TM Morality and Professional Ethics
TM Morality and Professional Ethics
TM Morality and Professional Ethics
Level-
Based on March 2022, Version 1 Unit of
Competence
March 2022
Adama, Ethiopia
Table of Contents
LO #1- DEVELOP MORALITY.............................................................................................................................. 1
INSTRUCTION SHEET........................................................................................................................................... 1
INFORMATION SHEET-1 DEVELOPING THE CONCEPTS OF MORALITY........................................................................2
Self-Check: - 1.............................................................................................................................................. 5
INFORMATION SHEET-2 IDENTIFYING MORAL PRINCIPLES.....................................................................................6
Self-Check 2............................................................................................................................................... 10
INFORMATION SHEET-3 IDENTIFYING THE SIMILARITY AND DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ETHICS AND MORALITY..............11
Self-Check 3............................................................................................................................................... 15
INFORMATION SHEET-4 DESCRIBING TYPES OF VIRTUES.......................................................................................16
Self-Check 4............................................................................................................................................... 20
INFORMATION SHEET-5 APPLYING MORAL VALUES IN WORK PLACE.......................................................................21
Self-Check 5............................................................................................................................................... 24
INFORMATION SHEET-6 PRACTICING OF MULTICULTURALISM...............................................................................25
Self-Check 6............................................................................................................................................... 34
Instruction Sheet
This learning guide is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding
the following content coverage and topics –
This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcome stated in the cover page.
Specifically, upon completion of this Learning Guide, you will be able to –
Learning Instructions:
Morality comes from a Latin word “mores” meaning custom, habit, manner, character or
proper behavior. Therefore, the manners you learn like politeness of behavior, way of
saluting, or giving helpful hands for elders, showing sympathy to people during sadness
are valued as morality. Even if what are considered good and bad differs in different
societies, learning moral values is significantly important in a society, because it helps
individuals or groups to live together in peace and unity.
Those principles and values that actually guide, for better or worse, an individual ‘s
personal conduct (Guy, 2001)
Morality is the informal system of rational beings by which they govern their
behavior in order to lesson harm or evil and do good, this system, although
informal, enjoys amazing agreement across time and cultures concerning moral
rules, moral ideas and moral virtues (Madden, 2000)
Hence, learning about morality which involves what we ought to do, right and wrong, good
and bad helps us to adjust ourselves in a society we are living in.
ii. Nature: Morality determined by relation between human being and nature.
Natural morality has been prevalent in all primitive cultures, such as that of the
Native American, and in cultures of the Far East.
iv. Society: Morality determined by relation between human being and society. It is
probably the most important aspect of morality; in that it cuts across all of the
other aspects and is found in more ethical systems than any of the others. For a
majority of ethicists, the most important human moral issues arise when human
beings come together in social groups and begin to conflict with one another.
Even though the Jewish and Christian ethical systems, for example, importune
human beings to love and obey God, both faiths, in all of their divisions and
sects, have a strong social message.
Humans have a moral sense because their biological makeup determines the presence of
three necessary conditions for ethical behavior:
As long as you think it is acceptable to kill and eat animals, the more abstract argument about
domesticating animals to use as “pets” is not likely to resonate. Domestication is morally
wrong but they are here now and they need our care. Their lives are as important to them as
our lives are to us. Example, are Dolphin’s moral? Some animals are capable of responding to
moral motivations due to their sophisticated cognitive abilities - such as elephants, cetaceans
(whales and dolphins) and primates - and are capable of feeling things like empathy,
compassion, pain and loss of a loved one.
Morality can be considered as having a subjective or objective origin. As objective there are
three possibilities for the origin of value:
iii. Values are part of the ‘furniture’ of the world, independently of human beings.
These possible explanations of the origin of values are expressed in the ‘supernatural theory’,
the theory of ‘natural law’ and ‘objectivism’.
As subjective, the origin of value is related to human beings. Without human beings,
subjectivist theorists argue, there would be no value.
ii. Reflective morality: Reflective morality requires that moral ideas are carefully
examined and tested. Traditional morality can become reflective and dynamic when
those moral ideas that are simply handed down and accepted are subjected to
analysis and criticism.
Morality also overlaps with Law and Religion but shouldn’t be confused with them.
i. Morality and law. Morality and law are not the same although of course they
overlap. Law might be thought of as a public codification of morality for a culture,
although certain laws in that system, or even the system itself, might be deemed
immoral, e.g., apartheid. Law is not a necessary attribute of morality although
morality may well be thought to be a necessary attribute of law.
Generally, morality deals with humans and how they relate to others and the world around
them. It deals with how we treat one another so as to promote what is good and right.
Instructions: Answer all the questions listed below. Illustrations may be necessary to aid
some explanations/answers. Write your answers in the sheet provided in the next page.
1. …………...involves what we ought to do, right and wrong, good and bad helps us
to adjust ourselves in a society
Direction: 2 Give short and precise answer for the following questions .Each question
contain 2%
You can ask you teacher for the copy of the correct answers.
Moral principles are principles based on reason and rationality. They guide us on what we
should do, what qualities we should nourish, and what kind of lives we should look for.
Moreover, the application of moral principles should not be limited to a specific society or
culture.
There are two types of moral principles: absolute and relative. Moral absolutism is an
ethical view that certain actions are intrinsically right or wrong. Moral relativism believes
there are no absolute rules to what are right or wrong, and that moral principles can
change depending on the situation.
Absolute moral principles are based on universal truths about the nature of human beings.
For example, murder is wrong because it goes against the natural order of things. These
are also sometimes called normative moral principles, or those that are generally accepted
by society. Below are some examples of absolute moral principles:
Don't kill.
Speak the truth.
Be careful with what you say and do to others.
Relative moral principles are based on opinions and circumstances that may change over
time or from person to person or for different situations. Relative moral principles depend
on a person's beliefs. Relativism is to what people perceive as good or bad in relation to
themselves. In other words, when someone says something is good, in most cases they
are really saying it is good for them, or perhaps it contributes to their well-being. Below are
some examples of relative moral principles including:
Moral principles are important for society because they help people learn how to get along
and live well with each other. They teach us that all human beings deserve the same
rights, which is why it's not okay to discriminate against someone based on their ethnicity
or race. People who follow moral principles also tend to have a better quality of life than
those who don't.
Moral principles can also impact an individual's identity and sense of self-worth. For
example, someone who is honest may feel that they are a good person because they
follow the moral principle to be truthful at all times. And for people with strong values about
equality, it might make them feel better about themselves when they don't discriminate
against people who are different from them.
In general, moral principles are beneficial both to society and the individual person.
However, blindly following moral principles without considering their origin or using your
judgment based on the situation can be problematic. The best course of action is usually
to adhere to a set of moral principles that align with your beliefs and society as a whole but
to also consider each situation individually and weigh the cost of adhering to your morals
in terms of its impact on other individuals.
There are various ways to develop moral principles that transcend culture, religion, and
country. If you are just starting on your moral journey, you might consider exploring morals
in various philosophical texts. However, there are also many practical steps a person can
take to develop good moral principles:
Think about what you would do when faced with an ethical dilemma and why
you would make those decisions.
Ask yourself what you think is right or wrong and make sure that your actions
are in line with those thoughts.
Watch out for double standards, like being nice to one person while not being
so kind to another.
If it helps, write down a list of moral principles and post them where they're
easy to see, like on a mirror or in your workspace.
Don't worry if you're not perfectly adhering to your moral principles. The
important thing is that you are trying your best.
Moral (character) education, then, encompasses deliberate efforts to help the young learn,
practice, and apply moral virtues and character habits that will help them individually live
good lives – and at the same time become productive, contributing citizens.
Examples of Legal judgments of good moral character at school or college can include
consideration of honesty, trustworthiness, diligence, reliability, respect for the law,
integrity, candour, discretion, observance of fiduciary duty, and respect for the rights of
others, absence of hatred and racism, fiscal responsibility, mental and emotional stability
Morality, whatever else may be said about it, is about things over which we have control
that lead to bettering human life. It is different in every society, and is a convenient term for
socially apply habits. Moral is how your employees feel about coming to work every day,
how they approach their assigned tasks, and their attitude about the direction the company
is taking. Put simply, employee morale is the culmination of job satisfaction, life outlook,
and attitude.
Instructions: Answer all the questions listed below. Illustrations may be necessary to aid
some explanations/answers. Write your answers in the sheet provided in the next page.
Violation of morality brings social and religious condemnation or guilt of conscience that ache
you inside. Therefore, your morality is a general reflection showing to what extent you are
attached to the generally accepted behavior or norms of the society. Ethics refers to the well-
founded standards of a society about what is “right” and “wrong”, usually in terms of rights,
obligations, and benefits to the society, fairness, or specific virtues such as like honesty,
compassion, and loyalty. All these things are considered ethical because they are supported
by well-founded reasons.
