HRM textbook

CHAPTER 14 ETHICS AND EMPLOYEE RIGHTS AND DISCIPLINE 467
3 Describe at least four
specific ways in which
HR management can
influence ethical behavior
at work.
USING HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT METHODS
TO PROMOTE ETHICS AND FAIR TREATMENT
Managers can use personnel activities to support the employer s ethics goals. We ll consider
examples.
Selection
As one writer says, The simplest way to tune up an organization, ethically speaking, is
to hire more ethical people. 37 Employers can start by creating recruitment materials
that emphasize ethics. (The Microsoft site in Figure 14-3 is an example.) Similarly,
use honesty tests and background checks (discussed in Chapter 6) to screen out
undesirables. 38 Ask behavioral questions such as, Have you ever observed someone
stretching the rules at work? What did you do about it? 39
FAIRNESS As two writers put it, If prospective employees perceive that the hiring
process does not treat people fairly, they may [also] assume that ethical behavior
is not important. 40 Here, keep several things in mind:
* Applicants tend to view the formal procedure (such as the interview) as fair to the
extent that it tests job-related criteria and provides an opportunity to demonstrate
competence.
* Applicants expect respect. Interpersonal treatment reflects such things as the
propriety of the questions, the politeness of interviewer, and the degree of
two-way communication.
* Applicants see a selection system as fair to the extent that the employer provides
useful feedback about the employee s or candidate s own performance. 41
FIGURE 14-3 Using the
Company Web Site
to Emphasize Ethics
Source: www.microsoft.com/industry/
government/GovGiftingCompliance.
mspx, accessed April 28, 2009.
organizational culture
The characteristic values, traditions, and
behaviors a company s employees share.