The campus session revolved mainly around Ethics and was a very interesting look at all aspects of this broad topic.
We started with a simple analysis of the word ethics and came up with the following words and ideas
*Code of conduct
*Morally right
*Right and wrong
*Rules
*Core values
*Good and bad
*Consider society
*Fair and just
*Protection
*Virtues
We discovered that the word Ethics comes from a greek word “Ethos” meaning character or fundamental values of a person, people, culture or movement.
Most companies and societies have an ethos and it is a way of stating how that organisation does things, many companies have the same out come yet a different approach. I will certainly be looking into developing my own company’s ethos and comparing similar businesses. But primarily developing an inclusive ethos which all my staff will actively believe in.
We started to look more deeply into the words we associated with ethics and were asked to develop a list of our personal values / virtues and a second list of our professional values / virtues.
| Personal values / virtues | Professional values / virtues |
| Consideration for others | Reliable |
| Commitment | Approachability |
| Kindness | Professional |
| Loyalty | Trust worthy |
| Trust worthy | Considerate |
| Helpful | Confident |
| Honesty | Commitment |
It was interesting to discover that the 2 lists did in fact differ. The class decided that our professional list used stronger, harder and more determined words that gave a sense of the need to achieve. Virtues such as honesty and kindness were not as important in business. I feel that because virtue is personal, within your profession you would not completely over ride the need to be kind, loyal and helpful but they would take a back seat when working to gain a contract, business connection or employment over another company or person.
What makes a professional good and virtuous?
What do you do if your personal ethics conflict with an employers / organistaions ethics?
We discussed further ethical dilemma's and working within or against your own personal ethics.
The group discussed various theories about ethics, which can be found in more detail in the course reader.
- Consequentialism- Depending on consequences. Outcome justifies the means. Maximize the good.
- Deontology- Rational, no lying, moral obligation and no grey area.
- Virtue ethics- Character of a person is essentially honest influences the action they carry out.
And the different types of ethics that apply to various professional practices.
- Legal ethics- Legislative. (Some laws are ethically / morally correct yet others are just to sustain)
- Comparative ethics- Subject to change over time and geographical proximity. (Examples are gay laws and acceptance or the death sentence in different countries)
Finally we carried out task 5a
Task 5a - A CODE OF PRACTICE FOR PERFORMING ARTS MANAGEMENT
- To always adhere to laws, legislation's and policies - To include CRB checks, insurances, data protection, risk assessments, health and safety
- To ensure equality for all employees - To include religion, culture, disability – equal opportunities
- To provide and sustain work opportunities for employees and the company
- To manage a professional business
- To create and provide a safe environment to work and learn in
- To maintain interpersonal skills and approachability
- To be committed and responsible for the development of the company -To include contracts, marketing, funding, advertisement, networking
- Provide clear, realistic guidelines on conduct and responsibility to each representative on each event
- Trustworthy management of money - To include wages, invoices, bill payment, bank accounts
- Stay true to the companies ethos
