Propose initiatives aimed at improving an organisation’s ethics and values: CIPD Level 7 Strategic People Management Assignment, UK

Question 13
4.1 Propose initiatives aimed at improving an organization’s ethics and values.

Critically evaluate the business case for promoting ethical people practices in your organization, or one that is familiar to you. Illustrate your business case with examples.

Note the difficulties inherent in both defining what is meant by ethical practices (drawing on competing ethical theories) and also the practical constraints within organizations of implementing ethical practices.

Consider, for example, the competing theories of consequentialism (which emphasizes outcomes) with deontological ethics, (which focuses on actions and adherence to moral principles).

How does ethical practice balance competing stakeholder interests? This could include suppliers, contractors, and other organizations as well as internal groups.

Undertake a critical review of the research literature that has attempted to consider the positive outcomes of promoting ethical practice. This includes research that has considered, for example:

• Employee morale and engagement:
• Employee retention and turnover:
• Organizational reputation and trust:
• Financial performance:
• Innovation and creativity:
• Customer loyalty and satisfaction:

Is the research evidence compelling? What are any limitations of the research? What about the ethics of people analytics? A comprehensive understanding of the research literature in this area requires examining studies from various methodological perspectives and considering the overall body of evidence.

Draw on the evidence and take into account your organizational context in evaluating the business case for promoting specific ethical people practices. For example, alignment with your culture and organizational strategy.
How might you measure the success of your recommendations and what barriers might you face?