ETHICS AT THE WORK PLACE – INTERNSHIP ORIENTATION FOR STUDENTS
- PREAMBLE
1.1 Almost all successful organisations have codes of ethics for their employees.
1.2 Unethical behaviour on the part of the individual leads to:
1.2.1 Irritation on the part of other workers.
1.2.2 Destruction of teamwork.
1.2.3 Poor work environment which leads to demotivation of other employees.
1.2.4 Frequent conflicts.
1.2.5 Loss of Customers.
1.2.6 Business failure.
- THE CONCEPT OF ETHICS
2.1 “A group of moral principles, standards of behaviour, or set of values regarding proper conduct in the work place.”(www.voced.iup/pcea/ethics%20)
2.2 Code of behaviour that is considered correct.” (Stoner and Freeman: 2003: 43)
2.3 Ethics – values, rules or moral standards.
- COMMON ETHICS AT THE WORKPLACE
3.1 Confidentiality.
3.2 Honest/Truthfulness
3.3 Promise keeping
3.4 Loyalty to the organization
3.5 Being responsible, Dependable/ Reliable/ Promise keeping
3.6 Appropriate attire
3.7 Punctuality
3.8 Respect for property/ avoid vandalism
3.9 Avoid pilfering/ stealing
3.10 Avoid falsifying records
3.11 Have passion for your work
3.12 Being morally upright
3.13 Not intruding into people’s private lives
3.14 Being tactful in putting across your views
3.15 Being efficient not wasting resources
3.16 Conscientiousness
3.17 Avoid shady deals and cheating
3.18 Avoid shortcuts in doing your work
3.19 Avoid taking bribes
3.20 Avoid being over demanding
3.21 Avoid abusing sick leave
3.22 Protect your Organization
3.23 Protect the interests of your organization
3.24 Exercise damage control for your organization
3.25 Build team spirit in your colleagues
- BENEFITS OF GOOD ETHICS
4.1 You boost business for the organization
4.2 You become a candidate for promotion
4.3 One becomes a pleasant character to work with
4.4 You become a source of inspiration for others/ you motivate others
4.5 You become a good ambassador for the University
4.6 You can even secure employment when you are on attachment
4.7 You pave way for others
- SEXUAL HARRASMENT AT THE WORKPLACE
Sexual harassment in the workplace or educational environment is an unacceptable conduct not to be tolerated. Sexual harassment is described as any unwelcome sexual advances, requests of sexual activity and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature by someone in a position of power or authority. Sexual harassment creates an intimidating, hostile and offensive work environment resulting in decreased performance and psychological trauma.
7 EXAMPLES OF HARASSING BEHAVIOURS
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Pressing against someone’s body without his/her. |
Posters/calendars of naked women and those copper plaques with wise cracks about women |
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Patting of any body parts |
Suggestive handshakes (with a little pinch) |
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Rubbing one’s back or winking, tickling etc |
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Carpet interviews |
Threats of no promotion or failure if one does not comply to advances of a sexual nature or even more overt victimization |
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Being persistently asked for a date/lunch after having refused |
Black mailing a woman/man or female/male student who has made a mistake at work or in lectures |
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Sexually suggestive jokes |
Rude jokes and suggestive stories |
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Being called sugar, darling, sweetheart or honey without one’s consent. |
Passing notes with sexual innuendoes |
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Giving students, staff and co-workers the impression that there is a sexual relationship going on between you and the person |
The boss sitting on your desk or learning over you when talking or giving orders. |
8 COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
If you feel you are being harassed at your workplace or even at University do not keep quiet report such conduct. You can lodge a complaint through the Registrar, Dean of Students, Senior Assistant Registrars, Dean of Students, Chaplain, Campus Life and Student Development Programmes Coordinator, Off Campus Life Coordinator, Student Health, Wardens, Deans of Faculties, Chairpersons of Departments, Chief Security Officer and Peer Educators. Complaints can also be lodged through the Zimbabwe Republic Police Victim Friendly Unit, other trusted individuals that include without being exhaustive church pastors and relatives.
Should you need assistance contact the following:
Dean of Students 0772 017452
Coordinator Campus Life & Student Development Programmes 0773972142
Coordinator Off Campus Life 0777775336 alternatively dial 662107818
GOOD ETHICS ENTAIL DOING THE RIGHT THING EVEN IF THE WRONG MIGHT BE ATTRACTIVE