Fairness and consistency

For some, this is a very easy subject… “Fairness and Consistency”.

Let me start with a really cool definition of ethical behaviour – the definition is in two points:
1.  When a person acts in ways that are consistent with what society and individuals, that’s all of us, would typically think of as good values.
2.  Acting in this manner is usually good for everyone involved and is demonstrated when we show respect for what I’d like to call ‘key moral principles’. These principles include fairness, but also honesty, equality, dignity, diversity and individual rights. 

My focus is on “Fairness” and the requirement, idea or concept of also being CONSISTENT.

For a group (or even an individual) to act in an ethical manner, we need to keep the following in mind:

·       
To always act as a positive role model for others, ensure that everyone is valued and treated fairly and with respect;       

Understand and observe the expected standards. If there’s any doubt about the expected standard, to then seek clarity about them.

·       
To monitor your own behaviour and to consider how it might affect others and more over, refrain from acting or from inciting other members of the group to act in ways which could cause offence or harm

We should each take positive action to firstly avoid misunderstanding, but if needed to, to resolve misunderstanding and voice concerns if we witness inappropriate behaviour.

Every member of the group should actively and positively engage with everyone in the group, the different teams we are members of and yes, that also applies to management.

As much as each of us, individually, should strive to act according to these rules of ethical behaviour, so does each individual team within an organization, we all have that responsibility to fulfill these duties, but… hang on..  to also share responsibility for ensuring that every team member is:

·        Valued

·        Supported

·        Included

·        …and listened to

Finally… managers and supervisors have even more responsibilities. Including to do what I already said, you also have a duty to make sure that we maintain a positive and safe work environment, one that is free from inappropriate behaviour. Just to help all of us understand, that would mean that  managers and supervisors  should take extra care to show consistency in the following seven steps:

No 1. Ensure that every staff member is informed about expected standards.
 
No 2. To be consistent and fair to everyone.

No 3. Encourage positive behaviour and involve staff in creating a culture of fairness at work.

No 4. Take concerns of staff members seriously and involve all relevant parties in developing solutions to problems and disputes.

No 5. Intervene promptly to address unacceptable behaviour.

No 6. Take complaints seriously, treat them confidentially and consistently follow the correct procedure.

No 7. Consider the impact the behaviour of a staff member on others, so as to be fair to everyone… consistently... This means, we all have a role to play in being fair and furthermore, being consistent in doing so….