It is believed that adherence to ethics in human actions would ensure smooth functioning of an organisation/system. If so, what does ethics seek to promote in human life? How do ethical values assist in the resolution of conflicts faced by him in his day-to-day functioning? | 2022

Introduction 

Ethics refers to the moral principles that guide human conduct. In organisational and societal contexts, adherence to ethical behaviour facilitates trust, fairness, transparency and accountability. When individuals internalise ethical values, their decisions and actions become predictable, responsible and aligned with broader social welfare. Thus, ethics contributes to the smooth functioning of systems by reducing friction, conflict, corruption, arbitrariness and exploitation.

What does ethics seek to promote in human life?

1. Human Well-being and Flourishing:
• Ethics seeks to enhance overall quality of life by encouraging actions that ensure dignity, respect, compassion and welfare for all.
2. Moral Autonomy:
• Ethics trains individuals to reason independently, distinguish right from wrong, and act based on moral conviction rather than impulse or pressure.
3. Social Harmony:
• By promoting fairness, tolerance and empathy, ethics reduces conflicts and prevents social fragmentation.
4. Justice and Equality:
• Ethical behaviour ensures equitable distribution of resources, opportunities and treatment, thereby strengthening trust in institutions.
5. Integrity of Character:
• Ethics cultivates honesty, truthfulness and consistency between thoughts, words and deeds, building reliable personality.
6. Responsibility and Accountability:
• It encourages individuals to own the consequences of their actions and fulfil their duties sincerely.
7. Humanity and Compassion:
• Ethics promotes understanding and care in interpersonal interactions, reducing cruelty and insensitivity.

How Ethical Values Assist in Resolving Day-to-Day Conflicts

Provides Moral Clarity:

• Values such as honesty, fairness and compassion act as filters to evaluate choices, reducing confusion in dilemmas.

Guides Decision-making:

• Ethics offers principles (e.g., utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics) to judge consequences, duties and intentions, leading to balanced decisions.

Balances Personal and Professional Roles:

• Integrity, probity and non-partisanship help resolve conflicts between self-interest and institutional duty.

Manages Resource and Role Conflicts:

• Justice, impartiality and objectivity ensure equitable treatment when dealing with competing interests.

Reduces Emotional Biases:

• Detachment, self-control, and rationality prevent decisions driven purely by anger, prejudice or favouritism.

Institutional Trust-Building:

• Ethical behaviour enhances credibility, reducing disputes caused by suspicion, misinformation or lack of transparency.

Conflict De-escalation:

• Values like empathy, tolerance, forgiveness and respect aid in negotiation, dialogue and compromise.

Encourages Law-Abiding Behaviour:

• Compliance with rules and fairness prevents illegal shortcuts, corruption and litigation.

Illustrations

• A public official facing pressure to favour a relative can rely on integrity and impartiality to act fairly.
• A workplace conflict between two employees can be handled through empathy, active listening and fairness.
• A consumer dispute can be resolved with honesty, transparency and respect for rights.

Conclusion

Ethics is not merely a theoretical code but a practical compass that promotes human dignity, social order and organisational efficiency. By fostering values that regulate conduct, ethics reduces moral ambiguity, supports responsible decision-making and ensures harmonious coexistence. In day-to-day functioning, ethical values act as stabilisers, helping individuals navigate dilemmas while maintaining personal integrity and public trust.