Courage, compromise or capitulation: human resource practitioners under ethical duress Online publication date: Tue, 18-Jul-2006
by Arthur H. Shacklock
International Journal of Human Resources Development and Management (IJHRDM), Vol. 6, No. 2/3/4, 2006
Abstract: The Australian public sector has undergone significant changes involving managerialism, privatisation, devolution and downsizing, as well suffering scandals in some jurisdictions. This presents ethical challenges for Human Resource Management Practitioners (HRPs), especially where their own professional values and organisational expediency requirements come into conflict. This has added to the complexity of HRP work and can often result in opposing pressures to comply with unethical directions or expectations. This research in three Australian public sector jurisdictions, investigated senior HRP ethical decision-making and the choices they are likely to make when confronting specific ethical dilemmas. The research confirmed the increasing frequency and complexity of morally hazardous situations in HRP work in this sector. It also confirmed that HRPs are under pressure to comply with unethical directions or expectations and that they make compromise choices, rather than ideal choices, when confronted with such situations.
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