1.
ETHICS IN OUR
WORKPLACE

2.
Introduction to the word Ethics
The word comes from
the Greek word
‘Ethicos’ meaning
character or
manners.
Today, ethics is used
to describe the
character of a person
when associated with
a right or wrong
behaviour or action.
Ethics are therefore
a code of moral
principles or values
explaining what is
good and right and
what is bad or
wrong.

3.
Defining Work Ethics
Therefore, work ethics
are :
A group of moral
principles, standards
of behavior, or set of
values regarding
proper conduct in the
workplace

4.
Relationships in our Work
Environment
 Management towards
guests.
 Management towards
employees.
 Employee towards employer.
 Employee towards co-
workers.
 Employee towards guests.

5.
What happens when staff ‘abuse’
their workplace?
Higher prices. Business
failure.
Fewer jobs with
cutbacks.
Unpleasant working
conditions – distrust. Poor
morale.

6.
Examples of Business Abuse
Any illegal, unethical,
irresponsible act done against an
employer or employee.
 Stealing or giving away a
product.
 Stealing money.
 Giving unauthorized
discounts or not recording
product movement or
sales.
 Falsifying time clock or
clocking someone else in or
out.

7.
Examples of Business Abuse
(Continued)
 Vandalism
 Falsifying Records
 Breaking Confidentiality
 Ignoring Safety Rules
 Misrepresenting our products
or services

8.
Examples of Business Abuse
(Continued)
 Poor guest service
 Irresponsible behavior –
verbally or physically.
 Using drugs or alcohol at or
before work.
 Gossiping
 Harassment of co-workers or
guests.

9.
When a culture is in poor condition, how do
staff justify business abuse?
 Everybody does it.
 The resort won’t miss it.
 The resort overcharges
anyway.
 I’m not paid enough.
 The resort doesn’t deserve my
loyalty.
 I’m not happy working here.

10.
How Do We as a Resort Respond to
Business Abuse?
Increased security staff
presence. More cameras
deployed.
Threats of
prosecution.
Culture of
suspicion.

11.
As Employees, What Are Our
Choices?
• Ignore Business Abuse.
• Rationalise or justify it away.
• Speak up.
• Discuss to clarify issues.
• Blow the whistle.

12.
Is this legal?
Is it against company policy?
Could the action cause loss or
harm to anyone?
If everyone I knew saw me doing
this, would I feel uncomfortable?
Do the right thing !
If You’re
Unsure –
Before
You Act –
Ask: