Emphasize the importance of integrity, responsibility, and a strong work ethic. Impactful mentors can guide their mentees toward becoming not only successful professionals but also individuals of high moral character.
Work ethics encompass a set of moral principles and values that govern behavior in the workplace. Integrity, responsibility, and a strong work ethic are essential qualities for achieving success in any career. There is an abundance of research on the importance of ethics in the professional setting that highlights the role of ethics in building trust and maintaining positive relationships in the professional world. In a study by Osibanjo et.al. (2015), it was clearly observed that ‘work ethics’ is outcome based. When it is strong, it promotes excellent performance on the job but if the opposite is true and the work ethic is weak, poor performance is the result whether in the short or long run. In the study it was also clarified that job performance is not a single unified construct but a multidimensional construct consisting of more than one kind of behavior. Based on the review of existing literature related to work ethics, it was suggested that employee job performance through work ethics is influenced by a number of variables such as integrity, sense of responsibility, discipline, quality and sense of team work. This model determined that work ethics can either be strong or weak bearing the same result on employee’s job performance.
A number of studies confirmed that excellent or good performance of an individual employee is related to strong work ethics (Herman, 2002; Mann, 2010 & Meriac, 2012). Though it doesn’t have to be the case, Lew and Chu (2012) discovered that individuals with strong work ethics tend to work for a longer hours and spend less time on leisure however enjoy higher performance. Herman (2002) acknowledged that efficient and constructive use of time is consistent with strong work ethics. Adding to the mix, procrastination certainly has a role considering delaying or avoiding the execution of a task no doubt contributes to poor performance of job by employee (Van Eerde, 2003).
Mentors serve as models for ethical behavior. To promote work ethics, mentors should actively demonstrate these principles in their own professional lives. By acting with honesty, accountability, and diligence, mentors set an example for their mentees to follow. Mentors should communicate the importance of these principles and explain how they are applied in everyday professional situations. To attain excellent job performance therefore, it is imperative for employees and organizations to promote good practices in the world of work (Osibanjo et.al., 2015).
In some situations, professionals may face ethical dilemmas that conflict with workplace demands. Mentors should help their mentees navigate these challenging situations by teaching them to strike a balance between their professional and ethical values.
A strong work ethic is displayed in the book "Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand (1957). The novel is a philosophical and political work that explores the role of individual achievement and the importance of a strong work ethic in a society. The dystopian story is set in the future after 1957 where the government and political idealism is causing the most productive and innovative individuals to protest. The main character, Dagny Taggart, is a dedicated railroad executive and a consummate workaholic. Then there is John Galt, a symbol of individualism and exceptional talent. The book promotes the idea that a strong work ethic and individual achievement are crucial for the well-being of society. The message is fairly clear from this book and has direct correlation to the classroom. The challenge is for readers to consider the moral and ethical implications of hard work, productivity, and the pursuit of personal goals.
Until next time...
No comments:
Post a Comment