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The Future of Ethics in Human Resource Management

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As many aspects of the world develop, the role of human resources is undergoing a paradigm shift. It is no longer just an administrative function as it has evolved into a strategic, values-driven leader central to organisational survival and success (Poór et al., 2024). Nevertheless, there are some hurdles for its smooth execution, including technological disruption, evolving employee expectations, and societal scrutiny (Sharma et al., 2022). Another important aspect that has come into play is artificial intelligence, colloquially known as AI. Thus, the role of HR needs to ensure the ethical use of AI and data analytics to combat bias and protect privacy (Tambe et al., 2019). This results in the promotion of an empathetic culture through holistic well-being, genuine diversity and inclusion, and psychological safety, and adapting to new work models by guaranteeing fairness for gig and remote employees. Furthermore, HR must excel in a purpose-driven imperative by upholding ESG standards ...

Ethical Challenges in Human Resource Management Practices

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  Dollops of ethical challenges can be seen in Human Resource Management. These are related to various areas, from recruitment to performance to satisfaction to technological advancement (Sposato et al., 2025). It is an important role in HR to balance business objectives with employee rights and legal compliance Valecha (2022). This is impacted by ethical challenges. Therefore, two foundational tensions arise: (i) a "dual loyalty" conflict between serving management's profit goals and advocating for employee fairness, and (ii) the struggle to maintain necessary confidentiality with sufficient transparency. To handle these tensions, having an idea about the key ethical challenges is important. Key Ethical Challenges by HR Practice Area 1. Recruitment & Selection One of the areas with the majority of ethical challenges is the recruitment and selection process. This is affected by various sub-parts, including discrimination from unconscious or conscious bias, as well...

Building and Sustaining an Ethical Organisational Culture

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  Day by day, year by year and century by century, people have evolved and have now reached the epitome of success. Simultaneously, organisational cultures evolved into a better position. As such, nowadays, within organisations, an ethical organisational culture is often promoted. Such a culture tends to have shared values, beliefs, and behaviours that align with principles of honesty, fairness, respect, and responsibility (Rocha, 2025). Moreover, in ethical organisational cultures, illegal acts are avoided; thus, creating an environment where doing the right thing is the default, even when no one is watching. Such a culture is backed by integrity, and it makes sure that the actions of its people match the organisation’s shared values. Moreover, such an organisation promotes trust and transparency where open communication about decisions, successes, and even failures is the norm. Going beyond that, ethical organisational culture provides psychological safety, empowering employees t...

Social Ethics in Human Resource Management

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The principles that shape behaviour and decision-making aspects of a society are considered ‘Social Ethics’ (Devon & Van De Poel, 2004). These sets of principles contribute to the overall well-being of society. The demarcation of right and wrong among actions is expected through social ethics, and they lead to harmonious coexistence. Moreover, equity, diversity and inclusion are promoted via social ethics. As such, they provide a lasting impact on people to create a better society (Walia, 2022). However, the application of social ethics may change from one context to another and from one region to another. This happens as social ethics are influenced by culture, values, legal systems and so on. Nevertheless, they are vital in addressing issues related to social justice and dignity. Role of promoting equity, diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and community welfare in Human Resource Management (HRM) HRM stands as the foundation of an organisation in terms of its social conscie...

Organisational Ethics in Human Resource Management

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  Among the different types of ethics, organisational ethics takes a significant place (Lloyd & Mey, 2010). Generally, the application of moral principles to policies and practices related to employees is considered under this type. Through organisational ethics, the treatment of the workforce with fairness, dignity, and respect beyond mere legal compliance is guaranteed (Martínez et al., 2020). Moreover, organisational ethics can be seen from hiring to termination. It contributes to building a foundation of trust that shapes a positive culture, mitigates risk, and enhances the employer brand. Also, organisational ethics uplifts human resources from just an administrative role to a more strategic role, safeguarding employee wellbeing and corporate integrity. How companies build ethical frameworks, policies, and cultures This cannot be done in a single phase. It requires a few phases, and thus, can be considered a multi-layered process (Kitson & Campbell, 1996). This m...

Professional Ethics in Human Resource Management

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Professional Ethics play an important role in Human Resource Management (HRM). It consists of principles that generally guide the conduct of professionals and practitioners, distinct from their personal morals (Seghedin, 2014). Such professional ethics may vary from one profession to another. Likewise, professions themselves establish frameworks for their professionals to guarantee consistency, accountability and public trust. These ethics pave the way for professionals to act as stewards of the workforce without tarnishing the profession's reputation (Agravat & Macwan, 2024). Furthermore, such ethics provide reliable assistance to make sound decisions to deal with stakeholders, even under pressure. Within the realm of professional ethics, three key terms that are often referred to are conduct, confidentiality and fairness. 1. Conduct and ‘Codes of Conduct’ in HRM The standard behaviour that is expected from a professional in fulfilling duties can be considered as ‘Conduct’ (...