For instance, lifesaving abortion is an ethical value for a practitioner doctor while for an
individual in a society could be considered immoral to terminate the fetus. In both cases, for
the doctor it is a professional ethics that is considered good to save the life of the troubled
pregnant woman and on the other hand it could be bad to hear even about abortion for an
individual who believes the action to be immoral.
When ethics represents the judgment of right and wrong, Morality helps support
it by refinements.
Ethics studies the behavior, and Morality provides the practical guidance of that
behavior.
Both the terms are used to indicate a fine line between what activities should be
considered good and what should be considered bad.
Both ethics and morality work side by side to make the learning of good
activities faster.
Both concepts help any individual to be a better person.
Both these qualities are desirable for a person.
Both the terms are interconnected in the way that Morality helps keep alive the
essence of ethics and its value.
Root word Mos which means custom Ethitos which means character
Governed By Social and cultural norms Individual or Legal and
Professional norms
Deals with Principles of right and wrong Right and wrong conduct
Applicability in No (legally not to be obligated) Yes (legality is applied)
Business
Consistency Morals may differ from society to Ethics are generally uniform.
society and culture to culture.
Expression Morals are expressed in the form Ethics are abstract.
of general rules and statements.
Freedom to No Yes
think and
choose
Perspective seen from the perspective of an dependent on the prism of
Source
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xki2fRA0bY8
Case Study
Idris and Mentewabe are shop-keepers in the neighborhood. Both of them had lived for long
in our neighborhood. These days they are busy in collecting sugar from kebele distribution
shops in collaboration with corrupted staffs and claim to make in their terms “good business “
by selling to contraband traders with a lucrative profit. So being greedy they had no heart to
even set aside one quintal for the troubled neighbors and always respond sequar yelem! (no
sugar).
Activity
i. Form a group of five and discuss from the ethical aspects and morality of the
behaviors of Indris and Mentewabe.
ii. Where does their business ethics lay and morality towards their neighbors they
have lived together so long?
Instructions: Answer all the questions listed below. Illustrations may be necessary to aid
some explanations/answers. Write your answers in the sheet provided in the next page.
Direction:1 Fill the appropriate words for the following questions .Each question
contains 2%
Direction:2 Give short and precise answer for the following questions .Each question
contain 4%
You can ask you teacher for the copy of the correct answers.
Virtues mean goodness or the state of being good. An example of goodness is volunteering
to serve meals at a homeless shelter. Virtues are also attitudes or character that enables us
to be and to act in ways that develop our highest potential. They enable us to pursue the
ideals we have adopted. Honesty, courage, compassion, generosity, fidelity, integrity,
fairness, self-control, and prudence are all examples of virtues.
Types of Virtues
Moral virtue:
Moral virtue is the disposition or tendency to do the right thing and avoid doing wrong. We
develop this disposition over time and through training. In other words, a good character is
an achievement, not a natural endowment. “Doing right” becomes second nature to us, if
we have developed our moral character properly. We must strive to achieve a virtuous
character, and we do this by constantly practicing the virtues and thereby developing a
good character.
Moral virtues are excellences of people. They're parts of people's character that helps
them live well. Usual suspects for moral virtues are courage, temperance (moderation),
and wisdom. It's a part of something that makes that thing better. For instance, a sharp
blade is the virtue of a knife. It helps the knife do its job well. Patience is a moral virtue. It
helps you avoid things that take you away from a flourishing and happy life. But how does
patience lead you toward happiness?
The four fundamental moral virtues are courage, temperance, justice and prudence. A
courageous person shows just the right amount of bravery and displays a virtuous
character. Only reason can tell us what is exactly the right amount of bravery, and once it
does, a person must practice and develop the virtue of courage so that acting
courageously becomes habitual.
There are also other moral virtues include: trustworthiness, honesty, generosity, civility,
sincerity, gentleness, reliability, warmth, dependability, cooperativeness, empathy, tact,
kindness, tolerance, benevolence, etc.
Civic Virtues:
There are a number of important civic virtue characteristics that must be understood to get
a full picture of what civic virtue is and how it works in practice. These include:
Self-sacrifice: Putting the needs of a community over one's own needs is one
of the most deeply rooted parts of civic virtue.
Participation: Participation in government and in the community is part of what
makes one a good citizen.
Doing one's part: The idea of civic virtue is that each individual has their own
duties that help make society function as well as possible.
Cooperation: Being a cooperative member of society, obeying the law, and
working well with others are some of the things that proponents of civic virtue
promote
Civility: is a social virtue that is indispensable to open political discourse and
reasoned disagreement. A civil person is willing to engage others in respectful
dialogue without scorn or insult, even when the issues are intensely important or
disagreement runs deep.
Compassion is the ability to feel sorrow over another person’s suffering, and to
express that sorrow in a way that is intended to alleviate that suffering.
Fairness is a central virtue both for individuals and for social institutions.
Fairness is characterized by impartiality (a lack of favoritism).
Ethics Virtue: Virtue of Ethics claims that the main task of ethics is to give us
knowledge of what is the right type of person, or what is a “good” person. Virtue
ethics asks: what kind of character must a person have to be a moral human
being? The six pillars that they identified as being the most important
characteristics of an ethical virtue are:
iv. Justice and fairness. Includes equity and demonstrating due process.
vi. Civic virtue and citizenship. Being socially conscious. Demonstrating concern
for one’s community.
Spiritual virtues can be summarized by the words “Faith, hope, and love”
oriented towards God.
Instructions: Answer all the questions listed below. Illustrations may be necessary to aid
some explanations/answers. Write your answers in the sheet provided in the next page.
2. ………….. is the disposition or tendency to do the right thing and avoid doing wrong.
Moral values are relative values that protect life and are respectful of the dual life value of
self and others. The great moral values, such as truth, freedom, charity, etc., have one
thing in common. When they are functioning correctly, they are life protecting or life
enhancing for all. But they are still relative values. Our relative moral values must be
constantly examined to make sure that they are always performing their life-protecting
mission.
i. Autonomy
The ability to work in a way that is most conducive to performing at your best is something
both you and the company may value. As an employee, you may want to feel empowered
to make decisions and take action. Many companies prefer to give you the flexibility to
work at your own pace and in your own way as long as you continue to meet satisfactory
performance standards.
ii. Integrity
Valuing integrity in the workplace means that you strive to do the right thing, even when
you think no one is looking. You may also value honesty, transparency and a commitment
to doing what’s best for your clients, customers, teammates and company.
iii. Innovation
Challenge yourself to see what’s possible to better meet the needs of your team, your
customers and your company. You are a work in progress, striving to improve and do
better. Think of creative ways to solve tough problems. Take calculated risks. Finding new
ways to solve a problem moves the company
iv. Growth
Many people and companies believe that the growth of a company comes with the
professional growth of the team. Valuing growth means that you have to drive to
continuously improve both yourself and the business. Growth is based on mutual success
v. Service
i. Actions
Moral judgements are not passed upon all kinds of action, but only upon conduct. But
conduct or willed action has two aspects. It is will and it is action, it involves
ii. Intensions
Intention is the object of moral Judgement. It includes the motive or the idea of the end as
well as the idea of the means. An action is good if its intention is good, in other words, if
the end as well as the means adopted is good. The end never justifies the means. Thus
the motive alone does not determine the moral quality of an action.
Intention is the object of moral judgement. It is intention including motive that determines
the moral quality of an action. An action is right when the intention of the agent is good. An
action is bad or wrong when the motive or the end and the means are good; an action is
wrong if either of them is "bad.
iii. Situations
The possibility to make judgments as to how one ought to act in concrete situations
requires antecedent moral principles. In the absence of such principles there is no rational
basis for making such judgments. The possibility to make judgments as to how one ought
to act in concrete situations implies:
iv. Character
For example, People articulate a moral judgment when they say that an action is right or
wrong, that a person is good or bad, or that a situation is just or unjust. Athletes frequently
make moral judgments about moral issues that arise in sports, and such judgments have
been investigated by sport psychologists.
Instructions: Answer all the questions listed below. Illustrations may be necessary to aid
some explanations/answers. Write your answers in the sheet provided in the next page.
1. _________Which of the following common core values find new ways to solve a
problem and improve the productivity of the company?
2._________ is relative values that protect life and are respectful of the dual life value of
Direction: 2 Give short and precise answer for the following questions. Each question
contain 4%
You can ask you teacher for the copy of the correct answers.
6.1 Culture
Culture is a broad term that encompasses various unique ways of doing things in a certain
society. It can be divided as material and immaterial culture. Material culture includes
clothes, household utensils, tools, houses and ornaments. The immaterial/non material
culture includes language, beliefs, values and norms.
