, believe in the necessity of working hard and in consequential ability of enhancing one’s character. Socialists suggest that a concept of “hard work” is deluding the working class into being loyal workers of the elite; and working hard, in itself, is not necessarily an honorable thing, but simply a way to create greater wealth for those at the summit of the economic pyramid.
These values have been challenged and characterized as submissive to social convention and authority, and not meaningful in and of itself, but only if a positive result accrues. An alternative perception suggests that the work ethic is now subverted in a broader, and readily marketed-to society. This perspective has given us the phrase “work smart”.
Levels
Stakeholder Level
At the stakeholder level, ethical work practices extend to customers, vendors, stockholders and the communities in which the company operates. What the stakeholders see, the public sees and companies seen by the general public as being unethical can lose customers and market share. Brand name integrity builds brand name value. Employees within the company can build positive relationships with people outside the company by interacting with them and transacting business ethically and responsibly. When stakeholders gain a sense of trust in the company, customers keep company back.
Compliance Level
At the compliance level, ethical work practices help the company to stay within the law. Working against compliance laws can cost you your job, and can cost your company money if fines are incurred. Company leaders must make sure employees adhere to the principles defined by its ethics program. Employees found to work against these principles must be held accountable. Taking action to stop unethical business practices shows the rest of the workforce that ethics do matter. Compliance not only keeps the business legal it is also promotes sustainable business by proving value to stakeholders.
Employee Level
At the employee level, ethical work practices build a positive environment founded on trust. Distrust in the workplace causes stress. Energy that should be applied to work is applied to coping with anxiety, instead. You work better when you can trust that your colleagues will work with you ethically. Your company also works better when ethical values drive all of its work. Employees, not brick and mortar, establish a company’s brand image.
Ethics Policies
Ethics policies guide employees to do the right thing at each level. Not every employee has the same expectations about how work gets done. Written policies clarify the company’s expectations and get everyone moving in the same direction. Ideally, procedures or guidelines are also available to help answer specific questions. If you’re in purchasing, for example, guidelines and rules should be available to help you understand what transactions are OK between you and vendors such as whether you should accept gifts.
Dimensions
They are:
- Meta-Ethics (Ethics about Ethics)
- Prescriptive Ethics (Normative Ethics); Which is again divided into Deontological Ethics, Teleological Ethics, and Virtue Ethics.
- Descriptive Ethics (Comparative Ethics)
- Applied Ethics; Again, divided into Bio-ethics, Cyber Ethics, Environmental Ethics, Personal Ethics, Professional Ethics, Public Ethics, International Ethics and so on.
Steps
- Practice punctuality
Develop the habit of being on time or early for all appointments. Getting to class ahead of schedule gives you the opportunity to talk with your professor or get mentally prepared by reviewing notes. If you’re taking classes online, stick with your study schedule, hitting the books at the time you planned.
- Develop professionalism
Professionalism goes beyond a crisp white shirt and tie. It includes your attitude, values, and demeanor. Practice being positive and cordial. Refrain from gossip. Be respectful of others. Develop a reputation of integrity, which means being honest, just, and consistent in what you say and do.
- Cultivate self-discipline
Anything worthwhile achieving takes discipline staying focused on the long-term goal and not being side-tracked by short-term gratification. Train yourself to be persistent and to follow through on projects. Strive for excellence in your assignments.
- Use time wisely
You might have heard it from your grandmother, but Benjamin Franklin was actually the first to say, “Never leave that ‘till tomorrow which you can do today.” It’s age-old advice, but far from outdated. Complete assignments on time. Ban procrastination from your life, keeping in mind something else Franklin, said: “Time is Money”
- Stay balanced
Having a good work ethic does not mean keeping your eyes glued to your computer monitor. It includes knowing how to take care of yourself. Getting proper sleep. Eating right. Taking time to relax and recharge. Keeping your priorities in life clear helps you maintain the proper perspective at work.
