Focus on ethics and the bottom line

Information Outlook, March, 2005 by Debbie Schachter

As a manager in an organization, it is important to model ethical behavior, for the sake of the organization and, especially, for the sake of the staff who report to you. This can be done very simply by behaving well to all staff and colleagues. "Ethics is not only honesty, justice and fairness but also treating people with dignity and respect. Think well of people even if you do not think well of their ideas and efforts." (5) Staff members want to see their organization's executives and managers behaving ethically and succeeding in their endeavors. Ethical behavior increases staff loyalty. For long term prosperity, it makes sense to emphasize these positive qualities in your organization.

It is also important to behave ethically for the sake of your current and future career prospects. As a manager and leader, you must always be perceived as an honest and positive role model. One ethical slip can destroy your reputation in your organization or your profession. Even if your organization does not emphasize ethics or an ethical code of conduct, you can protect your reputation through best practices. Ensure that you are aware of your organization's ethical practices and educate yourself on existing professional codes of conduct for librarians and information professionals.

(1) The Concise Oxford Dictionary, 10th edition, 1999.

(2) SLA Web site (www.sla.org).

(3) Patten, p. 1.

(4) Patten, p. 1.

(5) McCallum, p. 1.

References

Concise Oxford Dictionary, 10th edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999.

McCallum, John S. "Some thoughts from an MBA professor on a successful executive career." Ivey Business Journal 69(1): 1.

Patten, Rose M. "From implicit to explicit: Putting corporate values and personal accountability front and centre." Ivey Business Journal 69(1): 1.

Schramm, Jennifer. "Perception on ethics." HR Magazine 49(11):176.

Verschoor, Curtis C. "CEOs set ethics priorities; ordinary citizens define ethics broadly." Strategic Finance 86(5):17.

Debbie Schachter has a master's degree in library science and a master's degree in business administration. She is the Head of Strategic Planning and Development at the British Columbia Courthouse Library Society, where she is involved in planning and managing organization-wide projects, marketing and communications, Web site management, and branch supervision. Schachter has more than 14 years of experience in management and supervision, technology planning and support, and reference service in special library settings. She can be contacted at dschachter@bccls.bc.ca.