Culture reflects the moral and ethical beliefs and standards that speak to how people
should behave and interact with others. They act as prescriptions for correct and moral
behavior, lend meaning and coherence to life, and provide a means of achieving a sense
of integrity, safety, and belonging.
Normative ethical relativism theory says that the moral rightness and wrongness of actions
varies from society to society and that there are no absolute universal moral standards
binding on all men at all times. Each culture establishes the basic values and principles
that serve as the foundation for morality
Despite various styles, unique ways of getting things done, it is however, important to treat
all cultures equally. Because, having cultural diversity means having different dressing
styles, traditional foods, cultural dances etc. making; for example, Ethiopia beautiful and
interesting country
Culture is fairly nebulous and subjective but culture comprises a few specific elements:
artifacts, stories, rituals, heroes, symbols, beliefs, attitudes and values.
Artefacts
Are physical items found to have particular symbolism for a company. This could include
an early product line or the napkin that comprised the original idea for the company.
Artefacts remind us of things created from an earlier time.
Culture is often disseminated through stories about past events and people. These stories
could be true or elaborations on a nugget of truth. The story might be of heroism or just
plain luck.
Rituals
Rituals are the repeated actions your company takes. These actions might be cantered on
ceremonies, such as a promotion or a retirement. They may also be associated with
employee celebrations, such as the release of a new product or the closing of a large sale,
or they might be companywide, like the annual holiday party. The predictability of the
rituals and the depth of their meaning combined to help keep organizational culture strong.
Heroes
Heroes are the folks other employees look to emulate. These folks could be anyone
throughout the organization, from the founders to new hires. A hero might be a customer
success representative who went out of his or her way to delight a customer or the
programmer who spent a little extra time to make the latest release contain one fewer bug.
These people symbolize and teach others the ideal behaviours and norms of the
workplace culture.
Symbols
Cultural symbols can be found throughout an organization, from how people greet one
another to the clothes each person wears. Symbols can indicate status and trigger certain
behaviours. A military uniform is full of symbols. It tells others who salute first and the
importance of the person wearing it. An office's decor is also filled with symbols. The style
of furniture, items hung and even the colour of the walls all contribute to telling everyone
more about the people who inhabit it.
Beliefs
People within organizations will often have shared beliefs. These beliefs unify the group's
understanding of the world and provide a foundation for action. This can smooth out
communication between subgroups but can also become a blinder if not checked.
Attitudes
Values
Values are the rules that everyone agrees to abide by within the group, and these can be
seen throughout all of the other elements of culture. Cultural values shouldn’t just be a list
that is framed sitting next to the bathrooms; they should be lived and used to make
decisions.
6.2 Multiculturalism
It is the view that cultures, races, and ethnicities, particularly those of minority groups,
deserve special acknowledgment of their differences within a dominant political culture.
That acknowledgment can take the forms of recognition of contributions to the cultural life
of the political community as a whole, a demand for special protection under the law for
certain cultural groups, or autonomous rights of governance for certain cultures.
Culture is considered to be the underlying values that direct how people behave. Cultural
diversity in the workplace is a result of practices, values, traditions, or beliefs of employees
based on race, age, ethnicity, religion, or gender.
Economic globalization is one of the driving forces of cultural diversity in the workplace.
The modern workforce is made up of people of different genders, ages, ethnicity, religions,
and nationalities. Employers have realized that workforce diversity provides both material
and intangible benefits.
Diversity in the workforce refers to specific groups of people who have typically
experienced discrimination. To help these employees’ overcome barriers at work, many
companies have created diversity and inclusion programs.
When you think about diversity, it can mean a lot of things. Here are just some of the
different types of diversity in the workplace.
Race – Race is may be one of the first things you think of when you think about
diversity. Employees of colour have often faced challenges — getting hired, being
accepted by the co-workers, receiving fair compensation.
Education – Not everyone’s path to employment is the same. Having a mix of
educational backgrounds is a huge asset to an organization, but can also create
conflict.
Ethnicity – As the workforce becomes more and more global, ethnic diversity might
bring about language barriers or cultural differences in how business is carried out.
Gender – According to the World Economic Forum, it will take 208 years to reach
gender equality in the U.S. Cultural diversity in the workplace also applies to
gender.
Religion – Religious diversity can impact your staff’s dress, dietary requirements,
and request for particular days off.
Workers with disabilities – Diversity in the workplace also applies to workers with
disabilities. Whether impairments from vision, learning, or mental health, diversity
comes in many ways. As a result, companies need to ensure that their diversity and
inclusion programs recognize and make provision for the wide spectrum of
disabilities.
There are two primary objections to multiculturalism. One is that multiculturalism privileges
the good of certain groups over the common good, thereby potentially eroding the
common good in favour of a minority interest.
Every company that’s emerged as a positive example of cultural diversity has faced issues
in relation to facilitating people from different groups to work cohesively. HR personnel and
the company’s leadership should be responsive to these issues. The following are some
diversity workplace issues that you might need to address:
Conflict – This occurs when discrimination, prejudice, lack of respect, and racism
are allowed to fester in a workplace. Intolerant attitudes can turn into open conflict if
companies don’t take the correct steps to show that any type of discrimination won’t be
tolerated.
The issues around a diverse workplace can be managed and mitigated if employers take
active steps to ensure that their companies are recognized for tolerance and acceptance.
Use regular surveys to check in on your progress, and have a plan in place for how you’re
going to ensure staff upholds these policies.
Address micro-aggressions
The current Ethiopian regime has used the ethnic federalism policy to restructure
Ethiopia’s geopolitical, social and education policies along ethnic and linguistic lines. The
official discourse of Ethiopian ethnic federalism and multicultural policies has emphasized
the liberal values of diversity, tolerance, and recognition of minority groups. However, its
application has resulted in negative ethnicity and social conflicts among different ethnic
groups.
i. Advantages
Skilled migrant labor: A multi ethnic country is a home for many immigrants
with the majority of them being a highly skilled work force. The skilled workforce
brings a mix of cultural experience needed for problem-solving and creating a
strong team.
ii. Disadvantages
Instructions: Answer all the questions listed below. Illustrations may be necessary to aid
some explanations/answers. Write your answers in the sheet provided in
the next page.
Direction: 1 Choose the best answer. Each question contains 2%
1. ___________ is both a response to the fact of cultural pluralism in modern
democracies and a way of compensating cultural groups for past exclusion,
discrimination, and oppression.
A. Culture Multiculturalism C. Religion D. Language
2. Which of the following are not key areas of diversity and their characteristics?
A. Culture, race, ethnicity
B. Uniformity
C. Religious or spiritual beliefs.
D. Gender including transgender
Direction: 2 Give short and precise answer for the following questions. Each question
contains 2%
1. Write at least two challenges of multiculturalism
2. Explain cultural diversity in the case of Ethiopia
3. How can we manage cultural diversity issues in the work place?
This learning guide is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the
following content coverage and topics –
This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcome stated in the cover page.
Specifically, upon completion of this Learning Guide, you will be able to –
Direction-1 Choose the correct answer from the given options. (2pts.)
1. Which of the following are not qualities of professionals?
A. Knowing your stuff.
B. Standing for something.
C. Vandalism
D. Keeping your word.
E. Being honest.
2. Which of the following are not the main value of professionalism.
A. Portray a professional image through no reliability.
B. Dress and act appropriately.
C. Deliver work outcomes to agreed quality standards and timescales.
D. Be accountable for their actions
E. Portray professional image through consistency and honesty
3.1.5. Professionalism:
“Professionalism is someone's inherent ability to do what is expected of them and
deliver quality work because they are driven to do so.” Professionalism also
encompasses the way an employee interacts with other people, including coworkers,
customers and supervisors "the trend towards professionalism". Characteristics true
professionals possess in the workplace
A neat appearance.
Proper demeanor (in Person and Online)
Reliable.
Competent.
Communicator.
Good phone politeness (Etiquette).
Poised (Self-assured).
Ethical
Trust and Mutual Respect for Your Colleagues at Work
These examples of ethical behaviors ensure maximum productivity output at work.
Encouraging mutual respect will help to: Reduce workplace stress, conflict and
problems. An increase in workplace respect will help to improve communication
between colleagues, increase teamwork and reduce stress as peace in the workplace
soars. Increase productivity, knowledge and understanding. Every worker should try
best to get respect and trust from colleagues in the work place.
The Ways to Get Respect from Your Coworkers are
Follow the Rules.
Work Hard.
Talk Less, Listen More.
Assume the Best About People.
Apologize and Admit Mistakes.
Take Criticism and Learn from It.
