The Future of Workplace Values, Ethics, and Emotions

Introduction

I choose to discuss values, ethics and emotions of the workplace since I feel these are the core elements to make a workplace run smooth. Without these three things a workplace can become disheveled and confusing. First, I will begin by discussing values in the workplace past, present and future. Secondly, I will discuss ethics and the role it plays in business past, present, and future. Finally, I will discuss how emotions in the workplace affect the outcome of the workplace.

Values in the Workplace

First, let me begin by defining values, “ Values are relatively stable evaluative beliefs that guide a person’s preferences for outcomes or courses of action in a variety of situations.” (McShane, 2010, p. 14) “Values deals with the worth, utility, moral virtue, aesthetics, and may be singular or collective of each. Values are at the core of what a person believes.” (Hoffman, 2006) I believe personal values are learned. This goes back to the continued debate of nature versus nurture. Having grown up in a two parent home, with both parents under the same roof, and a younger sibling. Both of my parents worked and went to school while raising my brother and me. Working from sun up to well past sun set pinching every penny and making sure we saw how hard they worked understanding money does not grow on trees. My parents gave us responsibilities at an early age and made sure we followed through with them. This is where my values come from. Based on the information obtained from my sources I define value as what a person feels is important based on whether the person feels the results are morally right or wrong. I also believe values are learned ideas based on childhood and life time experiences. Therefore, I believe a person’s values can change over time and based on the specific circumstances.

Popular opinions of values have changed and have been influenced by society over time. Some factors affecting the change of values over time include cultural values. “The United States is called the “melting pot” since it became independent from the British in the 1700’s. Many individuals came to America looking for a new beginning, at the same time they brought their cultures and traditions with them. As we become more of a multi-cultural society some of the traditions that were predominant during the early periods of American history are not so clear today…Now, cultural or traditions are not a factor.” (Brown, 2008) When a group of colleagues work closely together we notice that the individuals within the group will often compromise their own values in favor of those in the group. Why is this? Popular belief is the individuals allow the majority to rule to keep from offending others in the group and not stand out from what they believe is the common opinions of the group. “Deep level diversity is the difference