Organizational Blunders – Role of HR in Promoting Ethical Values

Abstract

Corporate ethics is a hotly debated issue nationally and internationally. In the race to get bigger, and richer, we have left ethical values behind. As Human resource managers, we could help turn the tide by ensuring HR leaders play a pivotal role in promoting corporate ethics, identifying and counteracting the challenges HR will face in enforcing the ethical values. However ‘trouble’ in corporate ethics is just the tip of the iceberg. There are a number of parties with vested political interests ready to claim their share in the business booty. Every now and then we read about corporate scams and crooked politicians trying to cover up for their corporate buddies. These merchants of unethical values reap billions of rupees while the people in general and bright young corporate staff in particular suffer. The objective of the paper is to explore the role of HR in promoting ethical value. Furthermore, the paper also examines how HR ethical values in corporations will reduce government complicity. Our methods, assumptions and conceptual tools will emphasize the fact that HR Professionals can make a difference by enforcing strong ethical values in Corporations. The recommendations suggested by the researcher, if implemented, we hope will make people more aware of ethical values leading to a win-win situation for organizations and the public at large.