Stand Up for Yourself.
Help Other People Succeed.
Ethical behaviors ensure maximum productivity output at work and could be pivotal
for career growth. The following are the examples of ethical behavior:
At the start of an employee contract, companies may need the employee to sign
various documents, including the company rules and regulation agreement form.
Also, the employee may be given a handbook that may serve as a guide. Some
common rules are tardiness, inappropriate dressing, and language, etc. Due to the
excitement of getting a new job, some employees do not properly read these rules
and may end up deferring them in the future. Therefore, it is important that new
employees properly read these rules & regulations in other not to defer them.
B. Communicate Effectively
Good professional relationships are not only a thing that fosters teamwork among
employees, but also help with individual career development for employees.
Developing professional relationships with coworkers or other professionals outside
the workplace will also directly or indirectly improve productivity. Professional
relationships between low-level and high-level employees will make it easier for ideas
to be shared and knowledge to be passed to junior employees. That way, the
company can confidently have an intern work on a tough project to meet a pending
deadline due to the guidance from older employees.
D. Take Responsibility
It is important for employees to always take responsibility for decisions made both
individually and in a team. This is, in fact, a leadership trait that every employee who
is looking to take up a managerial position in the future should exhibit.
Understandably, employees may want to save their job and are therefore scared of
taking responsibility for a particular event. However, they shouldn't let this fear take
them. out of the team.
E. Professionalism/Standards
There are professional standards that everything an employee does in the workplace.
The use of informal words in a formal workplace is highly unprofessional. These
standards should be held high and applied to every part of an employee's activity in
the workplace. This should include the way they speak, kind of work they deliver and
their relationship with coworkers and customers.
F. Be Accountable
Accountability is also a very good trait of an employee. One of the things that may
short change a talented and responsible is the lack of accountability. Lack of
accountability may result in your boss thinking you have an "I don't care attitude" to
the company's project or worst take you as a liar and may lead to job loss in the long
run. For example, at the beginning of each year, a certain amount of money is
allocated to each department. The manager is meant to oversee how this money is
spent. If at the end of the year, the manager cannot make an account of how the
money was spent, he may then be suspected of stealing company funds.
G. Uphold Trust
An employee should not do anything that may make his or her employee withdraw
trust. As an employee of a company, your employee trusts you to get work done
perfectly on time. Things like missing deadlines regularly or delivering work that
needs to be revised over and over again will deny you a promotion. It may even leave
the employer not giving you tasks to complete in the future—a nightmare for
freelancers.
Is the company running behind deadline and you feel you can stay a few extra hours
after work to finish up? Do it. You are a freelance designer and your client wants a
particular poster designed but doesn't have a copywriter to write the content. If you
can write the contents, do so. Don't delay a client's work because of a few contents.
It doesn't matter whether you are dealing with the intern, a junior, janitor, etc. they
should all be treated with respect. As a manager, treating your team members with
respect will help improve their productivity. Giving constructive criticism and saying
kind words to them even when they are not able to deliver perfectly will help them
strive to do better in the future.
J. Work Smarter
Don't just work hard, work smarter. The reason why you see an employee promoted
to the post of manager after just 2 years and a hardworking employee who has been
with the company for 10 years failed to get a promotion is smart work.
A. Lies:
Lying is a trait that is detested in and outside the workplace. It kills trust, affects
relationships and may even put people in trouble. There are different situations where
employees lie in the workplace-with just one lie opening the floor for many others. It
could be a sales manager lying about the number of clients they were able to get in a
month or an employee calling in sick just to attend another job interview.
A lot of employees start lying from their CV, by adding experiences they didn't
acquire, and the skills they don't have. Employees need to understand that lying
about work may eventually get them in trouble and needs to stop before they lose
their job.
B. Taking Credit for Others Hard Work
It is very common for managers to take credit for their team member's hard work
when reporting to the management. A team member may have brought an idea that
helped the sales team improve their sales by 200%. However, when giving a report,
the manager doesn't mention the team member's name but claims the idea as his.
Employees need to reduce the use of "I", but embrace the use of “We". By taking
credit for another person's work, you will be denying the person a promotion, bonus
or commendation for a job well done. This will discourage the person from sharing
ideas that will benefit the company in the future.
C. Verbal Harassment/Abuse
Employees need to stay away from using foul language on coworkers in and out of
the workplace. This is very important when dealing with customers. Customers are
known to get angry and may result in verbal abuse due to a bad product or service.
They may even get insult you when they are at fault. As a customer care
representative, salesperson or any other employee, it is important that you don't use
abusive words on customers no matter how provoked.
D. Violence
Similar to verbal harassment, employees should not be violent when dealing with
coworkers and customers. Customers may likely provoke you, but it is better to keep
shut and walk away rather than turn violent.
A lot of employees have side hustles which they use to supplement salaries. This is
very good and only very few companies are against employees working to make
money outside work hours. However, some employees still do non-office related work
during office hours. Employees who have side hustles should try doing them on
weekends or employing other people to handle some of the business logistics to
avoid eating into office hours to get the work done.
F. Extended Breaks
Companies give lunch breaks to employees and people take advantage of these
breaks to do other things outside office work like, go for interviews, meet with friends
or even work on their side hustles. They are free to do whatever they want this lunch
break. Employees, however, take advantage of these lunch breaks and extend them
beyond time.
G. Theft/Embezzlement
Some employees are known for diverting company funds into their bank accounts-
padding project quotations, invoices, etc. to deceive the company on how much was
spent on particular projects. This act is detrimental to the company because
employees who steal sometimes replace quality products with counterfeits which are
cheaper but causes damage in the future.
H. Sexual Harassment
I. Corrupt Practices
Some common causes of corruption can be seen during the employment process of
an organization. They invite so many people to send their CVs and come for
interviews but only people with the same political affiliation with them get the job. This
is also common with companies that ask for contractors to bid for a project but the
employees will only give them to their friends who may not even bid at all.
Workplace ethics is not for employees alone. Employers are also bound to workplace
ethics and may also be tried for unethical behavior.
L. Verbal Harassment
It is common among employers to verbally harass employees when they make little
mistakes. This will reduce employee morale and productivity. Employers should
always say kind words to their employees.
M. Undue Pressure
Deadlines are a great way to make sure the work gets done on time. However, when
employees are placed under undue pressure, they end up trading quality for on-time
delivery. An example of undue pressure will be giving an employee a 1-day deadline
for a project that would normally take a week.
N. Nepotism
One of the things that can mar productivity is an unfriendly working environment. This
may come as a combination of abusive bosses, lack of commendation, nepotism, etc.
An unfriendly environment is an environment that combines various unethical
behaviors into one.
P. Unrealistic Expectations
Creative usually have it worse when it comes to having unrealistic expectations from
employees.
Consequences for unethical behaviors should also be placed alongside the rules at
strategic places in the organization. That way, if anyone wants to ignore the rules
despite seeing them, the fear of getting punished will stop him or her from going
ahead.
Some companies often cover up issues of rape, sexual harassment, etc. when the
perpetrator is a high-ranking member of the organization. Things like this should not
be accommodated. Irrespective of who breaks the rule, there should be swift
disciplinary action by the organization.
There are different factors that can affect the Practice of ethical behavior are
individual and social Factors.
A. Individual Factors
Morals are another individual characteristic that can affect an individual's ethics.
Morals are the rules people develop as a result of cultural norms and values and are,
traditionally, what employees learn from their childhood, culture, education, religion,
etc. They are usually described as good or bad behavior. Would you have good
morals if you pushed a product on a customer that you knew was not going to help
solve a problem?
Many ethical work situations will also be affected by a person's goals. Which
characteristics do you feel are worthy to aspire to? Is financial gain ranked ahead of
good character or integrity? If your personal goals are about acquiring wealth no
matter what the consequence, then you might act unethical in the future.
B. Social Factors
Cultural norms, the Internet and friends and family are three social factors that can
affect ethical behavior. Different cultures have norms that vary from place to place in
the business world. For example, you might have to face a request for a bribe in
order to conduct business in certain countries in some countries. This might be
unethical to you but considered an acceptable norm in their workplace.
Ethical practices:
C. A workplace with good ethics usually strengthens the bond employees have
with their superior
E. Bad workplace ethics can cause a strain in the relationship with company
stakeholders
F. When it leaks (which it most likely will) poor behavior can be recorded and
propelled into unsavory headlines online. This can lead to reputational
damage to the brand name.
Self-Check 3 3 Written Test
A code of ethics can take a variety of forms, but the general goal is to ensure that a
business and its employees are following the laws, conducting themselves with an
ideal that can be exemplary, and ensuring that the business being conducted is
beneficial for all stakeholders. The following are three types of codes of ethics found
in business.
