This document discusses the importance of ethics and professionalism in the workplace. It begins by outlining learning objectives which are to discuss the importance of ethics and professional conduct, assess stakeholders, and discuss experiences related to ethics. It then provides definitions of ethics and professionalism. The document outlines how ethics and professionalism cover all relationships in the workplace including with superiors, colleagues, customers, and the community. It discusses work ethics for both employers and employees. It also addresses attitudes toward ethics, how ethics can be taught, views of business ethics, universal ethical values, unprofessional conducts, questions to consider regarding ethical decisions, and consequences of unethical behavior such as low morale and a toxic workplace. The conclusion emphasizes that ethical

1. The Quintessential Civil Servant:
ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
Modupe Bankole
Managing Consultant
Diadems Global Support Services
08062777131
info@diademglobalsupportservices.com
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2. Learning Objectives
At the end of the session, participants will be able to:
• discuss importance of ethics & professionalism in workplace;
• assess stakeholders of professionalism; and
• deliberate various experiences on ethics and professionalism.
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3. OUTLINE
• Introduction
• General views of Ethics & Professional Conducts
• Effects of Ethics & Professional Conduct in the Workplace
• Conclusion

4. Definition of Ethics & Professionalism
Ethics: concepts of right and wrong; moral principles guiding
behavior
Professionalism: conduct or qualities marking a professional
person
It is not about being better than others but about being the
best version of ourselves that we can be

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Ethics and Professionalism cover all relationships in the workplace.
They cover behaviours exhibited with:
Superiors/Supervisors
Colleagues/coworkers
Customers
The community
Our work

7. Work Ethics
> Work Ethics for the Employer
• Provide a safe work environment for staff
and employees
• Treat employees with dignity and respect
• Provide a fair wage for the services
rendered
• Handle all service delivery/ business
process with integrity and honesty
> Work Ethics for the Employee
• Show up on time
• Tend to work schedule/tasks the whole
time while at work
• Treat the institution’s resources,
equipment and products with care
• Give respect to the institution by
working with honesty and integrity

8. ATTITUDES TOWARD ETHICS
• Amoral
• Business is business and law = ethics
• Ethically unaware (naïve)
• Business exists only to make money
• Immoral
• If you don’t get caught it isn’t wrong
• Unethical for the firm / Unethical against the firm
• The Moral Employee
• Ethically aware
• Proactive
• Code of conduct

9. CAN ETHICS BE TAUGHT/LEARNED?
At a minimum, professionals should:
Be able to recognize an ethical situation
Be able to identify the issues involved
Be able to identify ALL the stakeholders
Reach a reasoned ethical position AND be able to defend it.

10. VIEWS OF BUSINESS ETHICS
• Ethical Relativism
• “When in Rome”
• Fundamentalism
• Self-Righteousness
• Universal-Particularism
• “Who am I to say...”

11. Universal Ethical Values
• Honesty
• Integrity
• Fidelity
• Fairness
• Caring
• Respect
• Punctuality
• Responsibility
• Dependability
• Striving for Excellence
• Accountability
• Public Interest
• Respect for Rights of Citizens
to Public Service
• Dedication to Principles and
Values of public service

12. Unprofessional/Unethical Conducts
• Illegal practices
• Theft
• Ignoring policies/procedures
• Lack of communication
• Withholding information
• Sexual Exploitation, Abuse&
Harassment
• Poor customer service
• Gossip
• Ignoring problems
• Dishonesty
• Poor attendance and tardiness
• Poor Supervision of reports

13. Questions to Keep in Mind
> Is it fair?
> Does it uphold the
values of the MDA?
> Is it procedurally
complaint?
> How would others
regard the details if
made public?
> Am I confident in
my decision?
> Will it be valid for
years?
> Is it legal?
> Will it hurt
anyone?
> Does it positively
represent the
MDA?
> Does it make
anyone
uncomfortable?
> Does it convey
respect for
others?
> Have I involved
others by asking
their viewpoint?

14. Consequences Of Unethical/Unprofessional Behaviours
• Low morale
• Toxic Workplace
• Fewer privileges
• Lower growth and productivity
• Poor Image for the MDA
• Poor Personal branding
• Job loss
• Poor National Development
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15. CONCLUSION
Ethical and Professional conduct are critical for ensuring a
conducive, performing and productive workplace. The impact of
an ethical and professional workplace will be felt by:
• Coworkers
• Customers
• Regulators (and other stakeholders)
• The country
• YOU

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