Ethics at Work: Doing the Right Thing on the Job

In these times of Enron-style scandal and the latest Martha Stewart fashion accessory (house arrest ankle bracelets), employees need to understand and practice good ethics. Examining common situations and moral dilemmas that aren't simply black-and-white choices, Ethics at Work, aimed at young workers, features a host introducing each topic or idea, which is then expanded through either dramatic vignettes or testimonials from people in a wide variety of managerial positions, from chef to account executive. A realistic exploration of appropriate work behavior, the program emphasizes that the correct question to ask is not “Will I get caught?” but rather “Do I care about doing the right thing?” When one practices good ethics, self-esteem improves, creating a positive attitude that--as all the managerial types here point out--is important for being hired and subsequently promoted. While the video has a more positive spin--there are more “do's” than “don'ts” discussed here--it would have been nice to hear more practical suggestions for dealing with sticky situations, such as interoffice romance, forced overtime, or an unethical boss. Still, this is recommended, overall. Aud: H, C, P. (E. Gieschen)