For all businesses, laws regulate issues such as hiring and safety standards.
Compliance-based codes of ethics not only set guidelines for conduct but also
determine penalties for violations. In some industries, including banking, specific laws
govern business conduct. These industries formulate compliance-based codes of
ethics to enforce laws and regulations. Employees usually undergo formal training to
learn the rules of conduct. Because noncompliance can create legal issues for the
company as a whole, individual workers within a firm may face penalties for failing to
follow guidelines. To ensure that the aims and principles of the code of ethics are
followed, some companies appoint a compliance officer. This individual is tasked with
keeping up to date on changes in regulation codes and monitoring employee conduct
to encourage conformity.
This type of code of ethics is based on clear-cut rules and well-defined consequences
rather than individual monitoring of personal behavior. Despite strict adherence to the
Some codes of conduct contain language that addresses both compliance and
values. For example, a grocery store chain might create a code of conduct that
espouses the company's commitment to health and safety regulations above financial
gain. That grocery chain might also include a statement about refusing to contract
with suppliers that feed hormones to livestock or raise animals in inhumane living
conditions.
Advisers must be registered and certified or state regulators are bound by a code of
ethics. This is a legal requirement and also a code of loyalty that requires them to act
in the best interest of their clients. Certified public accountants, who are not typically
considered fiduciaries to their clients, still are expected to follow similar ethical
standards, such as integrity, objectivity, truthfulness, and avoidance of conflicts of
interest. Professionals should obey by:
All companies will have a different code of ethics with different areas of interest,
based on the industry they are involved in, but the areas that companies typically
focus on include: integrity, objectivity, professional competence, confidentiality, and
professional behavior.
A code of ethics is broader in its nature, outlining what is acceptable for the company
in terms of integrity and how it operates. A code of conduct is more focused in nature
and instructs how a business' employees should act daily and in specific situations. A
code of ethics is a guiding set of principles intended to instruct professionals to act in
a manner that is honest and that is beneficial to all stakeholders involved. A code of
ethics is drafted by a business and tailored to the specific industry at hand, requiring
all employees of that business to adhere to the code.
Some Codes of Conduct sets the values and principles that we as employees follow in
our interactions with each other and with our stakeholders such as customers and
other business partners, our shareholders and the regulatory authorities. It forms the
basis for our behavior and for the public image.
The Standards of Professional Practice are an agreed upon set of ethical and
professional standards. Members the professions use these standards in developing
their own codes and guide them daily as they continue their work. These include the
following:
A. Professional Services
Members of the profession fulfill the responsibilities of their position by supporting the
educational interests, rights, and welfare of clients in accordance with the mission of
the employing institution.
Members of the profession seek to advance the welfare of the employing institution
through accountability for the proper use of institutional funds, personnel, equipment,
and other resources. Members inform appropriate officials of conditions which may be
potentially disruptive or damaging to the institution's mission, personnel, and property.
D. Employment Relationship
E. Conflict of Interest
Members recognize their obligation to the employing institution and seek to avoid
private interests, obligations, and transactions which are in conflict of interest or give
the appearance of impropriety. Members clearly distinguish between statements and
actions which represent their own personal views and those which represent their
employing institution when important to do so.
F. Legal Authority
Members demonstrate concern for the legal, social codes and moral expectations of
the communities in which they live and work even when the dictates of one's
conscience may require behavior as a private citizen which is not in keeping with
these codes/expectations.
Members execute professional responsibilities with fairness and impartiality and show
equal consideration to individuals regardless of status or position. Members respect
individuality and promote an appreciation of human diversity in higher education. In
keeping with the mission of their respective institution and remaining cognizant of
federal, state, and local laws, they do not discriminate on the basis of race, color,
national origin, religion, age, sex, affection or disability. Members do not engage in or
tolerate harassment in any form and should exercise professional judgment in
entering into intimate relationships with those for whom they have any supervisory,
evaluative, or instructional responsibility.
H. Professionals Behavior
Members demonstrate and promote responsible behavior and support actions that
enhance personal growth and development of workers. Members foster conditions
designed to ensure a workers’ acceptance of responsibility for his/her own behavior.
Members inform and educate workers’ as to sanctions or constraints on worker
behavior which may result from violations of law or institutional policies.
Members ensure that all information conveyed to others is accurate and in appropriate
context. In their research and publications, members conduct and report research
studies to assure accurate interpretation of findings, and they adhere to accepted
professional standards of academic integrity.
J. Confidentiality
Members are aware of and take responsibility for all pertinent ethical principles and
institutional requirements when planning any research activity dealing with human
subjects.
N. References
Members clearly define with subordinates and supervisors job responsibilities and
decision-making procedures, mutual expectations, accountability procedures, and
evaluation criteria.
P. Campus Community
Members promote a sense of community among all areas of the campus by working
cooperatively with staff, and others outside the institution to address the common
goals.
R. Assessment
An ethical decision is one that engenders trust, and thus indicates responsibility,
fairness and caring to an individual. Ethical decision-making requires a review of
different options, eliminating those with an unethical standpoint, and then choosing the
best ethical alternative. Ethical decisions generate and sustain trust; demonstrate
respect, responsibility, fairness and caring; and are consistent with good citizenship.
These behaviors provide a foundation for making better decisions by setting the
ground rules for our behavior.
Ethical decision making is first based on the distinction between statements that are
factual and those that are value-based. Suggested information may be divided into
two (true and untrue). It is wise to base decisions on truth and morally accepted facts.
Ethical decisions making is the process of identifying a problem, generating
alternatives, and choosing among them maximizing ethical values while also
achieving the intended goal. In short, ethical decision should be fully informed, aware
of laws, principles and rules, consciously and reflectively deliberated, intelligently,
justifiable, and effectively implemented.
Everything we do, or don’t do, is a choice that can affect our lives and the lives of
others. Ethical choices are based on principled decisions, not on self-interest or easy-
returns. Such principles are based on universal values that have been held across
time, culture, politics, religion and ethnicity. Any decision can be evaluated in terms of
these universal values or core ethical principles trustworthiness, respect,
responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship before making any decision the
responsible person should consider the following points:
Notice and eliminate unethical options -right vs. wrong. Ethical thinking requires
a sensitivity to perceive the ethical implications of decisions.
Evaluate complex, ambiguous and incomplete facts. It is often difficult to obtain
all necessary information.
Select the best ethical alternative. Resolve any ethical dilemmas-right vs.
wrong. Not all ethical responses to a situation are equal.
Have ethical commitment, ethical consciousness, and ethical competency.
Ethical thinking and decision making takes practice
5.2 Rationalization
Studying ethics, involves attempting to find valid reasons for the moral arguments that
we make. Most people already have general ideas – or what philosophers call
intuitions ‘or Presumptions– about what they think is ‗right ‘or ‗wrong ‘. But a
philosophical approach to ethics requires people to think critically about the moral
ideas that they hold, to support or refute those ideas with convincing arguments, and
to be able to articulate and explain the reasons and assumptions on which those
arguments are based. The real value of discussing and debating ethical questions is
not to win the argument 'or to ‗score points 'against the other person! It is more
important to provide carefully considered arguments to support our ideas, and to allow
for rational – and deeper – understanding of the reasons underlying our beliefs, ideas
and attitudes. Crucially, this requires careful listening to, analysis of and learning from
the arguments that others make. Three forms of critical reasoning that individuals can
use to justify their arguments are outlined below:
Clarify/ identify the relevant facts of the case/: Determine precisely what must
be decided. What are the alternatives? Eliminate any impractical, illegal or
improper alternatives.
Assess/ identify the relevant ethical principles /- Separate facts from beliefs,
desires, theories and opinions. Assess the influence of personal and/or
collective world views on assumptions about 'fact'. Assess the credibility of the
sources of information and the motivations of the stakeholders.
Decide/. Identify other relevant ethical principles and resolve conflicts between
them /- Are there some right vs. wrong choices? Classify any ethical dilemmas
involving right vs. right choices and evaluate the viable alternatives by
prioritizing the ethical values so that you can choose which values to favor.
Implement/ Decide on ethical principles and standards which are relevant to
the case at hand - Develop a plan to implement your decision in a way that
maximizes the benefits and minimizes the costs and risks. Involve as many
stakeholders as possible during implementation.
Monitor/ Reconsider any remaining conflicts between the case and ethical
principles and standards. /- Monitor the effects of decisions and be prepared to
take alternative action based on new information.
Reflect/ identify whether the decision would withstand public security, and
finally make decisions/ - Review you decision making process. Will do it
differently next time? Were you fully aware of your own values and worldview
during the process? What feedback should you seek?
