How do personal attachments influence employees' moral sensitivity in ethically ambiguous situations?
Employees may be faced with challenging choices when dealing with morally uncertain circumstances in their workplaces. While there are many factors that can impact an employee's moral judgement, one factor that is often overlooked is the relationship between employee and employer. Personal attachments to an employer can influence how an employee interprets an ethically ambiguous situation and affect their level of moral sensitivity. In this article, we will explore the various ways in which personal attachments can shape an employee's approach to ethical dilemmas.
The Impact of Personal Attachments
Personal attachment refers to the strong emotional bond that an individual has with another person or group. This bond can be formed through shared experiences, mutual respect, or a sense of loyalty. When it comes to the workplace, personal attachments may develop as a result of positive interactions with coworkers, supervisors, and customers. These relationships can form the foundation for feelings of closeness, trust, and respect, all of which play a role in shaping an employee's perception of right and wrong.
Consider a salesperson who works closely with a particular customer. If the two have developed a close relationship over time, the salesperson may feel a greater responsibility towards the customer than they would if they had never met them before. This could lead to increased moral sensitivity when it comes to making decisions about pricing or recommending products. The salesperson may feel more inclined to act in the best interest of the customer, even if doing so goes against company policy.
Personal attachments can also have negative consequences. An employee who feels indebted to their boss for giving them a chance at success may be less likely to question unethical practices that their employer engages in. This type of moral blindness can create a culture where employees do not speak up about problematic behaviors, leading to long-term damage to the organization.
Another way personal attachments can impact ethical decision-making is by creating a sense of obligation. Employees who feel they owe something to their employer may prioritize keeping them happy over taking a stand on issues they view as morally wrong.
An employee may be reluctant to report a colleague's misconduct because they fear retaliation from management.
Personal attachments can have both positive and negative effects on an employee's moral sensitivity in ethically ambiguous situations. While these relationships can foster a strong sense of loyalty and responsibility, they can also create barriers to speaking out against unethical behavior. As such, companies should be aware of the role personal attachments play in shaping employee behavior and take steps to promote open communication and encourage ethical decision-making.
How do personal attachments influence employees' moral sensitivity in ethically ambiguous situations?
Personal attachments can include relationships with supervisors, co-workers, customers, and other stakeholders. These relationships are based on mutual understanding, trust, and social norms. In ethically ambiguous situations, these personal attachments may affect how an employee perceives the situation and what they consider to be appropriate behavior.