The academic debate on business ethics mainly concentrates on the social and ecological responsibility of companies within the society. Ethics are being regarded as crucial in the external self-presentation and public perception of (economic) organisations. The model of ‘enlightened selfinterest’ of business claims that only those companies can be economically successful which manage to convince their stakeholders of their moral integrity. According to the model, the implementation of ethical standards lies in the self-interest of companies.
As some authors state in recent publications, ethics also become more and more an internal concern of organisations. Whereas formerly the interests of employees were ignored or only regarded as one of several stakeholders’ interests, the ethical management of employees itself gains in significance. Especially human resource management (HRM) plays a decisive role in introducing and implementing ethics. The essay outlines some aspects of ethics in HRM. It sketches ethical concerns that emerged in recent HRM debates, and reflects the viewpoint that ethics should be a pivotal issue for HR specialists. A number of ethical frameworks and their application in HRM policies and practices are reviewed. Here, the focus is mainly on barriers and obstacles to introducing ethical standards in HRM activities. Finally, some first steps to putting ethics into HRM practice are outlined.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Ethical Concerns in HRM
- 3. Ethical Concepts and Frameworks in HRM
- .1 Ethical Egoism
- .2 Deontological Ethics
- .3 Stakeholder Ethics
- .4 Teleological Ethics
- .5 Welfare and Virtue Ethics
- 4. Application of HRM Ethics in Practice
- .1 Obstacles to Ethical HRM
- .2 First Steps into Practice
- 5. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay aims to explore the growing importance of ethics within Human Resource Management (HRM). It examines ethical concerns arising from recent HRM practices, arguing that ethical considerations should be central to the role of HR specialists. The essay also reviews various ethical frameworks applicable to HRM policies and practices, focusing on obstacles to implementing ethical standards and suggesting initial steps towards ethically sound HRM practices.
- Ethical concerns in contemporary HRM practices
- Ethical frameworks and their application in HRM
- Obstacles to the implementation of ethical standards in HRM
- Practical steps towards more ethical HRM
- The relationship between ethical HRM and organizational success
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage by highlighting the increasing focus on ethics within business, particularly in relation to a company's social and ecological responsibility. It introduces the concept of "enlightened self-interest," arguing that ethical conduct is crucial for economic success. The chapter emphasizes the shift towards recognizing the ethical treatment of employees as a key internal concern for organizations, positioning HRM as a pivotal actor in integrating ethical considerations into organizational practices. The chapter then outlines the essay's structure, promising an exploration of ethical concerns in HRM, relevant ethical frameworks, practical applications, and obstacles to ethical implementation.
2. Ethical Concerns in HRM: This chapter delves into the ethical dilemmas emerging in modern HRM practices. While ethical issues in HRM have historically been underemphasized, recent developments, such as the shift of economic risks onto employees (performance-related pay, flexible contracts), and increased surveillance and control mechanisms (psychometric tests, performance monitoring), have raised significant ethical concerns. The chapter highlights the tension between organizational demands and employee rights, focusing on issues of autonomy, privacy, and dignity. It also discusses the problematic aspects of "deregulation" and "rhetoric and deceit" within HRM practices, where inconsistent and opaque rules serve management's short-term interests. The overall argument is that the ethical treatment of employees is no longer a marginal concern, but a key factor affecting organizational credibility and success.
Keywords
Ethics, Human Resource Management (HRM), ethical frameworks, stakeholder ethics, employee well-being, organizational justice, risk management, surveillance, autonomy, privacy, ethical leadership, organizational reputation.
FAQ: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of an essay exploring the growing importance of ethics within Human Resource Management (HRM). It includes the table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What topics are covered in the essay?
The essay examines ethical concerns arising from recent HRM practices, arguing that ethical considerations should be central to the role of HR specialists. It reviews various ethical frameworks applicable to HRM policies and practices, focusing on obstacles to implementing ethical standards and suggesting initial steps towards ethically sound HRM practices. Key themes include ethical concerns in contemporary HRM, ethical frameworks and their application, obstacles to ethical implementation, practical steps toward ethical HRM, and the relationship between ethical HRM and organizational success.
What ethical frameworks are discussed?
The essay explores several ethical frameworks, including Ethical Egoism, Deontological Ethics, Stakeholder Ethics, Teleological Ethics, and Welfare and Virtue Ethics, and applies these frameworks to HRM policies and practices.
What are some of the ethical concerns highlighted in the essay regarding HRM?
The essay highlights ethical dilemmas stemming from modern HRM practices such as the shift of economic risks onto employees (performance-related pay, flexible contracts), increased surveillance and control mechanisms (psychometric tests, performance monitoring), and the tension between organizational demands and employee rights concerning autonomy, privacy, and dignity. It also addresses the problematic aspects of "deregulation" and "rhetoric and deceit" within HRM practices.
What are the key obstacles to implementing ethical standards in HRM according to the essay?
The essay identifies obstacles to implementing ethical standards in HRM, though the specifics aren't detailed in this preview. Further information can be found within the full essay.
What practical steps towards more ethical HRM are suggested?
The essay suggests practical steps towards more ethical HRM, although the specifics are not detailed in this preview. The full essay provides this information.
What is the relationship between ethical HRM and organizational success, as discussed in the essay?
The essay argues that ethical treatment of employees is crucial for organizational credibility and success, promoting the concept of "enlightened self-interest," where ethical conduct contributes to economic success.
What are the key chapters of the essay?
The essay is structured into five chapters: Introduction, Ethical Concerns in HRM, Ethical Concepts and Frameworks in HRM, Application of HRM Ethics in Practice, and Conclusion.
What are the keywords associated with this essay?
Keywords include: Ethics, Human Resource Management (HRM), ethical frameworks, stakeholder ethics, employee well-being, organizational justice, risk management, surveillance, autonomy, privacy, ethical leadership, and organizational reputation.
- Quote paper
- Marco Köster (Author), 2002, Ethics in Human Resource Management, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/25297