Empathize with another. Put yourself in the other person's shoes and
understand how they are feeling. Treat other people the way you would like to
be treated.
Demonstrate selflessness. Do not be selfish and put yourself before others. Do
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzxtS-cQN_8 (video)
A dress code is a set of rules, often written, with regards to what clothing groups of
people must wear. Dress codes are created out of social perceptions.
A code of conduct is a set of rules outlining the norms, rules, and responsibilities or
proper practices of an individual party or an organization. The code of conduct may
include:
Code of conduct.
Recruitment policy.
Internet and email policy.
Mobile phone policy.
Non-smoking policy.
Drug and alcohol policy.
Health and safety policy.
Anti-discrimination harassment policy
Disciplinary actions
Professional practice standards means the set of documents that specify the legal and
ethical requirements for professional practice that include the standards of practice
and essential competencies for code of ethics, practice guidelines, regulations and
bylaws.
There are three important factors that can influence ethical decision making, which are
individual, organizational, and opportunity factors. All three of these factors can weigh
heavily on a person during the decision-making process, especially in the work place.
Many people look to friends or associates for guidance when making questionable
decisions. Sometimes a person may make a decision based on the opportunity they
are put into. Some people make decisions based on their own moral beliefs and the
way they were raised. No matter how a person comes to make a decision, there are
usually three factors that influence a person’s ethical decision-making process.
The next factor is the organizational factor. The organizational factor can be defined
as a set of values or norms that is shared by members or employees of an
organization. Organizational factors can affect decision making if all of the employees
or associates have negative views and make unethical decisions. Organizational
factors can be affected by the people closest to the decision maker. If the organization
and all of the employees believe in a code of ethics, then most likely the decision will
be ethical.
The last factor is the opportunity factor. This can be defined as a situation that
encourages or discourages a person. Opportunity factors are based on whether there
are opportunities to make ethical or unethical decisions. If the company promotes the
do whatever it takes.
In order to promote Ethical standards and practice with clients, colleagues and others
the following behaviours should be considered:
An organizational code of ethics can reduce ethical ambiguities. The code of ethics
should state the organization’s primary values and the ethical rules that employees
are expected to follow. Managers should remember that a code of ethics is worthless
if leaders fail to model ethical behaviours.
Managers should set up seminars, workshops and similar programs to promote ethics
in the workplace. Training sessions reinforce the organization’s standards of conduct,
to clarify what practices are and are not permissible, and to address possible ethical
dilemmas.
a) Empowerment of Employees
One way to improve the ethical climate of your organization is to give employees more
power over their work. If employees have an ethical code and more control over their
work outcomes, they are likely to justify your trust in them to make the right decision.
Empowerment also can produce better results from employees, such as more creative
solutions to business problems, when implemented effectively. Give employees a
reason to act more ethically and to be more innovative – such as to keep their
autonomy over their work – and you will also increase your company's efficiency.
Improve your communication policies and procedures so that information will flow
more smoothly and frequently between employees and managers. For example,
assign a manager, HR specialist or ad-hoc team to create a series of training
scenarios that teach employees the right thing to do in common situations faced in
your company.
You can't expect all employees to comply with the ethics policy without some kind of
discipline. Enforce your consequences for violations of the ethics policy evenly,
regardless of the offender's high or low status. If you don't have the time to do this,
delegate the job to a manager or HR director. Be sure to maintain careful
documentation of employee violations in case you get sued over disciplining or
terminating an employee for an ethical violation.
As you look at employee behaviours and enforce your ethics policy, you might see
patterns of unethical behaviour. This might indicate that some rules and procedures
need to be changed in the organization, even it affects ways of doing things that save
time or money or increase profits.
Instruction Sheet
This learning guide is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the
following content coverage and topics –
Identifying the basics of patriotism
Developing qualities of patriotic citizen
Describing executing responsibility
Discussing the concept of corruption
Developing the sense of volunteerism
Practicing industriousness in the work place
This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcome stated in the cover page.
Specifically, upon completion of this Learning Guide, you will be able to –
Identify the basics of patriotism
Describe qualities of patriotic citizen
Describe executing responsibility
Discuss the concept of corruption
Develop the sense of volunteerism
Develop industriousness in the work place
Learning Instructions:
1. Read the specific objectives of this Learning Guide
2. Follow the instructions described below
3. Read the information written in the Information Sheets
4. Accomplish the “Self-check
Patriotism in a Modern notion is defined with the respect of human rights and
constitutional democracy. It is an appreciation of multiculturalism Whereas Patriotism
in a rational meaning defined as sense of attachment to a homeland or the country
and alliance with other citizens who share the same sentiment to create a feeling of
oneness among the people.
Patriotism mean devotion to a particular place and a particular way of life, which one
believes to be the best in the world but has no wish to force upon other people.
Patriotism is of its nature defensive, both militarily and culturally. Nationalism, on the
other hand, is inseparable from the desire for power
Nationalism and patriotism both show the relationship of an individual towards his or her
nation. The two are often confused and frequently believed to mean the same thing.
However, there is a vast difference between nationalism and patriotism.
In Summary,
Patriot: Expresses the emotion of love towards his country in a passive way
Nationalist: Strives for independence and the interests and domination of a nation
and expresses his love or concern for the country in an active political way.
What, then, is the moral status of patriotism? The question does not admit of a single
answer. We can distinguish patriotism as Extreme, Robust, moderate, Deflated and
Ethical which needs to be judged on its merits.
Traditional patriotism is a patriot one who dies for its country, respects and the
national anthems, flags, and loves the physical features of the country. Some major
characteristics of traditional patriotism are:
Generally, patriot in modern sense is the one who live the community or the people
he/she belongs stand for the right of the others. It is also readiness to make sacrifices
for what is considered its best interest.
There are certain conditions that make people to love their homeland and these
conditions are known as factors or basis for building patriotism. These factors include
tolerance of diversity, legality, and prevalence of rule of law in the country.
Equal access implies equitable distribution of natural resources political power and
social services to the people of the country. Citizens would not have sense of love for
their country unless they are entertained equally to use all kinds of opportunities in
their country.
Rule of law is another important factor for the development of patriotic feeling.
Therefore, to enable citizens to have strong patriotic feeling and positive attitude
towards their country, there should be prevalence of rule of law.
In the constitutional system it is a duty of every citizen to show unreserved support for
the implementation of constitutional provision. They can also do this by fulfilling
constitutional obligations in good faith.
A patriot has the duty to respect the constitutional right and entitlement of individual
and group. As a patriot you are expected to respect the rights of your fellow citizens.
2.1.3. Loyalty
Loyalty is the quality of being faithful allegiance to the particular state or people.
Loyalty of Patriots is devoted to the nation and its historical and cultural achievement.
However this does not mean that patriots should be loyal to dictatorial and
undemocratic governments that undermine human rights and freedom of citizens.
Struggling against such governments is by itself the attribute of patriotism.
Tolerance and the culture of peace are important attribute of true patriotism in
multicultural society. In countries such as Ethiopia where different groups with varied
languages, religions and other attributes coexist, it is important that there is the space
for all of them to have some common ground that offer them the opportunity and
privilege to claim pride in their own legacy and history. As a patriotic person, you
need to be keen in solving your problems and differences in a peaceful manner.
Ethiopia has many important national heritages and historical sites. The Rock Hewn
Church of Lalibela, The Palace of Jima Aba Jifar, the Palace of Atse-Fasil in Gondar
and the various monument located in Ethiopia are just few of national heritages
among many. These national heritages not only attract thousands of tourists, but they
State secrets are those you should keep due to social mindedness and love for your
country. A patriot always maintains national secrets, especially, at the time of war. A
patriot is not a dictator and does not make treason against his/her country.
A patriot always respects his/her country’s national values. National symbols include
such things as national flag, national anthem, and national day or days of
independency. The first two are important features for the identity of nations across
the world. They indicate the independence of a country and its citizens on a legal
footing to other nations that a patriot should reject. Beside this Ethiopia has also
national day such as March 2 victory of Adwa, May 5 is the day that marked the end of
the five years struggle between Ethiopian patriots and the Italian invaders.
As a patriot, you are expected to expose wrong doing, unethical activities and
mismanagements of any organization, individual and groups. True patriots publicize
information about human right violations by anybody. They also give out information
about any illegal act that may be going in any organization.
Responsibility is that state of being answerable for an obligation and having the skill,
ability, and capacity to bear it. It also means the ability to do or not to do something. In
other words, one becomes responsible for one’s action. It means accountability.
