Question

Are there any measures you as business manager could recommend to improve business' ethical environment or behavior.  

What kind of policies you could devise to ensure worker's rights with respect to salary, promotions, benefits, working conditions and vacation and personal leave.

How would you reward good behavior? In other words what incentives would you use to reward workers?

What kind of an image you would want your workers to project for the company?

How could you serve as a role model for your employees?  

Answer 1

Improving business' ethical environment and behaviour

As a manger, the steps I would take to improve ethical behaviour and provide a more ethical environment in the workspace are:

1. Establishing a set of values and policies. Set expectations and boundaries for the employees and make it clear to them.
2. Implementation of ethical training programs.
3. Gathering information. Ask the employees about any unethical practices currently in the organization or any future anticipated ones.
4. Leading from the top and leading as a role model. Set an example for the others.
5. Maintaining a good rapport with the employees. Improve communication.
6. Provide support to them so that they report any unethical behaviour immediately.
7. Having a fair process to evaluate unethical behaviour and set up a consequence for ethical violators.

To ensure Workers' Rights

1. Study and understand the laws that protect the workers' rights.
2. Conduct seminars to educate the workers about their rights, so that they are aware of them.
3. Make sure that the organization is in compliance with the laws set by the government.
4. Regularly monitor the environment to see if the rights are violated.
5. Hire an attorney to evaluate labor claim and for consultation in case of doubts of both employee and employer.

Rewarding good behaviour with incentives

By rewarding good ethical behaviour of the employees, they get motivated to continue to exhibit more of such type of behavior. Some incentives that I would give them as their manager are:

1. Monetary rewards
2. Small gifts
3. Free lunch/snacks for a week
4. Event/concert tickets
5. Weekend vacation
6. Giving some downtime for the employee to rest on a hot afternoon
7. An honest thank you note

I would want my workers to project a good image for the company. Our company must be known for well-behaved, motivated, and productive employees. In a world where workplace violence and erratic behaviour are common in a corporate culture, I would want everyone seeing our company and realizing how different we are from the other companies. This image will attract more of such employees with high ethical standards like ours. This will attract more clients as well, which would prove profitable for the company in the long run. Adopting an ethical work environment is the first step to a successful organization. It might look like a small change, but years later, it will pay good dividends. The company will have a well reputed image among the general public and stakeholders.

Serving as a role model for employees

1. Exude confidence always.
2. Communicate and interact with every employee.
3. Be charming and polite.
4. Be approachable and humble
5. Show concern for the employees and be empathetic.
6. Respect everyone in the organization.
7. Build trust and exhibit integrity.
8. Offer support and encouragement to employees.
9. Lead and inspire.