23-05-2014, 12:58 PM
Ethics in Human Resource Management
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Introduction
This learning module is designed to be presented in four class sessions of
approximately 50-90 minutes each. The material is appropriate for undergraduate or
graduate students studying human resource or business management. Five integrated
cases allow students to practice resolving HR problems using the ethical principles
introduced in the module. The first two sessions provide instructional material on
ethical theories and moral development. Session 3 is for presentation and discussion
of the cases, and the last class session addresses the HR professional’s responsibility
for the organization’s culture of ethics. The module includes an instructor’s manual
with cases and teaching notes and a PowerPoint presentation for classroom use.
Using the Cases
The cases present HR dilemmas that frequently occur between staff and first-level
managers. They are intended to provide students opportunities to practice resolving
real HR challenges and to apply the principles identified with various ethical theories
presented in this module. It is recommended that students analyze each case from
the perspective of several different ethical theories. In this way, students will realize
that there is often no “one best” resolution to management problems. By using a
variety of approaches, students can generate multiple resolutions that may result in
different outcomes, yet still reflect valid, ethical reasoning. Accompanying the cases
is a worksheet, “Assessing Alternatives Ethically” (pages 18-19). The worksheet
includes questions that help students think through the case issues using the ethical
theories presented in this module. The instructor may find the questions useful to
stimulate ideas and classroom discussion.
Group Activity by Case
Team Presentations
Divide students into teams and assign one case per team. Teams of four or five
students generally work best, but the size of your teams will vary depending on class
size. Ask students to resolve the issues presented in their assigned cases, applying the
various ethical perspectives discussed in class. Teams will present their recommended
solutions to the class. Teams should be prepared to defend their recommendations
ethically. Assign the teams and the cases during the first class and schedule the team
presentations for the third class. Students should read all the cases before the third
class so they can ask informed questions.
Group Activity
This activity can be completed in one class session and is a less formal alternative
to the team presentation. Ask students to read all the cases before the third class.
For the class activity, divide students into groups and assign each group one
case. Ask the group to generate solutions for the issues in their case and report
their recommendations back to the class. Ask them to identify their primary
recommended solution and defend it according to ethical theories.