Responsibility could be keeping promise, observing laws and other social values
taking inlet yourself and your fellow. Therefore, executing responsibility include: -
Keeping promise is a declaration which binds the person who makes it, either in
honor, conscience, or law to do or for bear certain specific act. A good citizen always
keeps his/her promise, because he/she has at least a moral obligation to do so as a
member of the society. Promising rule goes by appeal to the value that the practice of
promising has for us as members of a society. The chief value of the practice of
promising is social coordination and cooperation. Promises allow people to trust one
another, which in turn allows for all sorts of cooperative benefits.
Public property is land or buildings that are for the use of everyone. This may include
all those properties in your school, public toilets in your surroundings and others.
Public properties also include those owned by government like power generating
plants, electric power transmission towers across the country, roads,
telecommunication networks and hospitals. As a citizen, you have the responsibility to
protect such properties for future use.
The natural environment is the environment composed of land, water, air, human
beings and other living creatures as well as human created surroundings. Human
survival depends on natural environment. Responsible citizen gives strong attention to
protect his/her environment from the Resource depletion following problem:
Over population
Pollution
a. Water pollution.
b. Waste and waste disposal.
c. Ocean acidification.
d. Acid rain.
Environmental degradation
ozone layer depletion
Terrorism
Human trafficking
Drug trafficking etc.
Historical heritages are things that reflect the living condition of the ancient people,
their culture, their work and their artifacts etc. Historical heritages are the best proof of
a nation’s history and traditional culture. They are considered as precious material,
spiritual treasures which promote strong sense of national pride and patriotic
enthusiasm.
I. They provide socio cultural places of identities and are also resources for an
important leisure service industry.
II. They are the main source of tourism industry. A country with plenty of historical
and cultural heritage has the potential to attract many visiting people from all
over the world. For instance,
Individual responsibility refers to the moral and legal obligation of citizens to take care
for and take responsibility for themselves and their action. Individual responsibility
includes fulfilling personal responsibilities to oneself, family, friends and others.
Personal responsibility leads to social acceptance.
Self-governance
Obliging the law
Supporting families
Behaving in civil manner
Managing their life properly
It is clear that those who discharge their individual responsibilities can successfully
discharge their group responsibilities. Both personal and group responsibilities can be
categorized in to Moral and legal.
Personal Responsibility:
Social Responsibility:
communicate with others in a way that empowers them, not demeans them;
honor others' rights, dignity, and worth,
work together toward common goals,
negotiate problems and conflicts successfully; and
Create opportunities for others.
Environmental Responsibility:
Responsible person is the one who identifies and accepts the consequences-good
or bad- of his decisions. Responsible behavior is made up of essential elements-
honesty, compassion, respect values and norms of a society, fairness, accountability
and Courage. In addition, responsible persons are those who do the right thing even
no one is watching and See things through.
Moral: it has to do with human behavior and the distinctions between good, bad, right
and wrong behavior. For instance, helping a person in need of assistance, helping in
protecting public safety, peace and order are among the moral and ethical values of a
society. In general, good citizen responsibilities may include:
Even after the Dreg Regime, corruption was still a problem to development. To
address such a problem, the government of Ethiopia a civil service reform program as
part of the general strategy to curb corruption by the year 1994.The reform program
was under taken on the basis of a task force established by the prime minister’s office.
When the civil service reform program approached an implementation phase, Federal
Ethics and Anti- corruption Commission (FEAC) was established in October 2001.
Some measures taken in the promotion of ethical standards and fight against
corruption in Ethiopia are as follows:
In light of the problems, important steps are made in this area. For example, federal
ethics and anti-corruption commission is established and related legislation such as
evidence and procedure law and mandate of the commission are enacted.
Most of the employees in the government sector are paid low wages and salaries.
Hence some employees revert to corruption for more financial benefits.
This is another cause of corruption. Due to the lack of job opportunities, many people
like to go for corruption mode to get a job offer. They will be ready to pay lump-sum
amounts for the job offer to the higher officials or politicians.
The public openly criticizes corruption, but interestingly there is no unity among the
public to stop corruption. If a person wants to get his done his work, he gets it done by
corruption means if possible and then later criticizes the corrupt official. If the public
stands united against corruption so that no one is ready to offer bribes to get their
work done, then the corrupt officials will have no other option but to work in a
corruption-free manner.
During the election, politicians try to lure the people by offering money and other
things. If these politicians win and get power, they try to regain 10 to 100 times the
amount spent in the process.
Many seat selection processes like in education, contracts for the job, employee
income reports (wealth possession), etc., lack transparency.
Lack of the independent detective agency is to investigate with full power and freedom
to expose the corrupt individuals. The existing agencies are under the control of either
the government or the armies and are not free to work. Hence anyone who commits
offense will not be afraid of the investigation as they can escape from it by taking the
help of those controlling them.
In a democracy, anyone can establish a political party. So there are chances for the
corruption of many political parties in the country.
If a political party wins, then the party members will desire to expand the party all over
the country. To do so, they need enough financial reserves. Once they come into
power, they opt for corrupt means to make the wealth needed to expand the party.
10. Lack of enough powers to the judicial system and other independent
organizations.
Like the election commission cannot ban a politician from contesting in case they
make a mistake or do not comply with the rules during the poll campaign (like
distributing money to people etc.). Similarly, the judicial system has low options to
punish someone who is found to be
If there is a mandate that all the files or at least 95% of files received by government
offices for clearance are cleared in the said period, then corruption can be minimized
to a large extent.
Grand corruption is the abuse of high-level power that benefits the few at the expense
of the many, and causes serious and widespread harm to individuals and society. It
often goes unpunished. Grand corruption is a crime that violates human rights and
deserves judgment and punishment accordingly. There are three major branches of
grand corruption include Political corruption, Bureaucratic corruption and
Organizational (Systemic) corruption.
5 Petty corruption
Petty corruption also defined as a type of everyday abuse of entrusted power by low-
and mid-level public officials in their interactions with ordinary citizens, who often are
trying to access basic goods or services in places like hospitals, schools, police
departments and other agencies.
6. Manifestation of Corruption
Corruption can be manifested in different ways including the following: There are
many types of corruption. For most people, bribery probably comes first to mind when
they hear the word corruption, but other common types of corruption include bribery,
nepotism, fraud, embezzlement, theft, etc.
6.1 Bribery
6.2 Nepotism
If an individual bribes an official to hire him or her, the official acts in self-interest. If a
corrupt official hires a relative, he or she acts in exchange for the less tangible benefit
of advancing the interests of family or the specific relative involved (nepotism). The
favoring of, or discriminating against, individuals can be based on a wide range of
group characteristics: race, religion, geographical factors, political or other affiliation,
In the context of corruption, embezzlement, theft and fraud all involve the taking or
conversion of money, property, or valuable items by an individual who is not entitled to
them but, by virtue of his or her position or employment, has access to them.
In the case of embezzlement and theft, the property is taken by someone to whom it
was entrusted. Therefore, embezzlement and theft can be defined as «stealing money
or other government property. » Fraud, however, consists of the use of false or
misleading information to induce the owner of the property to relinquish it voluntarily.
Fraud, therefore, can be defined as «cheating the government through deceit. »
8. Abuse of Discretion
In some cases, corruption can involve the abuse of discretion, vested in an individual,
for personal gain. For example, an official responsible for Government contracting
may exercise the discretion to purchase goods or services from a company in which
he or she holds a personal interest or propose real estate developments that will
increase the value of property. Such abuse is often associated with bureaucracies
where there is broad individual discretion and few oversight or accountability
structures, or where decision-making rules are so complex that they neutralize the
effectiveness of any accountability structures that do ex
9. Consequences of corruption
Impact of corruption is very hard on public life. This is more of awkward and defaming
condition than being problematic. But it appears that the corruption is ever rising and
unstoppable. Further, the people involved in corruption seem to be hiding by blaming
others. Even they are proud of themselves as they made more money in short time.
To worsen the condition further, those involved in corruption are able to get better
promotions and opportunities. People also have developed an opinion that it is the
only way to get their work done. If not, the work will be pending for long or even might
not be done.
Corruption in the judiciary system, leads to improper justice. And the victims of offense
might suffer. A crime may be proved as a benefit of the doubt due to lack of evidence
or even the evidence erased. Due to corruption in the police system, the investigation
process goes on for decades. This lets the culprits roam free and even perform more
crimes. There are even chances that criminals due to old age due to the delayed
investigation. So it leads to a sense of “Justice delayed is justice denied.”
Chances of Unemployment
For example, the private education and training institutes are given permits to start
providing education. This permit is given based on the infrastructure and sufficient
recruitment of eligible staff. Here there are good chances of corruption. The institute or
college managements try to bribe the quality inspectors to get permits. Though there
is no sufficient eligible staff these institutes get permission from the inspectors leading
to unemployment. Instead of 10 faculties, a college is run by 5. So, even if well-
qualified persons wish to get a job there, they will not be offered. If there was no
corruption by inspectors, then there would be a chance for more employment.
In countries with more corruption one can notice more health problems among people.
There will be no fresh drinking water, proper roads, quality food grains supply, milk
adulteration, etc.
These low-quality services are all done to save money by the contractors and the
officials who are involved. Even the medicines provided in hospitals for the hospitals
Pollution
Pollution is mostly emitted in the form of water pollution, air pollution, and land
pollution. This pollution is from vehicles and factories. The governments have a
monitor on this pollution by regular check of vehicle emissions and also industrial
exhausts.
Corruption in the government department lets the industry people opt to release of
untreated and harmful waste into rivers and air. If there is no corruption, there can be
fair probes. Then the industry personnel will treat the waste such that it is less toxic
and harmless to environment and people in it. So we can mean that corruption is also
the main cause of pollution.
Accidents
Sanction of driving license without proper check of driving skills in the driver leads to
accidents and death. Due to corruption, there are countries where one can driving
license without any tests.
People start disregarding the official involved in corruption by talking negatively about
him. But when they have work with him or her, they again approach them by a thought
that the work is done if some monetary benefits are provided. Disregard towards
Rulers of the nation like the president or prime ministers lose respect among the
public. Respect is main criteria in social life. People go for voting during the election
not only with the desire to improve their living standards by the election winner but
also with respect for the leader. If the politicians are involved in corruption, people
knowing this will lose respect for them and will not vote such politicians.
People vote to a ruler based on their faith in him/ her but if found to be involved in
corruption people lose faith in them and may not vote next time.
There are many incidents wherein foreign investments which were willing to come to
India have gone back owing to heavy corruption in the government bodies.
Delay in growth
Due to desire to mint money and other unlawful benefits, the official who needs to
pass the clearances for projects or industries delay the process. A work which can be
done in few days may be done in a months’ time that leads to delay in investments
starting and growth. Even if started, company growth hinders as every work linked to
officials get delayed due to need to provide bribes or other benefits.
Lack of development
Many new industries willing to get started in particular region change their plans if the
region is unsuitable. If there are no proper roads, water, and electricity, the companies
do not wish to start up there. This hinders the economic progress of that region.
Political Commitment
Administrative Reform
Transparency and accountability are the pillars of democracy and good governance,
thus, are important at all levels of governance. If the activities of the government are
transparent and officials and civil servants are held accountable for their decisions, the
chance for corruption will be minimized. Usually, corruption takes place when there is
lack of transparency and accountability.
Legal Framework
Legal framework is the other essential mechanism for combating corruption. Under
this sub- heading the following legal aspects will be discussed:
Code of ethics serves bas guide to acceptable and unacceptable behaviour at work
place. It includes sanctions, when there is breach of the provision in the code of ethics
by those working within the government machinery. The code of ethics should be
prepared in line with the need of every government institution or organization.
Conflict interest is any interest is any interest that either directly or indirectly influences
the officials and civil servant in the discharge of their duties. In order to avoid conflict
of interest, officials and civil servants working in areas that are susceptible to
corruption should be required by law to declare and register their assets and financial
interests. According to the Canadian experience, for the purpose of registration,
assets are classified into three, i.e. exempted assets, declarable assets and controlled
assets.
Besides the above, conflict of interest law shall define clearly what type of work-
related behaviour are acceptable and unacceptable, and specify work areas that are
prohibited as outside employment in relation to each position. For example, the law
shall include identification of risk areas or activities such as whether running personal
business venture or participating in shareholding business activities.
General Auditor
Ombudsman
Ethics Coordinating Body;
The Judiciary.
Mass media;
Professional associations;
Religious organizations;
Others undertaking public awareness Program. For example, establishing
and strengthening consumer associations.
The term industriousness is derived from the word industry which means the quality of
regularly working hard. A person having the characteristics of working hard is said to
be industrious. Thus, industrious usually refers to the characteristics of diligent,
punctual and hard-working person.
We have to respect all types of work. In order for people to get what they need and
want; they have to work. This means we have to respect every profession and labor
work. Work is the only respectable and legal way to earn money. Work is the base to
fulfill our basic necessities and other needs and wants. Work is very important for the
survival of human race and civilization. Ethiopia is a very poor country. By working
hard, it is possible to produce the goods and services that are needed to get out of
poverty. We need to develop the skills and provide opportunities so that everyone can
work their way out of poverty.
Many people in developed countries work very hard. Because of this they are able to
produce more, goods and services to consume. When you are able to produce more,
then you have more choice to satisfy your needs and wants. This enhances your
creativity, productivity, and or quality of your work. Creativity can lead to the invention
of new things such as technological development.
Ethical work conduct enables workers to possess proper behavior and as to develop
proper relationship with other workers and help they create good industrial
environmental. Hard work is not enough; we need to be educated and skilled in order
to move towards development.
Plan ahead. One of the best ways to be more efficient is to plan ahead. Don't
just plan for the things you know will happen (though you should obviously do
this as well); try to anticipate the workload and needed time.
Make lists of items "to do." The best way to stay on top of your workload, no
matter what profession or area of studies you're in, is to make lists, update
progress and check items off as you accomplish them.
Delegate work and share tasks. Depending on your job description, your
personality type, and available workers with complementary jobs, you may be
able to work together with others.
Develop specific, measurable goals. The best way to set yourself up for
success is to create S.M.A.R.T. goals: Specific, Measurable, Action-oriented,
Realistic, and Time-bound.
Resist the urge to procrastinate. Procrastination will quickly kill your will to
persevere.
Take pleasure in your effort. The key to staying motivated is to find pleasure
in your efforts, even when they don't seem to be paying off.
Example: Think about how much time you waste on a given day checking
your social media, like Facebook and Twitter. Spending 10 minutes on
Facebook every hour of an eight hour workday adds up to 80 minutes of time
wasted online.
Develop a healthy morning routine. Treat your body and mind in the morning
before you come to work sets the pace for your entire day, and can either
sabotage your efforts or set you up for success.
Have restful evenings. Just as your morning routine sets the pace for the rest
of your day, your evening routine could set the tone for what your morning will
be like. Going to bed stressed, not getting enough sleep, or spending too much
time in front of the watching television at night can affect how well-rested you
are in the morning.
Before you start a conversation, put away your cell phone, focus your eyes
on the speaker, and pay attention to what the speaker is saying.
If you get confused about something the speaker says, it is okay to ask a
question. For example, you can say something like, “Can you clarify what
you meant when you said ___?”
Work on your body language . How you hold yourself and the expression of
your face can also have an impact on the amount of information that you retain.
You can demonstrate that you are listening by:
The small business owner needs to know what things frequently affect the workplace
balance. Knowing what to look for will help the small business maintain an expected
level of harmony, thereby increasing production and raising job satisfaction.
Workplace Deviance
When employees wilfully engage in conduct that puts the small business or its
employees at risk, it is called workplace deviance. Pilfering, laziness and hostility are
appropriate examples of workplace deviance. Employees that witness deviance are
likely to be discouraged and less happy at work. Workplace deviance allowed to
continue unchallenged by management is especially disturbing for other employees.
Company Changes
New technologies like new machinery, updated computer systems or new inventory
applications can confuse some workers. However, some small business employees
look at equipment changes as a work upgrade and appreciate the effort. Changes in
staffing, reshuffling of duties and even changes in the coffee served can affect the
workplace environment.
Growth Opportunities
Employees who work together to meet challenges and reach goals have a positive,
uplifting effect on the business. When groups or teams enjoy this kind of camaraderie,
it is often infectious and can influence other work groups in the company. On the flip
side, departments that don't communicate and lack cohesion achieve little and
stimulate no team pride. This type of work dysfunction can affect other departments
and may trigger a discouraging domino effect.
Job satisfaction is a big factor in employee engagement, and the level of discretionary
effort team members are likely to make. No doubt, people’s work performance suffers
when they don’t feel satisfied with their jobs, not to mention their quality of life. Of
course, every person is unique in what they wish to achieve from their work, but there
are some job satisfaction factors that psychologists usually agree on. Job satisfaction
depends on several different factors such as satisfaction with pay, promotion
opportunities, fringe benefits, job security, relationship with co-workers and
supervisors, etc.
Job satisfaction may lead to cost reduction by reducing absences, task errors,
conflicts at work and turnover. As work is an important aspect of people’s lives and
most people spend a large part of their working lives at work, understanding the
factors involved in job satisfaction is crucial to improving employees ‘performance and
productivity. Factors affecting the level of job satisfaction are;
Ecbp (2006), national Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)
strategy (draft for discussion)
This Teaching, Training and Learning Materials (TTLM) was developed on March,
2022 at Naziret, Dembel Hotel.